Presbyterian Medical Services

Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) is a non-profit provider of health, education and human services in the Southwest of the United States. Founded in 1969, it designs and delivers care in response to identified community needs, and treats patients regardless of their ability to pay. Much of the population it serves lives at or below the federal poverty level.

The organisation operates approximately 100 programmes across New Mexico. These span primary and general medical care, dental care and behavioural health, alongside early childhood education (including the federal Head Start programme), early intervention services, senior services and services for people with developmental disabilities. Health care, education and social support are delivered as an integrated offering rather than as separate strands.

PMS works in partnership with community groups, school districts, local providers, hospitals and government at every level. Its stated focus is on multicultural communities of the Southwest and on designing programmes around needs those communities identify themselves. Roles within such a network are varied - clinical, educational, administrative and community-facing - and the organisation describes the work as demanding but meaningful for those who do it.