News & Articles

Prescription medication prices in the United States have been a point of concern for years. In New Mexico, many residents are feeling the pressure of rising prescription costs. Surveys in recent years have shown that many New Mexicans are increasingly worried about their ability to afford necessary prescriptions. A major factor contributing to these concerns is the rising prices of prescription drugs, which have been linked to pricing practices within the pharmaceutical industry. In the broader context of prescription drug…

Prescription medication prices in the United States have been a point of concern for years. In New Mexico, many residents are feeling the pressure of rising prescription costs. Surveys in recent years have shown that many New Mexicans are increasingly worried about their ability to afford necessary prescriptions. A major factor contributing to these concerns is the rising prices of prescription drugs, which have been linked to pricing practices within the pharmaceutical industry. In the broader context of prescription drug…

Stress is a part of modern life, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. From work pressures and family obligations to financial concerns and health issues, daily stress can seriously affect physical and emotional well-being.  Over time, unaddressed stress may contribute to anxiety, depression, and other health challenges, making it essential to find practical strategies for relief. That's where effective stress management tips come in, helping individuals take control of their mental and emotional health through simple, everyday practices. In…

In a healthcare system that can feel overwhelming and impersonal, having a primary care doctor who knows your health history, listens to your concerns, and helps guide your care can make all the difference. A primary care doctor focuses on prevention, not just treatment — helping you stay healthier, longer. Areas with more primary care doctors have lower death rates and longer life expectancy. One study found that, on average, just 10 more primary care physicians per 100,000 people were…

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health challenges today. They don’t always look the same — some people feel a constant sense of worry, others describe days that feel heavy or hard to get through. In different ways, both can make it harder to connect with others, keep up with daily responsibilities, or feel present in your own life. The good news is: therapy can help. At Southwest Care, our approach to mental health services in Santa…

In Santa Fe, where family and community go hand in hand, childhood vaccinations are more than just a personal choice; they’re a public one. At 92%, Santa Fe County’s vaccination rate is higher than the national average. But even with that encouraging number, some neighborhoods remain vulnerable to preventable outbreaks. That’s why understanding when and where to vaccinate matters just as much as why. Vaccines are a cornerstone of pediatric care, protecting kids from illnesses that once spread quickly through…

Keeping up with regular pediatric checkups is one of the best ways to support your child’s health and well-being. These visits aren’t just quick check-ins. They give doctors a chance to monitor growth, catch potential issues early, and provide age-appropriate guidance on everything from nutrition to sleep habits. Preventive care at every stage helps lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good health. At Southwest Care, families can count on compassionate pediatric care that puts their child’s well-being first. With…

Annual physical exams are one of the most powerful tools we have to catch health concerns early, keep chronic conditions in check, and make smarter choices about how we live and age. At Southwest Care, we view these visits as the foundation of compassionate, long-term care for adults and seniors in Santa Fe and beyond. Regular checkups can dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness and overall healthcare costs. Studies show that adults who participate in preventive care screenings are…

In the heart of New Mexico, Southwest Care is a symbol of hope for those seeking high-quality, accessible and affordable healthcare. With a mission to provide exceptional care to all, regardless of their financial situation or health insurance status, Southwest Care is making a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Regardless of your financial situation or health insurance status.  [buttonlink text="Book Your Appointment Today" url="https://southwestcare.org/diabetes-awareness-month/"] High-Quality Healthcare in Santa Fe and Albuquerque…

Cervical Cancer Screening  The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), a program of the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), recognizes January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. Each year in the U.S. nearly 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 4,300 die as a result. The disease takes an even greater toll globally as most cervical cancers occur in low-income countries. In both the U.S. and abroad, cervical cancer is most often found in women living in poverty and who…

As we’ve learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, testing is essential for getting proper care and preventing spread of disease. The same is true of diseases that are spread by sexual contact or shared needle use. That’s why Southwest Care provides free testing for hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis. Here we’ll discuss hepatitis C and syphilis. Find more about free HIV testing here. What is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver. Acute hepatitis C happens within the…

If you are at risk of contracting HIV, it’s essential that you get tested to ensure you don’t pass the disease to anyone else and get essential treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, HIV testing is much easier than it was in the past, and at Southwest Care, we offer two types of free HIV tests, a rapid HIV test and a lab test.  Southwest Care, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded to provide services to patients with HIV and…

Southwest Care is dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality, and judgment-free health care services to patients in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. We have made it a priority to keep up with the latest information regarding the Covid-19 virus and how it is constantly changing. Why does the Covid virus continue to change? The Covid-19 virus, like other viruses, continues to change and evolve through a process called mutation. Mutation occurs when a virus replicates by copying its genetic material, and during…

Here at Southwest Care, we are dedicated to being an information source for our patients as well as providing affordable, high-quality, and judgment-free health care services. Our expert physicians are staying up to date with the ongoing research surrounding Long Covid to provide the best treatments and advice to our patients.  What is Long Covid? Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), more commonly known as Long Covid, refers to a post-Covid condition in which people who have recovered from the…

Southwest Care is dedicated to being an information source for our patients as well as providing affordable, high-quality, and judgment-free health care services. We know how stressful getting a positive Covid test can be and many of our patients don’t know what they should do first. We’re here to help! What should you do if you get a positive Covid test? If you receive a positive Covid test, the first thing to do is remain calm and take immediate action…

What is the COVID-19 Vaccine? The COVID vaccine, like many other vaccines, is designed to condition your body to effectively provide protection against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine works by triggering an immune response in the body that helps to recognize and fight the virus if it enters the body. There are several different types of COVID vaccines available to the public, including mRNA vaccines, vector vaccines, and protein subunit vaccines. These vaccines have undergone extensive clinical trials and…

Covid-19 Protection for Children Children can get infected with coronavirus (covid-19), but their symptoms tend to be much milder and most are at a lower risk of severe illness than adults. Although it is rare, some children have developed a severe inflammatory condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). This condition can affect multiple organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of MIS-C can include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash,…

Things to consider when scheduling a covid-19 vaccine The first thing to think about when scheduling your covid-19 vaccine appointment is eligibility. First, make sure you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine based on your age, occupation, or other factors such as health. There are multiple vaccine types out there, so doing your research and choosing the right one for you is important. Timing is also an important aspect when getting vaccinated against covid-19. Most patients experience mild to…

  All Southwest Care Center (SCC) health centers have achieved NCQA Recognition. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) seal of approval means that SCC consistently excels in clinical activities, access to providers, patient satisfaction, care coordination and communication. SCC follows industry-leading best practices and guidelines, so patients get the best care at the right time. NCQA Recognition demonstrates SCC commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.  

Southwest Care earns the New Mexico Family-Friendly Business Gold Award for the 5th consecutive year. Family Friendly New Mexico is a statewide initiative, developed to recognize New Mexico employers and businesses that offer employee benefits in the categories of paid leave, health support, work schedules, economic support, pay equity, diversity & inclusion, and community investment. "Wellness starts at home," expresses Michael Adams, CEO of Southwest Care. "Making sure our staff are able to maintain a healthy life balance is essential…

With daylight savings time ending and holiday season starting, shorter, busier days disrupt our routines and increase our susceptibility to colds and flu. Here are a few tips to protect your health as seasons change. Prepare For Cold & Flu Season Getting annual flu shots is one of the best ways to protect your family. Flu shots are recommended for everyone six months and older. The earlier in the season you get your shot, the sooner your immune system can…

Getting a flu shot this year is more important than ever. With uncertainty about how exactly COVID-19 will impact the upcoming flu season, influenza vaccines are the best way to protect from flu-related, potentially serious complications. Flu shots have been used safely for 50 years, preventing hospitalization and death in hundreds of millions of Americans. Vaccination helps protect you, your family, and the people around you. Many constantly changing flu viruses affect the annual composition of flu vaccines to ensure…

As we get older, the risk of getting colon cancer increases. Almost all cases occur in people who are 50 years or older, with no family history of the disease, and most people don’t experience symptoms early on. If you 45 years or older, regular colon screenings are recommended for men and women. Detecting problems early has the best chance of protecting your health and wellness and the good news is that a colonoscopy may not be your only option.…

No two children's developmental paths are identical. Some children are simply late bloomers, while others may require more in-depth assistance. We identify signs of a developmental delay and can evaluate if your child would benefit from physical, speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy. Physical Therapy Physical therapy is often recommended after a child has been injured or is experiencing difficulty moving related to an illness, disease, or disability. When a problem with movement affects a child’s daily activities, treatment from a…

We are truly happy to serve members of the LGBTQI&A community. Southwest Care was founded with a focus on providing compassionate health care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Embracing diversity and inclusion, we provide affirming, person-centered care in a safe, judgement-free space, where your health, wellbeing, and privacy matter. An interdisciplinary team of doctors, advanced-practice clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and behavioral health professionals provide primary care and specialized health services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We ensure that patients from…

Summer is the perfect time for well-child visits. Annual checkups lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. It's a good time to discuss diet, sleep, safety, development, and even emotional health concerns within family life and school. Well-child visits are offered at no or minimal cost. Help your child be as healthy as they can, promoting optimal development and long-term health. Examine your child’s health status Stay on track with vaccines and screenings Get ready for the next…

If your child needs a physical prior to heading off to camp, we've got you covered. Camp physicals are often required prior to registering children for camps. These examinations ensure that it's safe for your child to participate in all physical activities and sports offered at camps like hiking, biking, and swimming and they can raise awareness of any health issues. The goal is to help reduce the risk of potential injury while your child is away from home. As…

You can't cure allergies, but you can manage them. Itchy eyes and a runny nose are a common sign of seasonal allergies. Allergies can be caused by dust, mold, pets, and pollens like juniper and chamisa. Certain foods, medicines, and chemicals found in household cleaners and detergents can also cause allergic reactions. With testing you can pinpointing specific triggers and more effectively address symptoms. What are allergic reactions? Allergens can trick a child's immune system, making it think the allergen…

Monday, April 18 8am–5:00pm & 5:30–7:30pm Harkel Clinic, Santa Fe Jefferson Clinic, Albuquerque In recognition of National Transgender HIV Testing Day we are offering walk-in testing at the Harkle clinic in Santa Fe and at the Jefferson clinic in Albuquerque. We are committed to providing equitable access to HIV testing, prevention, and care for transgender and non-binary people. Learn your status and stay healthy!

We are very proud to be one of Santa Fe's favorite health care providers this year. Thank you Santa Fe! #1 Best Mental Health Care Provider We are excited to top the list as your favorite place for mental health #3 Best Health Care For 25 years we've been providing the highest quality health care services to everybody in our community. #3 Best Women’s Health Services With three locations in Santa Fe and one in Albuquerque, we provide holistic women's…

2021 marks 25 years of Southwest Care providing health services to the people of New Mexico. Southwest Care was founded in 1996 as a clinic championing health care for people living with HIV/AIDS, researching the disease, and developing effective treatments. Since then, Southwest Care has expanded the scope of its services to meet the broad range of medial needs of the local Santa Fe and Albuquerque communities and fill the gaps of the broader New Mexico healthcare system. In 2012,…

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are currently about 1.2 million people in the United States living with HIV. There are close to 50,000 more people who contract the virus each year. And one in eight people who have the human immunodeficiency virus don’t even know it. Which means these people are not getting the medical care they need in order to stay healthy and informed and avoid passing the virus on to others. CDC has found that more…

The American Diabetes Association awarded Southwest Care the prestigious Education Recognition Certificate for its diabetes self-management education program. “The process gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of services they provide,” says Paula Devitt, Southwest Care's Diabetes Program Coordinator, who helped start the self-education program last March. “But just as importantly, for the patient, it’s about quality management. This recognition validates the level of service that patients receive through our program.” The award stands for four years,…

When the first AID & Comfort came about in 1988, even its founders couldn’t have envisioned that their enhanced Christmas party, with its auctioning off of decorated wreaths and trees, would still be around 27 years later. Or that the AIDS crisis from which it had sprung would turn into a more or less manageable disease. Or that the gala itself, created to benefit people with HIV and AIDS, would morph into Santa Fe’s annual version of Truman Capote’s notorious…