RELEASE: State public health nurse honored for excellence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2026

State public health nurse honored for excellence

SANTA FE – A longtime New Mexico Department of Health nurse practitioner was honored this month for her work expanding access to HIV prevention medication in southern New Mexico.

Gina Fullbright, a registered nurse with the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Public Health Division’s Southwest Region, received a Nursing Excellence Award from the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence annual ceremony, April 11. Fullbright was recognized specifically for her work with the HIV-PrEP program, which provides preventative treatment to patients at risk for HIV infection.

“Nurses are lifesavers, and the New Mexico Department of Health is proud of all our nurses' contributions to our agency and the larger community: the state of New Mexico,” said Gina DeBlassie , cabinet secretary of NMDOH. “This award recognizes that work.”

“All five of our amazing nominees deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work to make New Mexico the healthiest state,” said Heather Black , chief nurse for NMDOH’s Public Health Division.

Fullbright began her career with NMDOH at the Roswell public health office and has spent the majority of her tenure at the Las Cruces public health office.

Four NMDOH nurses were also nominated for the award: Tina Bunton, Dolores Coronado, Rosie Hudson and Michelle Ramirez.

###

NMDOH

David Barre, Communications Coordinator | david.barre@doh.nm.gov | (505) 699-9237

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, NMDOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.

New Mexico Department of Health | 1190 S St Francis Dr | Santa Fe, NM 87505 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice