Democratic U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury, and Gabe Vasquez announced the receipt of $1.05 million in funding from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for extended screenings and follow-up services at two community health centers catering to children aged 0-5 and to expand the nurse workforce in medical practices throughout the state, an Aug. 28 press release from Heinrich's office said.

"Every person deserves access to quality, affordable health care in their community,” Heinrich said in the release. “This funding will be instrumental in giving local community health centers the tools they need to keep our kids healthy while investing in New Mexico’s nursing workforce to better meet the health care needs of all New Mexicans.”

The funding for improving developmental outcomes in children aged 0-5, focusing on elevated screenings and follow-up services, totals $400,000, with half of that going to Ben Archer Health Center in Hatch and the other half to Presbyterian Medical Services in Santa Fe. The University of New Mexico Health Sciences has been awarded $650,000 through HRSA's Advanced Nursing Education Workforce, the release said.

“Access to quality health care allows every New Mexican child and family the opportunity to thrive,” Luján said. “That’s why I’m proud to welcome these grants, bolstering the nurse workforce and growing community health centers’ capacity to provide early-age health care. This investment provides a lifeline for communities, fosters wellness, and creates a healthier New Mexico for tomorrow and beyond.”

“Everyone deserves affordable, quality health care, no matter where they live,” Leger Fernández said in the news release. “These funds will help provide resources for our communities, who often lack access to care. I’m grateful these funds invest in our nurse workforce and will also help provide screenings and services to keep our children healthy.”