Our impact, your stories
Organ Mountain News highlights its recent reporting impact — including Ben Archer Health Center’s policy reversal, rescinded special education stipends, and Amanda López Askin’s campaign launch.
From healthcare access to public education to statewide elections, here’s how Organ Mountain News reporting has made a difference in recent months.
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
Ben Archer Health Center reversed course — but only after public scrutiny
In February 2025, Organ Mountain News was first to report that Ben Archer Health Center, a federally funded clinic system serving southern New Mexico, was requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence before providing care to uninsured patients.
We reported that undocumented patients — including children — were being turned away or denied care. Ben Archer could not be reached for comment, but the reporting raised immediate concern among healthcare and immigrant advocacy groups.
Within 24 hours of publication, the clinic system reversed course — informing partner organizations, including Las Cruces Public Schools, that it would no longer require proof of citizenship or immigration status as a condition for care.
Days later, the New Mexico Department of Justice confirmed it had opened an investigation. Attorney General Raúl Torrez followed with a formal directive requiring Ben Archer to stop any screening practices that could restrict access based on immigration status.
Why it matters
Ben Archer receives millions in taxpayer funding each year to serve vulnerable populations — including undocumented residents. When those patients began losing access to care, Organ Mountain News broke the story. That reporting helped trigger rapid policy change and state oversight.
This is what accountability journalism looks like.
What’s next
We’re continuing to monitor compliance and review whether other health providers are imposing similar barriers. If you’ve been denied care — or know someone who has — we want to hear from you.
Special education teachers lost $5,000 stipends — and we uncovered why
In late March 2025, special education teachers across New Mexico learned that $5,000 retention stipends they had expected would not be paid. Many had already budgeted around the expected income, which they understood to be likely but not guaranteed.
Organ Mountain News was the first outlet to confirm that the stipends had been rescinded statewide — not just in Las Cruces. We reviewed budget documents, questioned state officials and obtained a formal statement from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
The department confirmed that the stipends were not guaranteed and were always subject to available funding. The final budget passed by lawmakers didn’t allocate money for the second round of stipends, though communication was sent to districts informing them that the stipends would not be funded.
Why it matters
Several educators told OMN they felt blindsided. For many, the stipends had been a lifeline that helped them stay in the classroom — and the sudden disappearance felt like a betrayal.
Our reporting gave them answers, made the issue visible across the state, and raised key questions about transparency and legislative priorities.
What’s next
We’re continuing to follow responses from area school districts, union leaders and lawmakers as they prepare for the next legislative session. Several educators have asked for policy changes to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Amanda López Askin trusted us with her campaign story — and readers responded
On April 17, Organ Mountain News published an in-depth interview with Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin, who formally launched her campaign for New Mexico Secretary of State. The interview gave López Askin the opportunity to share her vision in her own words — and explain how her work in southern New Mexico has prepared her to lead statewide.
López Askin later told OMN she appreciated the opportunity to share her vision in a thoughtful and accurate way.
"Our county — with its bilingual, immigrant-rich population — is more representative of New Mexico than other parts of the state," López Askin said.
Why it matters
López Askin is the first declared candidate in what’s expected to be a closely watched 2026 race, driven in part by a nationwide focus on election integrity and transparency. Her campaign focuses on voting access, civic education and protecting elections from misinformation — issues that affect every New Mexican.
Organ Mountain News provided a platform for a southern New Mexico candidate to be heard, understood and taken seriously.
What’s next
We’ll continue tracking the Secretary of State race as it develops, interviewing candidates, examining policy positions and making sure voters statewide have access to clear, accurate information.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.