New Mexico Department of Justice Awards $285,000 of Alta Vista Regional Hospital Settlement Funds to Be Used for Community Grant

Albuquerque, NM – Today, the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) awarded $285,000 from the Alta Vista Regional Hospital settlement to the Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation (LVNMCF). The foundation will oversee the funds, which will be allocated as a grant to address critical healthcare needs in San Miguel County. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez personally presented the check to LVNMCF Executive Director Elmo Baca.

The settlement demonstrates resolve over a lawsuit originally filed by the NMDOJ against Alta Vista in December 2022. As part of the settlement, $285,000 will be paid to the LVNMCF, which the foundation will offer as a community grant to be awarded to “non-profit organization(s) in San Miguel County for community healthcare needs.”

“We are pleased with the result of this settlement and to be presenting these funds to the Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “These resources will be used to improve healthcare across San Miguel County and we look forward to seeing the benefit these funds can bring to the community.”

“We are honored to be entrusted with ensuring that these funds are invested in our health and wellness initiative in San Miguel County,” said Executive Director of the Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation Elmo Baca. “We are grateful to the NMDOJ for its work in securing these settlement funds, and we look forward to awarding this grant money to worthy nonprofit organizations serving our communities.”

Requirements to apply for this grant include:

1. Applicants and awardees must be a 501(c)(3) organization.
2. Applicants and awardees must serve San Miguel County and be based out of San Miguel County.
3. Applicants and awardees must apply the funds to community healthcare needs, including behavioral health needs.
4. Non-profit organizations must be in good standing with the NMDOJ’s Registry of Charitable Organizations.
5. For-profit businesses are not allowable.
6. Awardee must not engage in any actions that violate the Unfair Practices Act (NMSA 57-12-1).

Organizations interested in applying for this grant can reach out to the LVNMCF for more information by phone at (505) 600-2868, or by email at [email protected].