Wellness Equity Alliance Calls for Urgent Action After Health Yeah! Service Cuts

Unexpected Termination of Vital Health Services

In a surprising development, the Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) has recently been notified by the Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Authority (BHA) of the early termination of their contract for Health Yeah! of New Mexico. This decision, reported on September 15, 2025, will halt the program’s school-based mobile health services for Albuquerque Public Schools just shy of a year early, effective September 30, 2025. No rationale has been offered, leaving many to question the reasoning behind such a drastic move.

Health Yeah! has played a crucial role in the community since its inception, providing hundreds of no-cost health visits to at-risk youth and their families throughout Bernalillo County. Launched with the vision of delivering accessible healthcare to underserved communities, the program has become a lifeline for many, operating without requiring insurance coverage.

Brandon Smith, the Practice Manager for Health Yeah!, expressed deep concern over the abrupt cut, stating, "This decision is shocking and confusing after over 12 months of collaborative work with county officials, school staff, and community partners. Without a clear explanation or transition plan, our patients are left with an incredible amount of uncertainty at a time when stability is critical." The lack of notice has left the team scrambling to provide uninterrupted care to their patients, many of whom are vulnerable and dependent on these services.

The consequences of this decision are alarming, particularly for the uninsured children receiving care through the program. Senior Pediatrician Dr. Dale Alverson noted that this sudden termination is tantamount to physician abandonment, which is a breach of the trust and responsibility that healthcare providers owe their patients. According to New Mexico best practices, providers are expected to give at least 90 days' notice, with 120 days being optimal for medically fragile communities. The county’s decision falls dramatically short of these ethical obligations, causing further distress among families who may have no alternative healthcare options.

WEA is determined to advocate for the continuation of these essential services and has committed to providing services until the end of the contract period while urging Bernalillo County officials to reassess their decision. Dr. Tyler B. Evans, Chief Executive and Medical Officer for WEA, pointed out that cutting access to healthcare for vulnerable families reflects poorly on the county’s responsibilities. He remarked, "Blocking access to care for vulnerable families demonstrates poor responsibility on behalf of the county."

In response to this issue, WEA is mobilizing community support and will attend the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 23, 2025. They invite the public to participate in this important conversation and will also provide resources for citizens to contact county officials directly. By amplifying voices from the community, WEA hopes to instigate a change that underscores the necessity of quality healthcare, irrespective of socioeconomic status.

For those wishing to show solidarity, there is an active petition available at healthyeahnm.com/support calling for the continuation of Health Yeah! services, as well as resources to engage with local representatives. The meeting will take place on September 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers located at 415 Silver Avenue, SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

As the health landscape becomes increasingly challenging, the need for organizations like the Wellness Equity Alliance remains critical. They continue to strive for a transformation in public health that eliminates barriers to access for historically marginalized communities. WEA seeks not only to advocate for the community it serves but also to foster a system that prioritizes the health and welfare of its most vulnerable members.

Healthy communities rely on cohesive and constant support. As WEA and its supporters rally together, the hope remains that Bernalillo County will take heed and honor its commitment to the well-being of all its residents.