The urgent need for improved staffing ratios in New Mexico's healthcare facilities took center stage during the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee meeting on July 23, 2025. Yolanda Ulmer, CEO of District 11 99, passionately addressed the committee, highlighting the critical situation at Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Ulmer emphasized that the community is facing significant challenges due to staffing shortages, which have led to patients being diverted to other facilities. "We are tired of everybody being diverted out because of there's no staff," she stated, underscoring the necessity for immediate action to keep Alta Vista operational. The hospital, along with others represented by District 11 99, is struggling to meet the healthcare needs of low-income residents, and Ulmer called for increased funding and support to address these issues.

The meeting also featured public comments, including written testimony from pharmacist clinician Davina Norris, who expressed concern over rising healthcare costs and advocated for strategic solutions. Norris praised a recent report by Dorothy Moller, which analyzed key cost drivers in healthcare, and supported the formation of a committee to develop a strategic roadmap for addressing these challenges.

As the committee adjourned, the discussions underscored a pressing need for collaboration between healthcare providers and legislative bodies to ensure that New Mexico's hospitals can continue to serve their communities effectively. The next meeting is scheduled for next month in Gallup, where further discussions on these critical issues are anticipated.