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LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING Veterinary medicine at work across New Mexico Strengthening the workforce and the systems that protect animal and public health. 2026–27 The Power of We
WHO WE ARE NMVMA's statewide role 02 Since 1931 the professional home and a trusted policy resource for New Mexico's veterinary community. PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT Connection, continuing education, career development and practice resources help veterinary teams serve their communities. PUBLIC VALUE Advocacy, workforce partnerships and One Health coordination help New Mexico protect animal health, agriculture and public health. Rural and urban. Companion animal and livestock. Private practice and public service. The Power of We: people, knowledge and collective action. NMVMA | Briefing for New Mexico policymakers 2
WORKFORCE New Mexico's veterinary workforce 03 Small, widely distributed and essential to community resilience. 1,000+ licensed veterinarians ~700 live or practice in New Mexico ~250 registered veterinary technicians 53.8% named workforce as an advocacy priority 51% prioritized technician recruitment and retention Workforce capacity affects access to care, food-animal systems, disease response and the long-term health of rural communities. Sources: NMVMA internal data; 2025 Practice Census & CE Needs Survey, n=106. NMVMA | Briefing for New Mexico policymakers 3
POLICY FOCUS NMVMA's 2027 legislative priorities 04 6priority areas Member feedback and preparation for the 2027 session guide NMVMA's policy work. Frontline experience helps lawmakers understand how policy will work in practice. 01 Workforce Recruitment, retention, distribution and rural realities. 02 Veterinary technicians Career pathways, team development and patient safeguards. 03 Scope and patient safety Evidence-based standards that protect responsibility and trust. 04 License portability Fewer unnecessary barriers with strong professional standards. 05 Rural access Viable practices and reliable care across New Mexico. 06 Public health Veterinary medicine's essential role in One Health and agriculture. Sources: 2025 Practice Census & CE Needs Survey, n=106. NMVMA | Briefing for New Mexico policymakers 4
ADVOCACY Two roles, one commitment to informed engagement 05 13 measures tracked in 2026 Engaged before, during and after the session. ASSOCIATION POLICY WORK Member-informed positions and practical recommendations Coordination with Jason Thompson, AVMA state advocacy and subject experts Timely information for members and policymakers NMVMA ADVOCACY GROUP (PAC) Separately governed from the association's policy work Supports candidates on a bipartisan basis Helps the profession participate in the electoral process Our goal Bring veterinary expertise into policy conversations early enough to improve outcomes and implementation. The roles are distinct. Both strengthen informed civic participation. NMVMA | Briefing for New Mexico policymakers 5
ONE HEALTH Project ECHO: statewide learning without the travel 06 A practical network that connects rural practitioners with trusted expertise and peers. Veterinary teams Students + communities Public health Agriculture + diagnostics WHAT IT MAKES POSSIBLE 1.Short, case-based sessions 2.CE and microlearning 3.Timely guidance on emerging issues 4.Data, feedback and reports Partners include NMPHA, UNM Project ECHO, NMSU Global and state agencies. PROPOSED STATE INVESTMENT Approximately $160,000 over three years 18 sessions, coordination, CE, outreach, evaluation and student engagement Pilot funding tests the model. State support can make the infrastructure durable and ready for emerging needs. NMVMA | Briefing for New Mexico policymakers 6
A practical resource for the Legislature NMVMA can provide Quick, clear issue context New Mexico practitioners and district voices Subject-matter experts Practical feedback on implementation Kelli Bohannon | Executive Director nmvma@nmvma.org | 505-985-7124 Jason Thompson | Lobbyist jasont413@gmail.com nmvma.org We welcome the opportunity to work with you early and often. THE POWER OF WE