President and Executive Director’s Letter

Dear Friends,

As we take this moment to reflect on 2022 – the world is still recovering from the far-reaching health impacts of the past few years, northern New Mexico is healing and rebuilding from the raging wildfires, and our mission to improve health for all who live in New Mexico feels more important than ever.

We are energized by the possibilities to further advance our values through deepened community partnerships and continue to tackle our state’s most pressing health challenges. In December 2022, we completed an 18-month initiative supported by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF). Through a $2.8 million investment from WKKF, we awarded 20 grants to organizations focused on the community rebuild and recovery efforts related to Covid-19 (and 27 grants totaling $600,000 were awarded in 2021 to organizations focused on the equitable Covid-19 vaccine rollout). The unwavering dedication, nimbleness, and creativity shown by all of our grantees is inspiring – especially in the face of uncertainty, fluctuating circumstances, and cautious optimism for the future.

Both 2022 Heroes of Health exemplify what it means to lead with gusto, resilience, and unrelenting courage. Tina Cordova of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium was recognized for her advocacy on behalf of New Mexicans overexposed to radiation due to nuclear testing. Noah Blue Elk Hotchkiss, co-founder of Tribal Adaptive Organization, inspires all who have also overcome personal hardship. His efforts to ensure Native youth with disabilities have opportunities to participate in sports and athletics inspired our Hero of Health youth track.

To further simplify and improve our grantmaking process, we commissioned a 10-year review of our grantmaking. Dr. Michelle Bloodworth of Insight Allies thoughtfully and strategically analyzed 10+ years worth of grant and other data, conducted in-depth document and literature reviews, interviewed approximately 30 grantees, and assessed 201 grants to 139 organizations throughout New Mexico. This Landscape Study highlights some of the changes we’ve already made to the application, review, payment, and reporting process – and provides clear recommendations for future changes, some of which are already in motion.

The year ended with a generous donor gift from global philanthropist and author, MacKenzie Scott, who recognized Con Alma for its leadership in advancing health equity in rural communities and those most underserved. We are grateful for this unique opportunity to develop a strategic initiative that allows us to innovate and invest in longer-term solutions to improve health in our enchanting state. As we move into this next chapter, we are appreciative of our grantee and community partners, volunteers, and staff. We couldn’t do this important work without your ongoing enthusiasm, commitment, and expertise.

Moving Forward Toward Health Equity for All,