HOUSE MEMORIAL 3

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Kathleen Cates

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

HONORING NEW MEXICO NURSES AND HEALTH CARE WORKERS.

 

     WHEREAS, nurses and other health care workers in New Mexico have long served with dedication, compassion and skill, often under difficult and demanding circumstances, to promote, restore and protect the health of the people of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, in recent years, through public health emergencies, pandemics, chronic care challenges and day-to-day community health needs, nurses and health care workers have shown extraordinary commitment, working long hours, often at personal sacrifice, to ensure safe and compassionate care; and

     WHEREAS, nurses and health care workers have consistently shown up to advocate for patient safety and the health care needs of the people of New Mexico, including through their leadership and engagement in the legislative process to promote safe staffing standards and other policies designed to improve care quality and protect patients; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico faces a persistent and growing workforce shortage of nursing and health care workers, which places an increased strain on hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and community health systems, affecting both patient access and the sustainability of the health care workforce; and

     WHEREAS, rural and frontier communities throughout the state experience significant barriers to accessing health care, including long travel distances, limited provider availability and chronic understaffing that further deepen health inequities; and

     WHEREAS, the increasing prevalence of mental health crises, behavioral health conditions and substance abuse disorders across New Mexico has substantially increased demand on frontline health care workers, who frequently serve as the first, and sometimes only, source of care for individuals and families in crisis; and

     WHEREAS, the well-being of the people of New Mexico depends heavily on the devotion, expertise and steadfast service of nurses and health care workers practicing throughout the state; and

     WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the state formally recognize and express gratitude for the invaluable service and contributions of nurses and health care workers to public health and safety;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that all nurses and health care workers in New Mexico, including clinicians, allied health professionals and support staff, be honored and commended for their selfless service, professionalism, advocacy and compassion; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the house of representatives extend its deep appreciation to all nurses and health care workers for their unwavering dedication to the health and welfare of the people of New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico nurses association, appropriate statewide health care professional organizations and the leadership of all New Mexico hospitals and health care facilities.

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