National Center for Frontier Communities

07/29/2026

The team at MDC Computers - Las Cruces has kept our computer systems running smoothly for many years now.
We were heartbroken to hear of the passing of Drew Thompson. He was often spoken of to mythical standards in our office and was saved in many of our phones as "Computer Wizard Drew". He was always friendly and encouraging to our team.

We extend our deepest condolences to his colleagues and his beautiful family. Drew leaves behind a wife, a five-year-old son, and an unborn baby girl. A GoFundMe has been established to help them during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you for everything, Drew.

It is with deep sadness that I write these words. A be… Lucky Gonzalez needs your support for For Drew, Courtney, Oliver, and Baby Girl.

06/19/2026

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people learned they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors freedom, resilience and Black history while recognizing the ongoing fight for equality.

Wishing you a happy and meaningful Juneteenth!

01/30/2026

It's Food and Farms Day at the New Mexico State Capitol!

Food & Farms Day offers a chance to showcase the connection between health, sustainable food systems, and the economic vitality of our New Mexican farms and ranches. It highlights the advantages of cooperation and coordination and the importance of informed policy-making.

We will be well-represented at the Roundhouse today.
Our Community Wellness Manager, Christina Johnson has a group of youth from Southwest New Mexico who have been learning about advocacy and the legislative processes. Also present is our Chief Operating Officer, Johannes Lencer who serves as Vice Chair for the Governance Committee of the NM Food & Agriculture Policy Council.

We are grateful for the opportunity to support programs that support farmers, ranchers, students, seniors, and many more through state funding! We are especially excited to support the NM Regional Farm to Food Bank Program, that has enabled our Frontier Food Hub to deliver nutritious foods to food pantries across Southwest New Mexico in the last 2 years.

11/24/2025

Rural communities across the country are grappling with food insecurity. Schoolchildren, seniors, grocers and even farmers face a food crisis compounded by government cuts and soaring costs.

We applaud Marquitrice Mangham and Gloria Dickerson for the work they're doing to keep their communities fed.

From grocery stores to food distribution services, Black women are leading efforts to feed their communities.

11/20/2025

Today, we’re excited to celebrate the Power of Rural on National Rural Health Day!

Since 2011, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) has set aside the third Thursday of November to celebrate the "Power of Rural" on National Rural Health Day (NRHD).

This day is an opportunity to bring attention to and honor the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, State Offices of Rural Health, and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural America.

Join us in recognizing the spirit of rural America and the efforts of healthcare providers and stakeholders addressing unique healthcare challenges.

You can learn more at powerofrural.org

11/19/2025

𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮. Rural America has over 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals, 900 other rural hospitals, 5,400 Rural Health Clinics, and over 6,000 Rural Health Centers. These facilities form the foundation of primary care for millions of people, keeping communities strong, healthy, and connected. National Rural Health Day is this Thursday! Join us in celebrating the power and resilience of rural communities and the providers who make care possible.

10/31/2025

According to the USDA, 70% of New Mexico’s land area are classified as and 23% of its population live in Frontier and Remote Communities.
Due to economies dependent on extractive and unstable industries, and a persistent lack of investments in infrastructure, healthcare access, educational opportunities, and alternative economies, residents in frontier communities are largely affected by the cuts and freezes of funding currently occurring at the federal level.

The decision of the New Mexico State Legislature and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to secure affordable access to healthcare and food for New Mexicans is another example of how state leadership has been using profits from New Mexico’s oil and gas production to make meaningful long-term investments in New Mexico’s communities. These investments are critical to raising living standards and economic development in frontier communities across the state.

SANTA FE — New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed emergency legislation Friday to shield New Mexicans from federal cuts to food assistance and health care programs, deploying $162 million in state funds immediately to maintain services across the state.

10/15/2025

"Nationwide, a new agricultural movement is taking root, but it’s not just about growing food. It’s about growing power, healing and community through radically collaborative models that challenge generations of injustice and land loss."

Nationwide, a new agricultural movement is taking root, but it’s not just about growing food. It’s about growing power, healing and community through

10/09/2025

“I just love serving people,” Dr. Edloe said in an interview with the Daily Yonder. “I believe in making life better for people.”

Dr. Edloe has been serving people as a minister for over twenty-five years, and as a pharmacist for over fifty.

“A pharmacist and a minister” may sound like the start of a bad joke, not necessarily an intuitive vocational pairing. But to Reverend Dr. Leonard Edloe,