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Medical Office Building Groundbreaking

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 30, 2026, marking an important step in the development and construction of Holy Cross Medical Center’s new Medical Office Building. Located on the hospital campus, the new facility will expand access to primary and urgent care services while helping build a lasting legacy of care for a healthy future.

Thank you to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Senator Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales, Representative Kristina Ortez, Taos County, and the Town of Taos for working together to support local healthcare!

Video Transcript:

James Kiser, CEO, Holy Cross Medical Center:

Hi, I’m James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center. This has been a journey in the making.

We heard from you through the Community Health Needs Assessment that primary and urgent care was your number one need. Thanks to Senator Gonzales for securing the funding, we’re now building a medical office building to do just that.

We’ll have 30 exam rooms, urgent care, and access to primary care. It’s necessary to help keep our public healthy.

Thank you for your support. I also want to thank the Town of Taos for its assistance with permitting, and particularly Taos County for helping make this work. It’s been a wonderful collaborative project. It’s been very complicated and complex, and it will continue to be going forward, but together we will win. Thank you.

Brent Jaramillo, Taos County Manager:

The Holy Cross Medical Office Building represents facilities that are going to benefit the residents of Taos County and the region. They’ll provide much-needed medical exam rooms, as well as doctors and nurses who will provide services for our community.

Darlene Vigil, Taos County Commissioner:

I am super excited to be here today and to actually see what happens when collaboration takes place. Today is a testament to partnership and collaboration.

I think the community of Taos should be very excited to see what happens when we all come together.

Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales, New Mexico State Senator:

I just want to say that this is a very important day for Taos—and not only for Taos, but also for the region this medical service is going to serve.

We’re very honored that this is now a reality and that we are here today for the groundbreaking ceremony. The important part is the service it will bring to the people of the entire region in this part of the state.

Medical Office Complex Update

Holy Cross Medical Center CEO James Kiser provides an update on the progress of the new Medical Office Complex planned for the Holy Cross campus on Weimer Road.

Video Transcript:
Hi, I’m James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center.

I wanted to share some information given what was in the paper last Thursday regarding the state calling back $22.5 million. I was aware of it beforehand, but as you all know, we’ve worked hard with the support of Senator Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales. He’s helped us secure funding over the past three legislative sessions for a new medical office complex. Our Community Health Needs Assessment identified access to primary care and urgent care as the number one healthcare need in our community.

He told us to come see him, and during the 2024 legislative session, he secured $15 million for Phase One of a medical office building that would house primary care and urgent care.

Since then, in 2025, he was able to secure an additional $7.5 million, which provided an extension on that initial $15 million. Then, during the 2026 legislative session, he secured another $12 million for the so-called second building, Phase Two, which would bring the project to nearly 40,000 square feet of medical office space on the Holy Cross campus.

The way the funding works is that it comes through the state’s General Fund in House Bill 2, with the county serving as the fiscal agent. So everything has to flow through the county.

We knew those funds had to be encumbered quickly, so our Holy Cross Board allocated $1.5 million for architectural design before the funds even became available on July 1, 2024, so we would not miss a deadline. The funds had to be spent by the following legislative session in January. A deadline for an extension was missed, and those funds were not spent.

Long story short, we have to come together—the Town, the County, and Holy Cross. We have to pursue getting these funds reappropriated during the next legislative session. There is a remote chance there may be a special session called by the Governor this year, and if that happens, we will pursue that opportunity as well. I have spoken with the Senator regarding that.

The good news is that we do have access to the $12 million appropriated during this last session, so we are moving forward with the first building. We have received formal approval from the New Mexico Health Care Authority. We had hoped to hold a groundbreaking ceremony this Thursday, July 9, but the Senator was unable to attend, and he has been paramount in making this project possible.

As soon as his schedule allows, we will hold the ceremony. Hopefully—and I’ve been saying this for a few years now—we’ll be breaking ground soon, ideally next month in August.

Again, to summarize, we are moving forward with the $12 million and the initial building for primary care and urgent care. We look forward to the teamwork between the Town of Taos, Taos County, and Holy Cross to make this vision a reality. With the guidance of Senator Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales, we are going to work diligently during the next legislative session with the Governor and her staff to seek reappropriation of the $22.5 million so we can complete the project as intended, with approximately 40,000 square feet of new medical office space.

Thanks for all that you do. Stay safe.

A New Electronic Medical Record System and Patient Portal will be coming June 1st.

On June 1st, 2026, Holy Cross Medical Center will launch a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system across the hospital and clinic network. This system-wide upgrade is part of a multi-year project and represents a major investment in the future of care for patients throughout the Holy Cross healthcare system.

The new EMR is being implemented across Holy Cross Hospital, Holy Cross Cardiology, Holy Cross Primary Care, Holy Cross Surgical Specialties, Holy Cross Women’s Health Institute, Taos Clinic for Children and Youth, and Holy Cross Orthopedics.

“This is an important milestone for Holy Cross Medical Center and the communities we serve,” said James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center. “I am incredibly grateful to our teams across the hospital and clinics for the dedication, planning, and hard work they have put into this transition. The new Electronic Medical Record system and patient portal reflect our continued commitment to improving care, strengthening communication, and meeting the needs of our community now and into the future.” 

As part of the multi-year planning process, Holy Cross Medical Center carefully reviewed three leading EMR options for rural hospitals to determine the best fit for its patients, providers, staff, and long-term goals. After thoughtful evaluation, Holy Cross selected MEDITECH Expanse for its ability to support a more connected healthcare experience across hospital and clinic settings, strengthen care coordination, and provide patients with a more modern portal experience. 

Preparing for a transition of this size has required significant planning, coordination, training, and collaboration across the organization. Teams throughout Holy Cross have worked together to review workflows, support staff education, update processes, and help ensure the hospital and clinics are ready for the June 1st, 2026 launch. 

“Implementing a new EMR system of this scale is a major undertaking, and it has taken teamwork from across Holy Cross Medical Center and our clinics,” said Mike Rael, IT Director at Holy Cross Medical Center. “I want to recognize the incredible work of our IT team and thank every department, provider, and staff member who has helped make this transition possible. I am genuinely grateful for the time, effort, and collaboration everyone has put into this project. This is a great example of teamwork at its best.” 

This robust upgrade will improve how Holy Cross providers and care teams access information, coordinate care, and communicate across the healthcare network. Over time, the new system will help create a more connected experience for patients, allowing care teams to access important health information more efficiently, including medical history, medications, allergies, lab results, imaging, and other details that support informed decision-making.

The upgrade will also improve communication between Holy Cross and other local care providers. Better connection between the hospital’s EMR and other provider systems is expected to support smoother referrals, stronger follow-up, and improved coordination for patients who receive care from multiple providers. This is especially important for patients who move between hospital care, primary care, specialty care, and other health services.

For Holy Cross staff and providers, the new system is designed to reduce duplication, improve workflows, and support safer, more efficient care. The EMR includes tools that can assist with clinical decision-making, patient safety, care coordination, and managing the needs of patients with chronic or complex conditions. This upgrade will help Holy Cross continue building a more connected and responsive health care network.

Patients will also see a major improvement with the launch of a new patient portal. The new portal will be available across the Holy Cross system, giving patients one access point for the hospital and participating clinic locations.

Through the new portal, patients will be able to request and schedule appointments, review upcoming appointments and location details, complete registration forms before visits, securely communicate with physicians and medical teams, attend virtual visits, request prescription renewals, review test or exam results, access current stay and discharge information, and pay bills online.

This new portal is intended to make it easier for patients to stay connected to their care team and manage important parts of their care from a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

As Holy Cross completes this transition, some visits, calls, or registration processes may take a little longer than usual. Patients may also be asked to confirm personal information, insurance details, or payment methods. These steps will help ensure that patient records are accurate and complete in the new system. Holy Cross appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during this important improvement.

Patients who currently have a patient portal with Holy Cross should be aware that their past records will not transfer into the new portal. The current portal  will remain available for a limited time after the June 1 transition, but patients are encouraged to download or save any information they would like to keep from their current portal as soon as possible.

Patients will not be able to sign up for the new portal until they receive an email invitation from the system. For most patients, this invitation will be sent after their first visit to the hospital or one of the clinics once the new system goes live. Some clinic patients with upcoming appointments may receive an invitation before their appointment.

Holy Cross Medical Center appreciates the community’s patience and support as this important upgrade is completed. The new EMR and patient portal represent a significant step forward in improving care, communication, and access for patients across the Holy Cross healthcare network.

For more information about this transition, learn more about our EMR transition >

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.

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.