QUICK SUMMARY
The University of New Mexico College of Nursing trains nurse-midwives to address the acute need for maternal care in rural areas, particularly among Indigenous communities. Nichele Salazar, a graduate and Jicarilla Apache, emphasizes the importance of midwives in providing comprehensive support for mothers and children in maternity deserts.
The University of New Mexico College of Nursing is addressing the pressing need for midwives in rural New Mexico, where maternal health care is scarce. Nichele Salazar, a Jicarilla Apache and graduate of the program, stresses the vital role midwives play in supporting mothers and families in these areas. "Midwives actually help fill the gap in areas that are maternity deserts," she noted, pointing to the challenges faced in tribal communities. Salazar's approach integrates traditional healing with Western medicine, providing a comprehensive care model for women. She emphasizes that mothers often neglect their own well-being while caring for their families, making midwifery essential for community health. Salazar encourages more Indigenous women to enter the profession, stating, "We need more midwives of color." Her efforts aim to close the care gap and improve maternal health outcomes in rural regions. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhance health care access for underserved populations.