In New Mexico, 32 out of 33 counties are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for primary care.1 These shortages result in long travel times for appointments, delayed care and higher rates of chronic diseases.2 At the same time, many aspiring health professionals across New Mexico encounter financial barriers to completing degrees in nursing, behavioral health and other clinical fields.3
To help address these challenges, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico is investing more than $100,000 in health care education scholarships for students at Central New Mexico Community College, Eastern New Mexico University and Navajo Technical University who are pursuing clinical careers. Now in its second year, the program provides 30 scholarships each year to help students remove financial barriers, strengthen the state’s health care workforce and improve long-term access to care.
“We have collaborated with colleges and universities across New Mexico to help build the health care workforce so we can better serve and care for all New Mexicans now and in the future,” says Nancy Parson, Vice President of Clinical Operations, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico.
These scholarships will help local communities gain access to trained professionals who understand and reflect the populations they serve. By investing in education, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico is helping to build a pipeline of culturally competent, community-connected clinicians who will strengthen New Mexico’s care delivery system for years to come.
Removing barriers and supporting student success
Financial hardship can result in students delaying or discontinuing their education. These scholarships help reduce that burden, allowing recipients to stay focused on their training and professional goals. One of those students is Davina Jaramillo, a mother of six and a nursing student at Central New Mexico Community College. For Davina, the scholarship came at a critical moment as she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse at 52 years old.
“When I received the scholarship last semester, I was at a point where I felt like giving up,” she shared. “Then I got the email saying I received the UnitedHealthcare Scholarship, and it was so motivating to know my hard work was recognized. It was the boost I needed to keep going.”
The scholarship program represents an investment in New Mexico’s people, communities and health infrastructure. Through collaborations with three colleges and universities, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico is helping to close workforce gaps, improve access to care and create lasting impact for individuals and the health system.
Learn more about our work to expand care access in rural communities by checking out our article on New Mexico maternal health services.
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