Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico's Care Van® program has traveled across the state since 2006, providing no-cost health screenings and services. In 2024, the program continued to make strides in addressing health care disparities in New Mexico, especially in rural and frontier communities.
With a small and dedicated team of Care Van coordinators, BCBSNM's two mobile health clinics served 16,000 children and adults in 53 towns and cities last year. The program makes it easier for New Mexicans to access no-cost vaccinations, health screenings, education and resources where they live and work, reducing long-term health care costs for individuals and families.
Community collaborations for greater impact
The Care Van program collaborates with community organizations and health care providers at events across the state to address issues such as cardiovascular disease, vision and dental care, behavioral health support and maternal and infant health care.
In 2024, the program partnered with Vdex Diabetes and Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach to extend its reach in rural parts of the state and provide more people with diabetes prevention, education and management support.
Expanding access to diabetes support in rural New Mexico
According to the American Diabetes Association, 13.1% of adults in the state have been diagnosed with diabetes — significantly above the national average. Rural residents face a disproportionately higher risk of diabetes and related complications because of limited health care access.
In collaboration with Vdex and SNMDO, the Care Van program offered diabetes screenings in remote locations to identify undiagnosed cases and help facilitate early intervention and treatment. This proactive approach is vital since many people with diabetes don't know about their condition until complications arise.
"Over 8 million Americans have diabetes and don't know it because it often presents without clear physical symptoms," says Bill McCullough, Vdex CEO. "Coupled with reluctance to visit a doctor or limited access to health care, these challenges can leave people at risk. Mobile health clinics like BCBSNM's Care Van program help make diabetes screenings and education more accessible, uncovering cases that might otherwise go unnoticed."
In addition to offering no-cost diabetes screenings in the vans, Vdex and SNMDO provided diabetes education, resources and referrals to empower people with knowledge about disease prevention and management.
“As a Care Van coordinator, I see firsthand the difference we make in New Mexico communities," Thomas Butler says. "When we collaborate with local organizations to provide no-cost health screenings and education, we're not just helping to identify health issues; we're empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to live healthier lives."
