FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEBernalillo County, NM — September 15, 2025 — In a 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, despite nearly one year remaining on the original two-year agreement. No explanation has been provided for the decision, which will suspend Health Yeah!’s school-based health services for Albuquerque Public Schools effective September 30, 2025. “This decision is shocking and very confusing after over 12 months of collaborative work with county officials, school staff, and community partners,” said Brandon Smith, Practice Manager for Health Yeah!. “Our local staff is asking not only why this happened, but how we can ethically build patient relationships with students and families as we continue to fulfill our responsibilities when we may not be allowed to continue beyond September. Our staff has worked tirelessly to invest in relationships with patients and partners, but 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 is committed to continue providing comprehensive services through the contract dates and is asking the county to reconsider. But at the moment, the absence of clarity from the county leaves patients, families, and staff without a roadmap. Unfortunately, this decision blocks access to vital services for so many families. “It is deeply unfortunate”, said Dr. Tyler B Evans (chief executive and medical officer for WEA) demonstrates poor responsibility on behalf of the county as it forces us to violate state law and commit physician abandonment. Dr. Dale Alverson, Senior Pediatrician for Health Yeah!, underscored the progress at risk: “We’ve seen firsthand the difference these services make in improving access to care. We are providing care to kiddos who don’t have insurance and no alternative place to go for care, and we have made so much progress in the community for long-term change. That progress is significant, and it’s disheartening to see it put in jeopardy, especially when best practice in New Mexico calls for at least 90 days’ notice for transitions like this – closer to 120 days in reality, since medically fragile communities require weeks of preparation. These patients don’t belong to the county, yet with the timeline provided we are, in essence, being forced to abandon them. Less than 30 days is not just inadequate; it’s considered physician abandonment.” The team at WEA has respectfully asked the County to reconsider the termination of these services. The team is hoping for, at minimum, the county will allow for an orderly transition that prioritizes patients and families. That minimum should be in line with the New Mexico Medical Society, which is >90 days to prepare transitional services and notify patients. Bernalillo county BHA is “probably not used to running medical operations” said Dr. Evans, so perhaps they are unaware of the state laws concerning medicine. However, the reality is that most of these children, adolescents and families we have been seeing do not know how to navigate the complex medical systems that exist in the US, and without our assistance, they will likely be stuck in limbo,” says Dr. Evans. 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. We invite community members who believe in protecting access to care for children, families, and individuals in treatment to join us in showing support. Visit healthyeahnm.com/support to: 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
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Together, we can ensure Bernalillo County families are not left without the care they deserve. Media Contact: Brandon Smith brandon@wellnessequityalliance.com (505) 930-9550
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