New Mexico Health Department addresses data security incident with transparency and vigilance

Press Release – From The New Mexico Department of Health

July 31, 2023

SANTA FE – The Department of Health is committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of our residents’ sensitive information. This news release is to inform the public about a recent data security incident that was discovered and promptly addressed to protect the information of those we serve. 

On July 15, 2023, DOH became aware that a file cabinet donated to Habitat for Humanity contained files, potentially exposing certain personal information of a specific group of individuals. Our privacy team acted quickly to contain the breach and prevent any unauthorized access. We also immediately initiated a thorough investigation to understand the full scope of the impact of the incident. 

“We want to reassure the public that protecting your personal data is our top priority,” said Patrick Allen, secretary for DOH. “As part of our response to this incident, we have taken several steps to strengthen our security protocols and enhance our monitoring systems.” 

At this time, we have no evidence to suggest that the exposed data has been misused in any way. However, we are taking every precautionary step to minimize the potential risks and protect those affected. As a proactive measure, we have notified all individuals whose information may have been compromised and are providing them with the resources and guidance on how to safeguard their personal information.  

We are committed to transparency. While we understand the concerns this incident may raise, we are committed to being open and honest throughout this process.  

Our sincere apologies go out to anyone affected by this breach. We understand the importance of your trust and want to reiterate our commitment to safeguarding your data. We remain focused on upholding the highest standards of data security to prevent any future breaches and continue to serve you with dedication and accountability.

If you have questions about this incident please contact Amanda Frazier, chief privacy officer for the New Mexico Department of Health by email at: privacy@doh.nm.gov.