Resources

Children’s Medical Services (CMS) – provides services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disabling conditions in children. It is a statewide program within the Department of Health, Public Health Division. CMS serves children from birth to 21 with chronic illnesses or medical conditions that require surgical or medical treatment and that could limit their activity.  Children/youth are medically eligible based on a diagnosis from a doctor. CMS offers medical coverage, information and referral, case management and pre-school developmental evaluations. Services include payment for diagnostic services, hospitalizations, physician’s services, and some therapies. CMS is committed to accessible, available and appropriate health care for all children living in New Mexico, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or culture. The program creates a system of care that is family centered, community-based, culturally competent and coordinated.

Early Intervention Services – If your child has a diagnosed established medical condition he/she may qualify to receive early intervention services to support developmental milestones.  An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed to meet the needs of the child and family and services may include developmental instruction; speech, physical and occupational therapy, social work, nursing, family therapy, etc. Early intervention services help families support their child’s development. Services are provided in the family’s home and in the community, including in the classroom if the child is in child care or Early Head Start.  You can apply directly to the early intervention program serving your community (in some counties there is a choice of provider agencies). The agency will assign a Family Service Coordinator who will meet with your family and schedule a developmental evaluation to determine your child’s eligibility.  Click on the early intervention services link to find agencies in your area.  You can also contact Parents Reaching Out for support in finding an agency that will work with your child.

The Medically Fragile Waiver (MF Waiver) –  serves individuals who have been diagnosed with a medically fragile condition before reaching age 22, and who have a developmental disability or delay, or who are at risk for developmental delay. A medically fragile condition is defined as a chronic physical condition which results in a prolonged dependency on medical care for which daily skilled nursing intervention is medically necessary. Services provided through the MF Waiver are case management, home health care, respite care, private duty nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapies, behavior support consultation, nutritional counseling and specialized medical equipment and supplies. The New Mexico Department of Health, Developmental Disability Services Division (DOH/DDSD) administers the MF Waiver.

Organizations

MBA Open Doors Foundation– The Foundation’s Home Grant program makes mortgage and rental assistance payment grants to parents and guardians with critically ill or injured children, allowing them to take unpaid leave from work and spend precious time together without jeopardizing their cherished homes.

Mended Little Hearts – Since 2004, Mended Little Hearts has provided patients and families of children with congenital heart disease many services that directly improve their quality of life; including, peer support, education, and advocacy.

Children’s Heart Foundation – was incorporated in Illinois in June 1996. To date, The Children’s Heart Foundation has funded 99 research projects with more than $10.6 million. As the country’s leading organization solely committed to CHD research funding, CHF dedicates itself to advancing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects.

Sister’s by Heart – provides support, education, and empowerment to families affected by Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) – from initial diagnosis and beyond.

Beads of Courage – Provides innovative arts-in-medicine supportive care programs for children coping with serious illness, their families and the health care providers who care for them.

Heartfelt Couture – The hospitalization of a child can be a stressful time for children and their families.  At Heartfelt Couture, our mission is to provide pint-sized patients with fun and fabulous hospital gowns that are as unique as they are.

Heart Hero Capes – Our mission is to provide support to children and families affected by Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) through the distribution of superhero capes, programs to offer hope and funding for CHD research.  Click on the link to request a superhero cape for your heart warrior!

Icing Smiles – provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child. We understand that the simple things, like a birthday cake, are luxuries to a family battling illness. Our goal is to create a custom cake for the ill child, or their sibling, that provides a temporary escape from worry and creates a positive memory during a difficult time.