SANTA FE— Governor Bill Richardson today highlighted the news that health information technology efforts in New Mexico have received a $13 million boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Lovelace Clinic Foundation, which is the states designated entity for health information exchange and efforts to expand the use health information technology, has received two grants, including:

A grant of more than $7 million to promote a health information exchange

• A grant of more than $7 million to promote a health information exchange
• A grant of more than $6 million to promote a health information technology regional extension center

Both awards promote and support the expansion of greater use of health information technology and electronic medical records, which can save patients time, lower costs and improve the quality of health care.

"This is great news for the citizens of New Mexico," Governor Richardson said. "Our state is moving forward to ensure that New Mexico has the best and most cost-effective health care system possible. Health information technology is a cornerstone of my vision for meaningful reform."

The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Office of Recovery and Reinvestment helped coordinate the application process. Other partners to be involved in this effort include the New Mexico Medical Review Association, the New Mexico Primary Care Association, and HealthXnet.

The health information exchange would facilitate the exchange of electronic medical records among physicians, saving time and money for patients and doctors, and improving the quality of care.

The regional extension center would create a new support system for doctors and clinics switching to electronic records, especially for small and rural practices.