Holy Cross Medical Center

Holy Cross Medical Center Receives Grant to Expand Free Health Insurance Support in Taos

Holy Cross Medical Center (HCMC) has been awarded a three-year $150,000 federal grant to expand its free Benefit Navigation, or Health Insurance Support, program for the Taos community.

The funding comes through the National Council on Aging’s Center for Economic Well-Being as part of its Benefits Enrollment Center program. HCMC is one of 90 organizations selected nationwide in this grant cycle, across 39 states and Puerto Rico. It is the only organization in New Mexico to receive this award.

The 30-month grant runs from February 1, 2026 through July 31, 2028. This new funding will strengthen and expand the hospital’s existing Benefit Navigation services, with added focus on supporting adults age 65 and older and adults living with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Over the course of this grant, the program expects to submit at least 600 applications to help eligible residents access important benefits.

Holy Cross Medical Center’s Benefit Navigation team provides free, one-on-one assistance with new applications and renewals for a variety of public benefit programs. The team takes the time to guide each person step by step, making the process easier to understand and less overwhelming. The additional grant funding allows the team to dedicate more time and outreach to older adults and adults with disabilities who may be especially vulnerable to rising health care and living costs.

Eligible individuals may receive free help applying for:

• Medicare Part D Extra Help, which lowers prescription drug costs
• Medicare Savings Program, which helps pay Medicare premiums and other medical costs
• Medicaid – for Disability recipients who are within their 24-month Medicare waiting period
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps individuals and families afford groceries

The team also shares information about preventive services covered by Medicare to help community members stay healthy.

“We are very excited because this grant will make a real difference for the people of Taos County,” said Mary Walker, Benefit Navigation Coordinator at Holy Cross Medical Center. “Many do not realize that our help is completely free. With this funding, we can reach more older adults and adults with disabilities to make sure they are not missing out on benefits that can ease their financial stress.”

“When our neighbors can afford their medications, medical care, and groceries, their health improves,” said Jeannie Ross, Director of Community Health Services at HCMC. “This funding allows us to strengthen a program we already believe in and expand our support for some of the community members who need it most.”

Community members who would like free assistance can schedule an appointment by calling (575) 751-8939 or emailing marywa@taoshospital.org.

As part of the grant, HCMC will host regular outreach events to raise awareness and provide enrollment assistance throughout the community.

Please Welcome General Surgeon Dr. Frederick French to the Team

Holy Cross Medical Center has welcomed a seasoned and highly trained surgeon to its team. Dr. Frederick French joined the Holy Cross team in December. He has more than 16 years of surgical experience, including seven years of expertise in robotic surgery.

A proud New Mexican, Dr. French grew up in Roswell and has spent much of his life in Albuquerque. After earning his undergraduate degree at Texas A and M University, he returned home to attend medical school at the University of New Mexico. He later completed his surgical residency at Mayo Clinic in Florida, one of the nation’s leading medical institutions.

Shortly after the events of September 11, Dr. French made the decision to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He was deployed to Afghanistan, where he gained invaluable experience caring for service members in high pressure and life threatening situations. Following his military service, he moved to Washington state and worked at one of the largest hospitals in the region, treating complex trauma and emergency patients.

He eventually returned home to New Mexico and practiced in Albuquerque before accepting the opportunity to join the team in Taos. After spending much of his life in the state, coming back felt both natural and meaningful. His move to Taos marks a new chapter in a career that has taken him across the country and around the world, yet ultimately brought him back to the place he calls home.

“I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the area and the kindness of the people,” he said. “Taos feels tolerant and accepting. I have a daughter who is neurodivergent and has faced challenges related to that. I value being part of a community that embraces diversity and sees differences as strengths.”

Dr. French credits his father, a physician who specialized in gastrointestinal medicine, with inspiring his career in medicine. Instead of spending weekends playing catch, he often accompanied his father to the hospital.

“That is where I fell in love with medicine,” he said. “My father’s joy in helping people was infectious. It did not matter what time it was. He took pride in caring for others, and I learned to feel that same responsibility.”

As a general surgeon, Dr. French performs a wide range of procedures. While general surgery primarily focuses on operations involving the abdomen, it also includes emergency conditions, trauma care, and the removal of masses and severe skin infections. In smaller communities, he explained, having a surgeon who can competently perform a broad spectrum of procedures is essential.

“A question I often get is what type of surgery I do,” he said. “General surgeons are trained to handle a variety of procedures. In a community hospital, it is crucial to have someone who is experienced enough to provide many different operations.”

Although he loves performing surgery, Dr. French says the consultation process is one of the most meaningful parts of his work.

“I think it is so important to establish a relationship,” he said. “Before going to surgery, patients need to trust you and see you as their advocate and ally in what can be a scary and complex process.”

He emphasizes that patients should always remain at the center of the healthcare system.

“As a patient, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by how complex healthcare can be,” he said. “My philosophy is to always keep the patient as the top priority and to do everything in my power to help them navigate their care.”

Among the skills he brings to Holy Cross is advanced robotic surgery. He adopted the technology because he believes it offers patients better outcomes, less pain, and faster recovery times. He expressed gratitude that Holy Cross Medical Center has invested in and supported robotic surgery capabilities.

“In this regard, Taos is more advanced than many communities in New Mexico,” he said.

Throughout his career, Dr. French has experienced both the intensity of trauma care and the satisfaction of helping patients regain their quality of life. He recalls saving a young man who had been stabbed and left the hospital just two days after life saving surgery. He also finds deep reward in repairing hernias that allow many patients to return to skiing or cycling within weeks.

Dr. French is a proud father of three, with two children already graduated from high school. A self described baseball and tennis dad, he spends as much time as he can cheering from the stands at baseball games and tennis matches. His spouse, daughter, and youngest son are excited to spend time in Taos and get to know the community. He is also happily accompanied by his Boston terrier, Penny.

Dr. French joins an already respected and established group of local surgeons at Holy Cross Surgical Specialties, including urologist Dr. Stephen Lucero and general surgeons Dr. Stephen Slikkers and Dr. Michael Darnell. Holy Cross Medical Center’s surgical services extend beyond general surgery. Holy Cross Women’s Health Institute also provides surgical care for women through Dr. Cydney Siggins, OBGYN, and Dr. Casey Smith, OBGYN, who offer a full range of obstetric and gynecologic procedures and comprehensive women’s health services. Together, these providers ensure that patients in Taos and the surrounding region have access to high quality surgical care close to home.

Dr. French praised the team at Holy Cross, saying, “The talent and expertise at a hospital this size is incredible.”

With his experience, dedication, and commitment to patient centered care, Dr. French is poised to make a meaningful impact as part of the strong and growing surgical team serving the Taos community.

To learn more, visit TaosSurgery.org or call Holy Cross Surgical Specialties at 575 758 3141.

Seeking Board of Trustee Applications

Holy Cross Board of Trustees is seeking applications from qualified individuals to fill three vacant positions on the Hospital Board. Each position carries a four-year term.

If you are interested in applying, please call Lenora Cisneros at 575-751-5766 or access the application below.

Please mail your application, CV, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement to:

Lenora Cisneros, Sr. Executive Assistant
1397 Weimer Rd.
Taos, NM 87571

Or send it via email to lcisneros@taoshospital.org.
Applications must be returned by the April 17, 2026 deadline.  

Holy Cross First in the State to Offer Advanced Coronary Plaque Analysis with HeartFlow

Holy Cross Medical Center is expanding heart care for northern New Mexico residents with the introduction of HeartFlow Plaque Analysis, an advanced, non-invasive technology that helps doctors better understand a patient’s risk for heart disease. Beginning in January 2026, Holy Cross will become the first hospital in New Mexico to offer this cutting-edge diagnostic tool, marking a significant milestone for rural health care in the state.

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis builds on a coronary CT angiogram, a specialized imaging scan of the heart’s blood vessels. Using artificial intelligence, the technology creates a detailed, three-dimensional model of a patient’s coronary arteries and measures the amount, location, and type of plaque inside them. Plaque buildup in these arteries is the underlying cause of coronary artery disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What makes plaque analysis especially valuable is its ability to identify so-called “high-risk” plaque—fatty, unstable buildup that can rupture suddenly and cause a heart attack. Studies have shown that many heart attacks are triggered by these unstable plaques, which may not be detected by traditional calcium scoring scans. According to research presented in the DECIDE Registry, nearly 30 percent of patients with a calcium score of zero had a change in their treatment plan after undergoing plaque analysis, highlighting the technology’s ability to reveal hidden risk.

The new local service is led by cardiologist Tiziano Scarabelli, MD, PhD, at Holy Cross Cardiology. He emphasized the importance of bringing advanced diagnostic tools to smaller communities.

“Practicing cardiology in a rural community carries a special responsibility,” Scarabelli said. “Our patients deserve the same diagnostic precision available at large academic centers, especially when decisions about the coronary artery may determine whether patients remain here or are transferred to another institution. We are truly proud to bring this first-in-the-state capability to our hospital to help the people of our community.”

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis will be used alongside fractional flow reserve CT (FFRCT), a technology already in place at Holy Cross that evaluates how well blood flows through the coronary arteries. Together, these tools allow physicians to make more confident diagnoses, personalize treatment plans, and focus on prevention, often without the need for invasive procedures and helping avoid transfers to larger hospitals.

“Holy Cross is proud to provide this level of care to our patients,” said Sue Romansky, Chief Operating Officer at Holy Cross Medical Center. “Being the first in our state to offer plaque analysis is another example of how Holy Cross continues to invest in advanced services that allow patients in our rural community to receive great care close to home.”

For patients in rural northern New Mexico, this advancement means access to world-class heart diagnostics close to home, offering greater peace of mind and earlier, more targeted care when it matters most.

Holy Cross Hospital Reports Improvements in Patient Experience and Sepsis Care

Holy Cross Hospital has reported recent improvements in patient experience measures and sepsis care outcomes, according to internal quality data and hospital leadership. The results reflect changes in monitoring practices, clinical workflows, and coordination across departments, with a focus on patient feedback and early clinical intervention.

Patient Experience Results

Patient experience is commonly used as an indicator of healthcare quality, and Holy Cross Hospital monitors patient satisfaction data on a monthly basis. According to Misty Carruth, Director of Quality, Risk & Compliance, these results are shared regularly with the hospital’s Board of Directors and used by service lines to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.

The hospital tracks ten inpatient experience measures, including communication with nurses, staff responsiveness, communication about medications, cleanliness, quietness, discharge understanding, care coordination, overall hospital rating, and likelihood to recommend the hospital. Each measure is reviewed month over month and compared with state benchmarks.

Hospital data showed improvement across all ten metrics in both September and October, with scores also exceeding state benchmarks during those months. While sustained month-over-month improvement can be difficult to achieve, hospital leaders reported that gains continued into October.

“These results give us useful insight into what patients are experiencing and where changes are making a difference,” Carruth said. “Patient feedback gives us a clearer picture of how care is delivered across the hospital, from admission through discharge.”

Patient satisfaction surveys are distributed to all inpatients following discharge, either by email or mail, and are managed by a third-party vendor to maintain patient privacy. Responses are anonymous unless patients choose to share their contact information. When concerns are identified and contact information is provided, Patient Advocate Nikki Lamendola follows up with patients to better understand their experience. Feedback is then shared with relevant department leaders to develop response plans and better meet the needs of patients.

Carruth noted that collecting patient feedback can be challenging, particularly in hospital settings where patients are often experiencing stress or illness.

“When someone comes to the hospital, it’s often during a difficult moment,” Carruth said. “Hearing directly from patients helps us understand what matters most to them and where we can make care more supportive.”

She added that feedback trends over the past two years show a strong reduction in negative responses, suggesting that process changes are contributing to improved patient experiences.

Sepsis Response Outcomes

Holy Cross Hospital has also reported progress in the early identification and treatment of sepsis, a condition that remains a leading cause of hospital mortality nationwide. Because sepsis often presents in the Emergency Department, early recognition and timely treatment are considered critical to patient outcomes.

Following a reported 44.7 percent increase in sepsis incidence between 2022 and 2023, the hospital formed a multidisciplinary Sepsis Committee in February 2024. The group included representatives from nursing leadership, quality, pharmacy, laboratory services, infection prevention, physicians, and executive leadership. The committee’s efforts, together with methods from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1), have contributed to the success of this project.

Initiatives included the standardized screening protocols, expanded use of electronic health record automation, lactic acid reflex testing, and targeted staff education. Quick-reference tools known as “Sepsis Badge Buddies” were also introduced and incorporated into staff onboarding.

According to hospital data, sepsis care compliance improved following implementation. In the first three quarters of 2025, the hospital reported only one SEP-1 fall-out, defined as an eligible sepsis case that did not meet SEP-1 measure criteria because sepsis was not identified within the early diagnostic time frame specified by the measure. In 2024, Holy Cross saw a fall-out rate of just over 10 percent, compared with state averages of 40 to 50 percent and national averages of 30 to 40 percent, according to a Holy Cross report. These results led to recognition from the New Mexico Hospital Association.

“Sepsis can be difficult to detect, and early signs are not always obvious,” said Pam Burton, Director of Infection Prevention. “Standardizing processes and improving communication helps teams respond quickly and improves outcomes.”

Hospital leaders said the results reflect a broader commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, and patient-centered care across the organization. Together, the gains in patient experience and sepsis outcomes highlight the impact of coordinated efforts and a shared focus on quality.

“The improvements we are seeing in patient experience and sepsis outcomes represent a significant accomplishment for our team,” said James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center. “People from across the hospital come together every day to provide excellent care, and just as importantly, to keep finding ways to make that care even better. The dedication, collaboration, and commitment to improvement shown by this team are exceptional, and it is something truly special to have this level of care available right here in Taos.”

Holy Cross Hospital to Host 3rd Annual Veterans Day Event:  “Brunch With the Bravest”

Saturday, 8 November 2025 at 1000 hours

Holy Cross Hospital is proud to announce its 3rd Annual Veterans Day Brunch, honoring the service and sacrifice of Taos County veterans. The “Brunch With the Bravest” event will be held on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at 1000 hours in the Wheeler Peak Cafeteria at Holy Cross Hospital. All Taos County veterans are invited to attend this free brunch as a heartfelt thank you for their dedication and selfless service to our nation.

Over the past two years, the Veterans Day celebration at Holy Cross has become a meaningful community event. Last year’s lunch drew nearly 65 veterans, who came together to share stories, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy a meal in their honor. This year’s event will once again be catered by the talented Dietary staff of Holy Cross Hospital, who are preparing a delicious brunch to show their appreciation for local veterans.

Holy Cross Hospital is one of the largest employers in Taos County, with over 560 dedicated employees, including 15 proud veterans who continue to serve their community through healthcare. The hospital is deeply committed to supporting those who have served, both as valued members of its staff and as patients within its care network.

“As a veteran, I am proud that Holy Cross is hosting this event for the third year in a row. I wanted to make sure that Holy Cross recognized not only the employees that are veterans, but also veterans in our community,”

Vivian Santistevan, Major, US Army (Retired)
and Chief of Human Resources for Holy Cross Medical Center.

Santistevan added, “Getting together to recognize Veterans Day with fellow veterans from all different branches of service is an honor. This is truly a community event where you see old friends, eat a delicious meal and connect with fellow veterans. Please come and join us!”

Holy Cross Hospital began accepting TriWest Veterans Health Care two years ago, expanding access to high-quality care for veterans in Taos County and reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to serving those who have served.

The hospital invites all Taos County veterans to join in this celebration of camaraderie, gratitude, and community. Veterans are asked to bring proof of service to the event to ensure proper recognition.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, 8 November 2025, at 1000.
• Where: Wheeler Peak Cafeteria, Holy Cross Hospital, Taos, NM
• Who: All Taos County Veterans with proof of service
• Cost: Free for all veterans

Monthly Video Update

In an effort to help our community understand the changes happening in health care and at the hospital, we will be posting regular updates from the administration at Holy Cross Medical Center to help share information with the public.