ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico announced it awarded over $866K in Blue Impact℠ grants to 18 nonprofits statewide. The grants help to address social determinants of health and enhance the well-being of New Mexico communities.
The nonprofits will focus on areas, including economic opportunity and stability, nutrition, neighborhood and built environment, locally defined health solutions and optimal health outcomes.
“New Mexicans benefit when communities have access to the resources and support that help them thrive,” said BCBSNM President Janice Torrez. “By collaborating with these outstanding organizations, we are investing in programs that drive lasting change and open doors to a brighter, healthier future for all.”
Through a competitive application process, the Blue Impact grant program evaluated applications from 501(c)(3) organizations based on impact, feasibility, capacity, collaboration and sustainability. The grants were awarded for active programs from July 1 through June 30, 2027.
The 2026-27 Blue Impact grants include funding for:
- Meals on Wheels New Mexico delivers medically tailored meals and performs wellness checks on homebound, food-insecure people who are older or diagnosed with chronic conditions to improve nutrition and reduce preventable health risks statewide.
- American Cancer Society’s Get Screened program expands access to lifesaving cancer screenings and education across New Mexico, advancing health equity and improving early detection and outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.
- American Cancer Society’s Access to Care work removes barriers to timely, high-quality cancer care through a helpline and transportation and lodging support, ensuring patients receive treatment.
- American Heart Association will implement a community-driven initiative to support Native maternal health by strengthening tribal clinic capacity, providing new mom kits and embedding early cardiovascular risk and mental health screening into care for pregnant and postpartum Native women.
- Best Buddies International in New Mexico secures employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on jobs that match interests and talents and empowering participants toward independence and stability.
- Brighter Bites increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables and provides nutrition education to children and families in under-resourced schools in Las Cruces, making healthy eating accessible, sustainable and fun.
- Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation offers year-round, inclusive recreation and enrichment for children with physical disabilities, fostering connection, emotional well-being and equitable access for medically fragile and rural families.
- Future Innovators Academy will implement the Healthy Communities initiative in Lea County, delivering preventive health education, nutrition support and care navigation in underserved communities to improve cardiovascular, diabetes and behavioral health outcomes.
- La Plaza de Encuentro addresses the shortage of affordable, qualified caregiving for aging adults in Albuquerque by connecting them with Spanish-speaking home health aides and providing wraparound support for caregivers and families.
- New Mexico Foundation for Dental Health Research and Education increases oral health literacy and dental care access through education, outreach and free treatment programs statewide.
- New Mexico Pharmaceutical Care Foundation brings biometric and health screenings to underserved communities through partnerships with pharmacies, providing education and connecting participants to care.
- New Mexico Reentry Center delivers reentry and recovery support to justice-involved individuals, connecting them with housing, employment and health resources to support long-term stability and recovery.
- Pegasus Legal Services for Children provides free, bilingual civil legal services and advocacy for children, youth and caregivers facing poverty and adverse social conditions, ensuring access to safety, stability, education and health care statewide.
- Rebuilding Together Sandoval County makes home repairs and modifications for low-income homeowners, reducing risk of falls and improving health, safety and independence for people who are older or have disabilities.
- Saranam supports families experiencing homelessness with transitional housing, education and life skills development, guiding them toward long-term self-sufficiency and expanding services with a new Albuquerque campus.
- Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach delivers diabetes screenings and connects rural residents to chronic disease management and prevention through referral systems and community-centered infrastructure.
- Storehouse West increases food security for Sandoval County families by building a self-managed food procurement and distribution operation that ensures access to nutrition staples for families and unhoused residents.
- United Way of North Central New Mexico drives impact through Rising Together, a regional initiative to improve school attendance, graduation rates, housing stability and community well-being.
- United Way of Northern New Mexico strengthens economic opportunity and youth leadership through the Collective Impact Program, connecting youth, families and communities to education, career readiness and family stability paths in Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties.
BCBSNM remains committed to collaborating with organizations that create healthier, more resilient New Mexico communities.
Visit BCBSNM's newsroom and 2025 Impact Report for information about its initiatives and support for health care access in New Mexico.
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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.