From youth engagement programs and public health initiatives to capital planning and emergency response, Doña Ana County continues to serve its residents with comprehensive programs, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships. This week’s update offers a detailed look at recent departmental activity across the County.

Kicking It with Kids in Chaparral

As part of a continued effort to bring community-centered programming to all corners of the County, the Health and Human Services Department partnered with El Paso Locomotive FC to host a youth soccer camp at the Delores Wright Community Resource Center in Chaparral. Held on July 18, this event provided local children with an opportunity to interact with professional soccer coaches and their beloved mascot, Ozzy. The camp focused on teaching fundamental techniques and fostering teamwork in a supportive environment. Events like this not only promote physical health but also reinforce the County’s commitment to engaging underserved communities through accessible recreational programming.

Health Care Assistance Program

Doña Ana County continues to provide crucial support for low-income and uninsured residents through its Health Care Assistance Program (HCAP). Designed as a "payer of last resort," the program helps cover costs related to primary care, dental services, and behavioral health treatment. Governed by state statute, HCAP ensures that residents without sufficient insurance coverage can still receive essential medical care. Eligibility is based on residency, valid identification, and income thresholds tied to New Mexico's per capita personal income. The program also emphasizes coordination between local providers and the County to streamline care. Residents are encouraged to visit the County’s website to review eligibility guidelines and apply.

Detention Center

Recruitment and Training Advancements

The Doña Ana County Detention Center is actively addressing staffing needs through ongoing recruitment and training initiatives. In July, three new cadets were brought on board, and two additional cadets are confirmed to begin their training on August 11. The center is also progressing through various phases of its training academy. Nine cadets have recently completed the classroom portion of their instruction and are now transitioning to hands-on field training under the supervision of experienced officers. Meanwhile, a new cohort of ten cadets began their classroom training on July 30. These efforts ensure that the facility maintains a strong, well-trained team to uphold safety and operational standards.

Narcan Vending Machine Installed

In a significant step toward harm reduction and community health, a Narcan vending machine has been installed in the Detention Center’s public lobby. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the New Mexico Health Care Authority, the County Detention Center, and The Know Consultants. The machine dispenses naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, free of charge to the public. This project represents a proactive response to the opioid crisis and makes lifesaving medication accessible to families, visitors, and those reentering the community after incarceration.

EMT‑Intermediate Training Underway

Twenty-six members of Doña Ana County Fire Rescue have begun a rigorous EMT‑Intermediate training course through a partnership with the University of New Mexico EMS Academy. This advanced training allows emergency personnel to deliver a higher level of pre-hospital care, including medication administration and advanced airway management. By increasing the number of certified EMT‑Intermediates, the County enhances its capacity to respond to complex medical emergencies, particularly in rural or underserved areas where access to immediate healthcare may be limited.

Professional Development in Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Division staff recently participated in advanced training courses designed to improve fire code enforcement, investigative practices, and public education strategies. These trainings ensure that personnel remain current on best practices and legal standards, thereby strengthening the County’s ability to prevent fires, investigate causes thoroughly, and educate residents about fire safety. Continuous learning in this division helps reduce fire risks across commercial, residential, and public spaces.

Fire Rehab Apparatus Inspection

A key milestone was reached as Fire Administration staff conducted an on-site inspection of a new Fire Rehab Apparatus under construction at the Alexis facility. This specialized vehicle will play a vital role in firefighter wellness by providing recovery and rehabilitation support during prolonged incidents, high-temperature conditions, or community events. The addition of this unit represents the County’s investment in safety and the long-term health of its first responders.

Human Resources

Recognition and Organizational Improvements

In July, Sergeant Luis Ruiz of the Detention Center was awarded a Special Recognition Award for outstanding service and dedication to his role. Recognizing the valuable contributions of County employees is a core component of Human Resources’ mission to foster a positive and high-performing workplace. The department is also managing two large-scale reviews: a policy and procedure evaluation conducted by MGT, and a comprehensive classification and compensation study led by Gallagher Benefit Services. These reviews aim to ensure that the County remains competitive in its hiring and compensation practices, while also maintaining clear and equitable internal policies. Results from these studies are expected to inform strategic planning later this year.

Information Technology

Digital Literacy and Infrastructure Resilience

The IT Department is collaborating with Mamacitas Cyberneticas to bring digital literacy classes to community centers in Vado, Chaparral, and Chamberino. Supported by a grant from Comcast, this initiative will help bridge the digital divide by equipping residents with basic computer and internet skills—critical tools for job searches, education, and accessing online services.

Beyond community outreach, the IT team provided technical support for internal operations. This included correcting asset depreciation values for the Finance Department to ensure accurate month-end reporting, as well as responding to a power outage that affected the Detention Center and nearby areas. The facility’s backup power systems kept operations running until power was restored by El Paso Electric. IT is also addressing a water leak at the Detention Center that damaged a recently installed network switch. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for an upcoming AchieveIT training session on September 30, and staff participated in regional economic development discussions in Juárez.

Finance and Purchasing

Emergency Response and Financial Oversight

The Finance Department saw the retirement of three key team members on July 30: the Controller, an Accountant IV, and an Accountant III. Despite these transitions, the team remains focused on its core responsibilities. In response to recent flooding across the County, four emergency procurements were executed to address urgent infrastructure and recovery needs. A dedicated Disaster Housing Fund has been established, with payments made to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico to provide relief to residents impacted by flooding in Vado.

Finance also issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a Public-Private Partnership for desalination services—an innovative approach to supporting long-term water sustainability. During this period, 96 purchase orders were processed, and audit preparation continued in support of a special compliance audit involving the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the Payroll Office participated in GFOA-sponsored training on government compensation practices.

Office of Performance and Budget

Quarter Close and Capital Planning

The Office of Performance and Budget completed several key deliverables, including the Fiscal Year 2025 year-end close, the FY25 Fourth Quarter Report, and the FY26 Final Budget. These documents were approved by the Board of County Commissioners on July 29 and submitted to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration by the July 31 deadline. The timely completion of these reports ensures transparency and compliance with state financial regulations.

Two team members also traveled to Roswell to participate in a Capital Outlay training session hosted by NM DFA and the Office of the State Auditor. This training supports effective capital planning, helping the County better manage infrastructure investments and legislative appropriations.

Community Calendar

The following public meetings and events are scheduled for August. Residents are encouraged to participate and engage with County departments and elected officials.

Community Meetings:

• August 11, 6:00 pm – District 2 Community Meeting with Commissioner Gloria Gameros

 Location: Sunland Park Sports Complex, Conference Room 4700 McNutt Road, Santa Teresa

• August 15, 6:00 pm – District 2 Community Meeting with Commissioner Gloria Gameros

Location: Gadsden High School, Cafeteria, 6301 NM-Hwy 28, Anthony

• August 16, 9:00 am – District 5 Community Meeting with Commissioner Manuel Sanchez

Location: Village Market, 101 School Street, Hatch

• August 18, 6:00 pm – District 1 Community Meeting with Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez

Location: La Mesa Community Center, 744 San Jose Road, La Mesa

• August 19, 6:00 pm – District 1 Community Meeting with Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez

Location: Mesquite Community Center, 129 Tawa Avenue, Mesquite

• August 26, 6:00 pm – District 1 Community Meeting with Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez

Location: Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces

Health and Safety Trainings:

• August 14, 10:00 am – Virtual Overdose Prevention Education & Naloxone Training

Location: Virtual Event. For more information, call 575-525-5870 or email narcan@donaanacounty.org. To pre-register, please CLICK HERE.

• August 25, 10:00 am – Overdose Prevention Education & Naloxone Training

Location: Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces

• August 26, 8:00 am – Mental Health First Aide Class (Youth- English)

Location: Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces

• August 27, 8:00 am – Mental Health First Aid Class (Adult-English)

Location: Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces

Surplus Auction

• August 16, 9:00 am – County Surplus Auction

Location: Doña Ana County Road Department Parking lot, 2025 East Griggs Avenue, Las Cruces