Albuquerque health update: UNM pathogen-preparedness grant, MDC care audit, and coverage help event
Albuquerque, NM – February 28, 2026 – UNM Hospital gets $500K for special-pathogen readiness; MDC care audit flags gaps; APS plans coverage help.
Several Albuquerque-area healthcare developments this week touch on preparedness, access to basic services, and oversight of care in institutional settings.
UNM Hospital receives $500,000 to strengthen special-pathogen readiness
On Feb. 23, University of New Mexico Hospital announced it was selected for a $500,000 Special Pathogen Treatment, Assessment, and Network Development (STAND) award from the National Emerging Pathogens Training & Education Center (NETEC). The funding is intended to support training, equipment and protocols used to respond to high-consequence infectious diseases.
UNM Hospital said the work aligns with its role as a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center and is part of the national system designed to coordinate care during dangerous outbreaks. The hospital noted the award will support preparedness for diseases such as Ebola, pneumonic plague and severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Audit cites ongoing problems in detention-center medical care
Also this week, a KOAT report highlighted findings from an October 2025 audit of the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) that a Bernalillo County court-appointed medical expert said showed the level of medical care was unconstitutional. The report reviewed areas including medical and disease screening, dental care, and monitoring for people experiencing drug or alcohol withdrawal.
The audit cited recurring concerns tied to timeliness, including delayed responses to medical emergencies and delays in routing medical requests to clinical staff. It also pointed to staffing levels as a root issue, and noted the facility’s adult-detention accreditation with the American Correctional Association had lapsed for years. UNM Hospital, which has overseen medical services at MDC for more than two years, said it is meeting nationally recognized detention-health standards and that remaining gaps are primarily tied to staffing.
Health insurance enrollment and vaccines: APS plans March 11 wellness festival
For families seeking help navigating coverage, Albuquerque Public Schools posted an updated notice Feb. 25 about a March 11 March Wellness Festival at APS City Center (4–7 p.m.). APS said the event is open to the broader community and will include on-site enrollment help for Medicaid and Medicare, plus information about affordable health insurance options.
APS also listed free vaccinations as part of the event offerings, including MMR vaccines for all attendees and flu vaccines for children 18 and under, along with information tables from multiple insurers and local providers.
Free children’s dental services offered through end of February
In another access-to-care update, KOAT reported Feb. 23 that Touro College of Dental Medicine in Albuquerque is offering free dental exams, cleanings and X-rays for children age 16 and younger through the end of February. The school said the program is part of Children’s Dental Health Month and is being offered as the college expands clinical training in New Mexico.
Sources
https://hscnews.unm.edu/news/unm-hospital-awarded-500k-grant-to-advance-special-pathogen-treatment-capabilities
https://www.koat.com/article/bernalillo-county-detention-center-medical-audit/70469743
https://www.aps.edu/student-family-and-community-supports/student-family-and-community-supports-news/aps-medicaid-presents-march-wellness-festival-1
https://www.koat.com/article/fre-e-dental-care-for-kids-offered-in-albuquerque/70460461
