Bill Creating School-Based Health Centers Passes House

Health centers would meet essential medical needs for New Mexico students

Santa Fe, NM- Tonight, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 397, which would support development of school-based health centers in New Mexico public schools by a vote of 40-25. 

School-based health centers provide physical and behavioral health services to students on or near school grounds. Among the services these health centers would provide are primary care, preventive care, diagnoses, treatment of chronic conditions, mental health care, crisis intervention, or referrals for additional treatment.

“Whether they have urgent injuries, chronic illnesses, or behavioral health needs, every New Mexico student needs access to health care,” said House sponsor Representative Christine Trujillo (D-Albuquerque). “Sometimes school-based health centers are the only places families can turn to when their kids need medical care.”

Senate Bill 397 is sponsored by Rep. Trujillo and Senator Nancy Rodriguez (D-Santa Fe). It now heads to the desk of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.  

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