UNM Hospital Secures $500K for High-Risk Outbreak Readiness as APS Plans Insurance and Vaccine Event
Albuquerque, NM – March 7, 2026 – UNM Hospital received new federal funding for outbreak readiness as APS prepares a wellness event offering insurance help and vaccines.
Albuquerque’s largest public hospital is strengthening its outbreak response capabilities, while Albuquerque Public Schools prepares to host a community wellness event focused on insurance enrollment and vaccinations.
UNM Hospital awarded $500,000 for special pathogen preparedness
University of New Mexico Hospital recently received a $500,000 Special Pathogen Treatment, Assessment, and Network Development award through the National Emerging Pathogens Training & Education Center. The funding supports training, equipment and coordination tied to the hospital’s role as a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center.
Hospital officials said the award is designed to enhance readiness for rare but high-consequence infectious diseases, including illnesses such as Ebola and severe acute respiratory syndrome. The funding supports staff training and systems that allow hospitals to quickly identify, isolate and manage dangerous infections in coordination with state and federal partners.
While these preparations often occur behind the scenes, they are part of a broader national network intended to ensure communities have designated facilities equipped to respond during serious outbreaks.
APS to host wellness festival with insurance help and vaccines
Albuquerque Public Schools has announced a March 11 wellness festival at APS City Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is open to the broader community and will include on-site assistance with Medicaid and Medicare enrollment, along with information about other affordable health coverage options.
APS said free vaccinations will also be offered, including MMR vaccines for attendees and flu shots for children 18 and under. Information tables from insurers and local healthcare providers are expected to be available to help families understand coverage and care options.
District officials described the event as part of ongoing efforts to connect families with preventive services and coverage resources.
Audit highlights medical care concerns at detention center
A recent report highlighted findings from an October 2025 audit of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, where a court-appointed medical expert concluded that the level of medical care was unconstitutional. The audit reviewed medical and disease screening, dental services and monitoring of people experiencing withdrawal.
The report cited repeated concerns related to timeliness, including delays in responding to medical emergencies and in routing medical requests to clinical staff. Staffing shortages were identified as a contributing factor. UNM Hospital, which oversees medical services at the facility, has stated that care meets nationally recognized detention health standards while acknowledging staffing challenges.
Sources
https://hscnews.unm.edu/news/unm-hospital-awarded-500k-grant-to-advance-special-pathogen-treatment-capabilities
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/bernalillo-county-detention-center-medical-audit/70469743
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