New Mexico Delegation Pushes For Improvements To Medical Support At Cannon Air Force Base

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday, U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) wrote to the Defense Health Agency to encourage improved medical support at Cannon Air Force Base (AFB), located near Clovis, New Mexico and review any barriers that limit medical services hiring or contracting.

Cannon AFB hosts the Air Force’s second largest special operations wing and provides very favorable air space and year-round flying conditions that ensure the highest level of training for our Airmen. However, limited access to critical medical care and services in this remote location significantly impacts personnel and their families. 

“Our concerns stem from reports indicating that 19% of all dependents and a staggering 44% of pediatric dependents with special medical needs cannot receive the medical care they need should their family be stationed at Cannon AFB. In addition, basic pharmacy services are not readily accessible, requiring our beneficiaries to drive thirty minutes or more,” the lawmakers continued. “DHA has the resources to alleviate this problem through personnel manning or contracting at the on-base hospital. We respectfully request that you do a comprehensive review to identify any barriers to timely civilian hiring, manning assistance, and contract funding, and provide a briefing to our offices on your findings.”