New Mexico DOH News

State Public Health Nurse Honored With Nursing Excellence Award for HIV-PrEP Work

The New Mexico Department of Health announced that Gina Fullbright, a registered nurse practitioner with the Public Health Division's Southwest Region, received a Nursing Excellence Award from the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence on April 11, 2026. Fullbright was recognized for her work expanding access to HIV-PrEP preventative treatment in southern New Mexico. Four other NMDOH nurses were also nominated for the award.

Syphilis Rates Drop 18.6%, Congenital Syphilis Down 32.4% in New Mexico

The New Mexico Department of Health announced declines in sexually transmitted infection rates for 2025 compared to 2024. Syphilis rates dropped 18.6%, congenital syphilis fell 32.4%, chlamydia dropped 5.1%, and gonorrhea dropped 6.1%. NMDOH attributes the declines to expanded community outreach, increased testing and treatment, promotion of Doxy PEP post-exposure prevention medication, and partnerships with community, medical, and Tribal organizations.

New Mexico Reports Rising Childhood Obesity Rates in 2025

The New Mexico Department of Health released a 2025 report showing increased obesity rates among elementary school students. Kindergarten obesity rose from 17.3% to 18.6%, while third grade obesity increased from 24.1% to 26.7%. The report is based on BMI measurements from nearly 4,600 students at 49 schools across 15 counties.

Alcohol deaths in New Mexico fell 23 percent since 2021

The New Mexico Department of Health announced that alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico dropped 23 percent between 2021 and 2024, coinciding with Alcohol Awareness Month in April. The announcement highlights the health risks of alcohol consumption, including links to seven types of cancer, and promotes free screening resources available to residents.

Free Health Services During National Public Health Week

The New Mexico Department of Health announced during National Public Health Week (April 6-12) that residents can access free vaccinations, reproductive health services, opioid use disorder treatment, nutrition support, and children's medical services at public health offices statewide. Services include children's medical case management, family planning, medication for opioid use disorder through the NMPathways Program, STI testing, vaccinations, and WIC nutrition assistance.

Gun Safety Awareness Campaign Launched

New Mexico Department of Health launched a statewide multi-media awareness campaign on free gun locks and the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order law. Since September 2023, NMDOH has distributed over 88,746 free gun locks. The campaign was developed in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

Salmonella Warning for Easter Poultry Purchases

The New Mexico Department of Health issued a public health warning on March 30, 2026, advising against gifting chicks and ducklings for Easter due to Salmonella infection risks. The warning highlights that children under 5 face the highest risk of serious infection, as poultry can shed Salmonella bacteria even when appearing healthy. NMDOH reports 100-130 annual Salmonella cases in New Mexico, while CDC estimates 1.35 million US infections yearly.

New Mexico Measles Cases Rise to 15 Linked to Detention Centers

The New Mexico Department of Health reported that the state's measles case count has risen to 15, with all cases linked to federal detainees in three county detention centers. The department has deployed vaccination crews to these facilities to mitigate further spread.

New Mexico Measles Cases Rise to 13

The New Mexico Department of Health has reported that measles cases have increased to 13, with all cases linked to three county detention centers. Vaccination crews have been deployed to these facilities to prevent further spread. The state is also encouraging residents to check their vaccination records due to ongoing measles activity.

New Mexico Health Officials Warn of Heat Illness

New Mexico health officials have issued a warning about heat illness due to rising temperatures expected to exceed 90 degrees. The notice highlights vulnerable populations and provides preventative measures. Last summer, there were 834 heat-related emergency department visits in the state.

First 2026 rabies case in New Mexico bobcat

First 2026 rabies case in New Mexico bobcat