Altrusa International, Inc of Ruidoso, NM
Service Projects

Annual Low-Cost Mammograms

Our Annual Low-Cost Mammogram Program serves Lincoln County women between the ages of 30 and 64. Partnering with Lincoln County Medical Center, Altrusans work to perform many of the tasks normally performed by hospital personnel. Through this collaboration, the Medical Center is able to provide routine screening mammograms at a reduced rate, and Altrusa pays for a portion, so that we are able to offer mammograms for $35.

Since the program began in 1988, more than 300 women have been served annually in most years. Due to the rising cost of healthcare, the program has unfortunately been reduced to 150 mammograms. It is offered annually during the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Scholarships for Returning Students

Altrusa provides scholarships for non-traditional students. Each year we help adult students who have interrupted their education due to life’s demands and now wish to continue working towards their degree. Applicants who are now ready and able to continue college work often do not have scholarship opportunities. There are many programs available for high school graduates for example, but few that specifically target older students. Without the help of a program like ours, many deserving individuals would be unable to reach their potential.

Books for Head Start Children

Three times a year, Altrusa partners with Lincoln County Literacy Council to provide books for children in the Head Start programs in Ruidoso, Hondo, Capitan and Mescalero. Altrusans read the books to the children, then distribute one book for each child to take home. Our hope is that we can encourage these children to love reading.

Support for HEAL, Lincoln County Food Bank and others

Altrusa International of Ruidoso is able, through our fund-raising efforts, to offer support to many of the charitable agencies in Lincoln County.