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Category: Community News Community News
Published: 26 August 2017 26 August 2017

ila barker service recognized rs(From left to right) Carmen Acosta, HMS Board Chair, Ila Barker, April Hunter, HMS Senior Services Program Manager, and Dan Otero, HMS Chief Executive Officer at the August 2017 HMS Board of Directors monthly meeting.Silver City, NM (August 25, 2017) – After representing Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) for more than 8 years, and after serving Hidalgo County seniors for more than 36 years, Ila Barker was recognized for her service to the community by the HMS Board of Directors and Leadership at their August 2017 monthly meeting.

According to April Hunter, HMS Senior Services Program Manager, "Over the past 36 years, Ila has dedicated her professional life to the needs of Hidalgo County Seniors. In May 2017, Ila was selected to be this year's 'Mother of the Year.' This award, presented by seniors at the HMS Ena Mitchell Senior Citizens Center, honored Ila's years of service to the community's senior program. Hidalgo County seniors and HMS employees will miss Ila very much." Added Dan Otero, HMS Chief Executive Officer, "Ila's positive attitude and tremendous efforts over many years have positively impacted numerous lives, including those of her three children, 10 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. HMS greatly values the contributions of its employees, and everyone at HMS wishes Ila the very best on this next chapter of her life."

Barker began working in senior programming in 1978 with the Hidalgo Commission on Aging. Starting as a part-time bookkeeper, she quickly began mastering a number of different roles and responsibilities. After a few years, she accepted a Director position. Most recently, Barker served as HMS Site Program Specialist for the HMS Ena Mitchell Senior Citizens Center in Lordsburg.

HMS provides comprehensive primary care, mental health, dental, family support, and senior services at multiple locations in both Hidalgo and Grant counties. Please visit www.hmsnm.org to learn more.