Santa Fe’s Anchorum Health Foundation has announced a $20 million investment in Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center as part of its long-term plan to enhance healthcare in Northern New Mexico. Approximately half of the funds will be allocated to completing the construction of the hospital’s new cancer center, expected to be finished next year. The remaining amount will be utilized to aid Christus St. Vincent in employee recruitment and retention, support clinical programs, and potentially expand them.
Jerry Jones, President and CEO of Anchorum, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to ensuring access to quality care. This partnership with Christus St. Vincent allows Anchorum to fulfill this objective. The $20 million infusion is just the initial contribution to what Anchorum calls its “Clinical Support Fund.” Over the next decade, the foundation plans to invest a total of approximately $109 million into the fund, at a rate of around $10 million per year after this year. This commitment represents the largest funding initiative since Anchorum announced its $200 million plan to improve the region’s health.
The relationship between Anchorum Health Foundation and Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center has a history of collaboration. Previously known as Anchorum St. Vincent, a local nonprofit, the organization held a half-share of the medical center and its related assets. Last year, Anchorum St. Vincent divested from the hospital, transferring its share to Texas-based Christus Health in exchange for $500 million over the next decade. This transfer forms the source of the $200 million dedicated to the region, with the newly announced Clinical Support Fund accounting for more than half of the spending plan.
In July, Anchorum pledged $25 million to five Northern New Mexico community foundations that focus on addressing health-related issues such as housing, transportation, and education. The recent $20 million investment in Christus St. Vincent comes at a crucial time for the hospital, as closures and downsizing at other facilities in the region have led to a significant increase in patients seeking care in Santa Fe.
Lillian Montoya, President and CEO of Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, highlighted the various uses for the $20 million, including the recruitment of new providers. The resources will enable the hospital to expand its specialty recruitment efforts, such as hiring rheumatologists and endocrinology specialists for the new Center for Healthy Aging. Additionally, the funds will support the expansion of the cancer center’s work, including participation in clinical trials. The hospital plans to enhance its operations in Los Alamos and Las Vegas, New Mexico, through increased staffing and training. Montoya also mentioned the possibility of opening new clinics in Edgewood and Taos, depending on patient demand.
The Clinical Support Fund aims to improve patient care access, particularly in rural communities experiencing provider shortages. The fund will also support the hospital’s family residency program, which trains new physicians, and expand the obstetrics team. Furthermore, Christus St. Vincent plans to enhance staff and training for its trauma team, which has seen an increased demand from across the region.
Jerry Jones expressed excitement about the announcement, stating that it sets a plan in motion for the next several years. The funding allows Christus St. Vincent to actively recruit healthcare professionals and ensures a stable workforce pipeline for Santa Fe.