In an unexpected turn of events, Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) has been informed by Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Authority (BHA) that its Health Yeah! of New Mexico contract will be terminated nearly a year early. No explanation has been provided for the decision, which will suspend Health Yeah!'s school-based mobile health services for Albuquerque Public Schools effective September 30, 2025.
Since its launch, the Health Yeah! team has provided hundreds of no-cost visits-no insurance required-to at-risk youth and families across Bernalillo County.
“This decision is shocking and confusing after over 12 months of collaborative work with county officials, school staff, and community partners,” said Brandon Smith, Practice Manager for Health Yeah!. “Without a clear explanation or transition plan, our patients are left with an incredible amount of uncertainty at a time when stability is critical.”
WEA has pledged to continue services through the contract period and is asking the county to reconsider. Dr. Tyler B. Evans, Chief Executive and Medical Officer for WEA, stated: “This decision forces us into physician abandonment and violates state law. Blocking access to care for vulnerable families demonstrates poor responsibility on behalf of the county.”
Senior Pediatrician Dr. Dale Alverson added: “We are serving uninsured children with no alternative place to go for care. Less than 30 days' notice is not just inadequate-it is considered physician abandonment. New Mexico best practice requires at least 90 days, often 120, for medically fragile communities.”
WEA stresses that an orderly transition is the minimum requirement, in line with New Mexico Medical Society standards, to ensure patients are not left without care.
Community Call for ActionWellness Equity Alliance will plan to attend the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 23, 2025, to continue urging reconsideration of this decision.
Visithealthyeahnm.com/supportto:
— Sign the petition calling for the continuation of Health Yeah! services
— Attend the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners meeting:
— September 23, 5:00PM
— Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers
— 415 Silver Avenue, SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
— Explore resourcesto contact county officials
— Downloadand share social media posts to amplify community support
About Wellness Equity AllianceWellness Equity Alliance is a national organization dedicated to transforming public health by breaking down access barriers for historically marginalized communities. Health Yeah! of New Mexico provides mobile, school-based health services to children and families.
Contact: Janet Shapiro, Smith Publicity, Inc., janet@smithpublicity.com
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SOURCE Wellness Equity Alliance
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