HMS Letter to the Editor

Category: Letters to Editor Letters to Editor
Published: 14 September 2023 14 September 2023

Capital Outlay Funding for Senior Services in Grant County

At the Grant County Commissioners meeting held on August 30, 2023, there was a lengthy discussion regarding the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plans (ICIP) submitted to the County for approval by Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS). County officials had requested that a representative from HMS be present at the meeting to discuss these items, which were tabled at a previous commission meeting. Unfortunately, this request for attendance received by email was missed, and representation was not fulfilled. Dr. Dan Otero, HMS CEO, personally apologized for the oversight directly in writing to each County commissioner, the County Manager, and the Planning and Community Development Director. HMS extends its gratitude to the County Commission and County officials for moving forward on their approvals with the limited data and clarification needed.

HMS assumed oversight of the Grant County Senior Centers in 2017 at the request of the County and with the full partnership between the County, the Town of Silver City, and other area agencies. HMS leases the facilities from Grant County and the Town of Silver City. The annual ICIP applications and approved project completion require a collaborative approach between the local agencies and HMS to ensure these funds are utilized for their intended purposes. Since 2017, a total of approximately $1,339,858 has been utilized on 20 different ICIP enhancements (facility upgrades, capital equipment, new vehicles, etc.) for both Grant and Hidalgo Counties. HMS contracts directly with the New Mexico Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to provide congregate meals, home-delivered meals, and transportation to county residents. HMS holds this state contractual partnership in both Grant and Hidalgo Counties and provides services to approximately 400 seniors in the two-county area. In addition to managing the six centers with a federal and state operating budget of over $580,000 a year, HMS has contributed $358,711 since 2017 with in-kind contributions in support of effective services.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Leadership Team, HMS is proud to serve our seniors through our state and local partnerships. We encourage our seniors and community members to call Steven Chavira, HMS Senior Services Director, or Dr. Dan Otero, HMS CEO, at 575-800-1HMS (1467) for questions or concerns.

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