About CHI-PHI
Engage. Support. Advocate.
We work with communities, nonprofits, legislatures, and the justice system to advance health, resilience, and social justice for all New Mexicans.
Our vision
Health equity across every New Mexico county
The communities we work with often have inadequate local wealth or too few residents to support high-quality services, infrastructure, and economic development. That shapes everything from health care to education to transportation.
Without public programming to offset the lack of incentives for private investment, underserved communities would have little basis for continued existence. Government can play a significant role in bringing resources to small, remote places.
Our programs, services, and advocacy create the environment where those connections get made — so communities have a voice, participate in solutions, and co-create their own health.
What we believe
The best solutions come from within communities
We work with communities to name and shape their needs, use data to drive informed decisions, and channel that learning into local, state, and national policy change. Systemic improvements can and do change lasting health outcomes.
Community
Solutions are strongest when they start with the people living the problem.
Wellbeing & Resilience
Prevention and recovery capacity, not just treatment after harm.
Mental Health
Behavioral health treated as core health, everywhere in the state.
Fairness
Equitable conditions and access, regardless of zip code or income.
Our journey
From one frontier county to the whole state
1995
Hidalgo Medical Services opens as a joint project between UNM's Office of Community Health and the people of Hidalgo County — a county with no basic health care services at the time.
2015
After years of expanding reach, programs, and services, the organization spins off as an independent nonprofit: the Southwest Center for Health Innovation.
2018
The National Network of Public Health Institutes designates SWCHI a public health institute in its own right.
2020
With services now spanning New Mexico, the organization becomes The Center for Health Innovation Public Health Institute.
Today
We continue building and connecting solutions at the local, state, and national levels.