Mimbres Valley Health Action League (MVHAL) members welcomed HMS's family nurse practitioner, Marisa Shapiro, and her team of health care providers this past Tuesday, April 11, as they reopened the the Mimbres Valley Clinic that had been closed since the end of 2022.

Marisa, Esmia Ortiz and Serena Milligan, both medical assistants, and Janet Briones, receptionist, comprise the seasoned and enthusiastic HMS team of health care providers who reopened the clinic. Each expressed their enthusiasm about HMS bringing health care back to the Valley, even if it's for one day per week while they await the opening of the new clinic site later this year or early 2024.

It was Esmia's and Janet's first time working at the clinic, but both Marisa and Serena have served Valley residents at the clinic before. Marissa reported assisting our previous care provider, Lloyd Merino, on a few occasions, while Serena was a member of Merino's team for approximately six months. Most of the week, Marisa and her team deliver primary care to patients at HMS's Community Health Center in Silver City.

"I don't know how the rest of the day went, but before and after my own appointment, I was able to chat with a few of the grateful patients taking advantage of the clinic reopening," a Mimbres resident said.  

David Tyra, a Mimbres resident who was the first patient to take advantage of the reopening, said he was pleased that he didn't have to travel far to be seen. Another patient, who didn't want his name published, came from Silver City to take advantage of Marisa's special care delivery.

"I can attest to that special care myself, and I hope that other Valley residents will take advantage of Marisa's knowledge and gentle manner," the reporting resident said. "Obviously, we are anticipating the opening of the new clinic site on the grounds of La Tienda del Sol on Hwy 35 and the full-service schedule that should accompany that opening, but for now, we are grateful that HMS and CEO Dan Otero have been responsive to the Valley community's needs."

The MVHAL team will continue to work with HMS to establish and sustain health care in the Mimbres Valley and hopes everyone will join them in that effort. Community members can contribute to the cause by spreading the word of the clinic's reopening and by letting the team know of any potential residential rental properties that a potential service provider might find desirable.

Mimbres residents are invited to ask MVHAL team members questions and provide any information at info@mvhal.org or visit the "Contact Us" link on the group's website: https://mvhal.org/#Contact.