ALBUQUERQUE — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico recently announced that it awarded $866,000 in Blue ImpactSM grants to 15 nonprofits across the state. These grants help to address critical social determinants of health, enhancing the well-being of New Mexico communities.
The nonprofit organizations receiving funding will focus on key areas that include economic opportunity and stability, nutrition, neighborhood and built environment, locally defined health solutions and promoting optimal health outcomes.
"At BCBSNM, we believe that health goes beyond just medical care; it encompasses the social, economic and environmental factors that influence our communities," said Janice Torrez, president of BCBSNM. "Through the Blue Impact grants, we are committed to supporting initiatives that empower local organizations and make a meaningful difference in the lives of New Mexicans."
Through a competitive grant application process, the Blue Impact grant program evaluates applications from 501(c)(3) organizations based on impact, feasibility, capacity, collaboration and sustainability. The grants were awarded for programs taking place from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
The 2025-2026 Blue Impact grants include funding for the following programs:
Economic Opportunity and Stability
- New Mexico Reentry Center – Providing training and support to individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues by addressing housing, employment and health care access challenges.
- United Way of North Central New Mexico – Advancing family stability and increasing educational opportunities for children and teens through partnerships with business, government, nonprofits and the community.
Nutrition
- Fraction Farms - Growing thousands of pounds of fresh, organic produce in three distinct cycles to donate 25,000 pounds of fresh produce for those in need.
- New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers – Creating an accessible, landscaped, healing garden space that provides therapeutic activities and nutritional support for veterans and their families.
- Storehouse West – Providing food, hygiene supplies and clothing to families living in Sandoval County.
- YES Housing, Inc. - Providing mindfully designed and built affordable housing options, wraparound support services, access to nutritious food and health programs and community-building opportunities for over 2,000 YES Housing residents.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
- Rebuilding Together Sandoval County - Providing free home safety repairs and medical modifications to improve the health and well-being of low-income veterans, seniors and families.
Locally Defined Health Solutions
- Albuquerque SANE Collaborative – Serving victims of sexual assault through medical treatment and forensic evaluation.
- American Cancer Society - Increasing access to care by providing transportation and lodging to patients undergoing cancer-related medical treatment.
- Fall Prevention Foundation, Inc. – Improving safety and quality of life by offering customized services to reduce the risk of falls, particularly among seniors and individuals with mobility challenges.
- Pegasus Legal Services for Children – Offering free, bilingual civil legal services to New Mexico’s children, youth and their caregivers.
- United Way of Northern New Mexico – Fostering collaboration among nonprofits to enhance the quality and reach of direct services and empowering youth through the Young Leaders program to build confidence and pursue meaningful careers.
Optimal Health Outcomes
- Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless – Bridging critical gaps in medication assisted treatment for substance use disorders and improving behavioral health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
- American Cancer Society - Educating New Mexicans on the importance of cancer related screenings through comprehensive state and regional awareness messaging and educational materials.
- New Mexico Pharmaceutical Care Foundation – Providing pharmacist-performed biometric screenings and wellness screenings and services to enhance access to preventive health care and improve health outcomes and gaps in care across New Mexico.
- Pecos Valley Public Services – Providing telemedicine services in emergency response vehicles to rural populations in Southern New Mexico.
BCBSNM is dedicated to strengthening the fabric of New Mexico communities through initiatives that tackle the root causes of health disparities. The Blue Impact grants exemplify this commitment and foster collaboration with organizations that share the vision of a healthier future
For more information about BCBSNM’s initiatives and support for health care access in New Mexico, please visit BCBSNM's newsroom and BCBSNM’s 2024 Impact Report.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.