SANTA FE - The New Mexico State Senate Rules Committee voted 38-1 on Friday to confirm Dr. Tracie Collins as Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). 

“I’m incredibly grateful for the work Dr. Collins has done in leading the department during this turbulent and critical time, particularly with regard to her efforts in organizing and launching the largest mass vaccination project in New Mexico history,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “I’m equally grateful to the state Senate for their expeditious and respectful confirmation of her appointment. Under her leadership, the Department of Health will continue to work around the clock in managing this pandemic and getting tests and vaccinations and essential health resources to New Mexicans all across the state.”

Under Collins’ leadership:

• New Mexico has the second-highest COVID-19 vaccination rate among U.S. states. 
• Ninety-nine percent of COVID-19 vaccines received from the federal government have been administered. Eight percent of New Mexicans have now been fully vaccinated, also one of the highest rates in the nation.
• NMDOH is continuing to distribute and administer vaccine equitably, with a focus on vulnerable communities.

“Our work to get the people of New Mexico vaccinated against COVID-19 is making a difference,” said Collins. “With the federal government providing more and more vaccine supply as it becomes available, we will be able to vaccinate higher-risk groups faster - and we won’t stop until everyone wishing to be vaccinated gets vaccinated.” 

Collins joined NMDOH late last year from the University of New Mexico, where she served as Dean of the College of Population Health. She has also authored or co-authored nearly 80 published articles featured in peer-reviewed medical journals. She maintains a clinical practice as a vascular specialist in Albuquerque.