Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department Chief Administrator Edgar Gomez presents Melody Richins of Hidalgo Medical Services with an Appreciation Certificate from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department signed by the Sheriff Warren Walter. (Courtesy Photo)

Silver City, NM (April 15, 2016) - After serving Hidalgo County residents for 20 years, Melody Richins retired from Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) after providing 12 years of service with the organization. Most recently, Melody served as Program Coordinator for the New Mexico Graduation Reality and Dual- Role Skills (GRADS) programs on behalf of HMS' Family Support Services Department.

Melody has been directly responsible for the oversight and success of the GRADS parenting programs that help to strengthen families. HMS's GRADS program exists in four different high schools in the region: Lordsburg High School, Opportunity Vocational High School, Silver High School, and Cobre Consolidated High School. The GRADS program provides school districts and teen families with numerous resources and supports for achieving graduation and economic independence, and reducing risk-taking behaviors.

Edith Lee, HMS Community and Organizational Development Director, stated, GǣMelody has played a vital role in the success of the GRADS programs. More importantly, Melody and her team have positively impacted the lives of countless teens and families in these communities that HMS serves.Gǥ GǣMelody's plan after retirement is to take a trip to China this summer with her family! We are all looking forward to pictures,Gǥ stated Lee.

About Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS)
Hidalgo Medical Services provides comprehensive primary care, mental health, dental, and family support services at 13 clinical sites in Hidalgo and Grant counties. Please visit www.hmsnm.org to learn more.

About the New Mexico Public Education Department GRADS Programs
This state-wide system began as an in-school program for teenage parents and has since added on-site Child Care Centers, Career Readiness, Youth Leadership, and Fatherhood Programs. For more information, please visit www.nmgrads.org.