Veterinary teams see the consequences of policy every day: a community without enough veterinary care, a rule that complicates practice, or an emergency plan that overlooks animals. That experience belongs in the conversation before decisions are made.

NMVMA is partnering with the New Mexico Public Health Association for the 23rd Annual Health Policy Forum: One Health, on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque. The Forum brings veterinary medicine, public health, agriculture, government, and community partners together around challenges that cross professional boundaries.

Four shared priorities: mental health, food as medicine, disaster preparedness, and workforce shortages. Each offers a chance to explain how veterinary care contributes to the health of New Mexico communities, and where practical policy changes could help.

DECEMBER 3, 2026 Isleta Resort & Casino · Albuquerque

Register for the Forum

Current NMVMA members: $35. Nonmembers: $50. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Members can find their registration code in NMVMA’s November 4 invitation or contact nmvma@nmvma.org for help.

Register for the December 3 Forum

Submit a position paper or legislative proposal

Have a policy recommendation to bring forward? Use NMPHA’s Legislative Proposal Submission Form, and follow the requirements provided there. Explain the problem, who it affects, and the change you recommend. A specific example from veterinary practice can help people outside the profession understand why an issue matters.

Sponsor the Forum

Practices, businesses, and partner organizations can support this conversation through four sponsorship levels:

  • Supporter: $500
  • Advocate: $1,000
  • Guardian: $2,500
  • Champion: $5,000

Recognition and participation benefits vary by level. Promotional-table opportunities depend on availability. Contact Paloma Flores to confirm benefits and next steps, or visit the Forum page.

Share your advocacy story

You do not need a finished policy paper to contribute. Tell us about a law, regulation, workforce gap, or other barrier that affects your ability to care for animals and serve your community.

Share your experience through NMVMA’s advocacy story form.

NMVMA is preparing another outreach to every New Mexico legislator, offering veterinary expertise as legislation is developed. Your examples will help us show where veterinary input is needed. Thank you for helping us bring a clear, informed veterinary voice to decisions that affect your work.