Honoring Emergency Responders and Hospital Staff who Work in Rural Areas

The New Mexico Department of Health is recognizing rural hospitals and emergency responders on National Rural Health Day, which is Nov. 19, for their work to keep New Mexicans healthy and safe. About 30 percent of New Mexico’s population lives in a rural area.

“Rural hospitals and emergency medical responders in rural areas provide services for about a third of New Mexico’s population. They provide services rain or shine, often times in life threatening situations,” said Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. “We want to acknowledge that we value their dedication to serving their communities.”

National Rural Health Day is celebrated the third Thursday in November every year. To recognize National Rural Health Day, the Department of Health hosted a day-long event on Nov. 13 in Albuquerque to acknowledge rural health staff and rural health emergency responders for their tireless work. The Department issued certificates to almost 600 people in 16 counties.

New Mexico has 29 rural hospitals, many of which are involved in projects to improve the quality of life in their communities.

The Department’s Office of Rural Health mission is to foster relationships, disseminate information and provide technical assistance that improves access to, and the quality of health care for its rural citizens.

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Versión en Español

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Honrando a los Servicios de Emergencia y el Personal del Hospital que Trabajan en Zonas Rurales