The New Mexico Legislative Health and Human Services Committee convened on July 21, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in social work education and community support initiatives. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary as the first accredited school of social work in the state.

Dean Anna Nelson opened the session by emphasizing the school's commitment to serving diverse populations, particularly Hispanic, Latino, and Native American communities. The school currently enrolls over 520 students and boasts the highest first-time pass rate for the ASWB master's licensure examination among New Mexico's social work programs. This achievement underscores the institution's dedication to preparing students for impactful careers in social work.

Valerie Valles Pedrosa, interim director of the Center for Excellence in Social Work, presented the center's mission to enhance the state's social work workforce through high-quality research and professional development. The center has engaged over 1,270 community members and distributed nearly 3,000 continuing education credits in the past year. Notably, the center has also developed a licensure prep course aimed at improving equity in licensure pass rates, which has already attracted 259 participants.

The meeting also featured discussions on the Native American Social Work Studies Institute, which aims to address gaps in social work education related to tribal sovereignty and indigenous knowledge. This initiative has already made strides in developing culturally relevant training programs and establishing practicum sites serving tribal communities.

In addition to these educational advancements, the committee explored the importance of community engagement through initiatives like the Sweet Briistas program, which supports the enrollment and retention of students from underserved communities. The program has reached over 1,100 prospective students through culturally relevant outreach efforts.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration between educational institutions and community organizations, emphasizing the critical role of social work in addressing the diverse needs of New Mexico's residents. The discussions set a positive tone for future initiatives aimed at strengthening the social work profession and enhancing community well-being across the state.