As a family nurse practitioner and the owner of Sandia View Family Medicine, I’ve dedicated my career to helping patients live healthier lives. When my patients are forced to choose between their health, or the health of their family, and their paycheck, I can see the stress and strain that has on their well-being. I support House Bill 11, Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), because it’s a critical tool for protecting the health and well-being of our families.
In my practice, I see the detrimental impact that caregiving and health crises can have on individuals and families. Just recently, I met with a patient whose father was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. She will now become his primary caregiver, on top of already caring for her mother, who has dementia. The weight of these responsibilities has left her with high anxiety and chronic stress — which research shows have negative impacts on long-term health. She is terrified that she will lose her job if she takes time off to care for her parents.
Her story is not unique. Every day, I see patients struggling to balance work, their health and the needs of their loved ones.
This is where PFML comes in. It provides workers with the time and financial support they need to care for themselves or a loved one without the fear of losing their job or income. For my patient, PFML would mean she could focus on her father’s care and her own well-being without the added burden of financial instability. It would give her the breathing room she needs to be present for her family during a critical time.
As a health care provider, I know that recovery and caregiving require time and focus. A patient recovering from surgery can’t heal properly if they’re worried about paying rent. A parent caring for a newborn can’t focus on bonding with their baby if they’re exhausted from working to make ends meet. PFML ensures that families can prioritize health when it matters most, leading to better outcomes for patients and their loved ones.
As a small business owner who employs nine people, I understand the challenges of managing employee absences. I also know that my practice relies on the health and well-being of my team. If one of my employees needs time off to recover from surgery or to care for a family member, I want them to have that opportunity without worrying about their paycheck or their job security. When workers are supported during times of need, they are more likely to return to their jobs healthy and productive, and healthy employees are the backbone of a thriving business.
It gives me peace of mind knowing that for the cost of buying my employees a cup of coffee a week, my team would all have access to such an important safety net. PFML is a prescription for healthier families, a stronger workforce and a more compassionate New Mexico. Let’s pass House Bill 11.
By Anne Gilbert Gomez, family nurse practitioner and owner of Sandia View Family Medicine
Published March 6, 2025
Rio Rancho Observer