Vequita Healthcare Center on the Horizon

Santa Fe – Together with Socorro County officials and Socorro County Board of Commissioners, Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) broke ground July 10 on a new healthcare center in the northern Socorro enclave of Vequita, NM. A shovel ceremony was hosted at the site with refreshments enjoyed next door at Vequita Senior Center. In attendance were Genevieve Robran, Director of PMS Western Region Administration, and Paul Silva, Administrator of Socorro Health Center. Also participating were children affiliated with Boy’s Ranch New Mexico. Martha Salas, Socorro County Commissioner, officiated.

“PMS and Socorro County have been working together throughout the planning stages of this health center for more than 15 years,” Ms. Robran explained. “We are looking forward to the completion of Vequita Health Center in 2018 and hope to be operational early 2019. Vequita is considered a ‘high need’ area.”

Plans for the new 1,499 square foot health center, located at 1 Salomon Griego Drive, include exam rooms, nurses station, medications room, reception/wait room, lavatory and supply areas. Operations and provider services are to be managed under licensure by Presbyterian Medical Services. Funds for construction are derived from a CDBG Grant of $500,000.00 and County funds of $205,000.00. Architects of the project is Lee Gamelsky.

PMS currently operates nearby Socorro Community Health Center, Socorro High School Teen Health Center, Socorro Mental Health, and Magdalena Area Health Center.

Presbyterian Medical Services is a not-for-profit organization that has been designing and delivering quality accessible integrated health, education, and human services in response to identified community needs since 1969. The organization largely serves rural and multi-cultural populations. To learn more about PMS, health center services and locations, interested persons can visit pmsnm.org.