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Health Equity at a Crossroads: What HR1 Means to New Mexico
The New Mexico Public Health Association (NMPHA), in collaboration with the New Mexico Rural Health Association (NMRHA) and community partners, is hosting a virtual seminar on Friday, March 13, 2026, titled Health Equity at a Crossroads: What HR1 Means for New Mexico. This seminar was conceptualized by NMRHA in alignment with its mission to advocate, educate, and uplift the voices of rural and frontier communities. NMPHA is proud to partner on this effort and to provide the virtual platform for convening stakeholders from across the state.
Purpose of the ConveningThis virtual seminar will bring together subject matter experts in:
The goal is to develop a shared understanding of the projected impacts of H.R.1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) on New Mexico’s health systems, workforce, and communities. Many NMPHA and NMRHA members have raised important questions about how H.R. 1 may affect local infrastructure and services. For example, stakeholders have asked about potential impacts to:
This convening is designed to provide clarity, foster informed dialogue, and ensure that our state’s public health and rural health leaders are working from a shared understanding of the policy landscape. |  From Dialogue to ActionBeyond discussion, Health Equity at a Crossroads aims to translate insight into actionable strategies. The perspectives and expertise gathered during the seminar will help inform collaborative approaches to mitigate potential impacts, particularly for rural and frontier communities that may experience disproportionate effects. This work aligns with NMPHA’s broader Policy & Advocacy priorities to advance health equity, strengthen public health systems, and ensure that policy decisions reflect on-the-ground realities across New Mexico. |
Ongoing Updates & Resources
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Leading Advocacy Organizations
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Paid Family Medical Leave Act: The Southwest Women’s Law Center is the lead advocate for this initiative; please read more about the PFML Act here.
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Medicaid Forward Act - NM Together 4 Healthcare is the lead advocate for this initiative; please see this Op-Ed in the Santa Fe New Mexican regarding Medicaid Forward.
- HB 49: County and Tribal Health Council Funding - NM Alliance of Health Councils, which is the lead organization on this initiative.
Advocacy Resources & Tools |
Navigating nmlegis.gov - Find Bills, Legislators' Contact Information, Live Webinars and Recordings, and More! Watch an in-depth and helpful tutorial from one of NMPHA's very own Policy Interns, Hannah Obrey. Watch video here.
NM Voices for Children - A Guide to Legislative Advocacy in New Mexico View this thorough and comprehensive booklet for all of the ins and outs of legislative advocacy in New Mexico! NM Voices for Children - A Guide to New Mexico's State Budget State budgets can be complicated and daunting, but they are crucial to creating safe, healthy, and thriving communities. Learn more here!
| Using MyRoundhouse to Stay Up-To-Date on Legislation Watch this video tutorial to learn how to set up your FREE account to track legislation during the session. This is an easy and quick way to stay in the loop and be notified of a bill or memorial's movements. |