Mission: Ronald McDonald House Charities® of New Mexico (RMHC-NM) provides comfort, care and a home-away-from-home for families whose children are in medical treatment. Since 1982, the mission of RMHC-NM has remained constant and is not duplicated. RMHC-NM began providing temporary lodging and support services to hospitalized children and their families in October 1982. By December 1985, it had grown from the original eight rooms to 18, 10 baths, a large living room, two solariums, larger laundry and two kitchens. Over the years, the House changed to best meet the growing needs of our community. In 2008, the latest expansion doubled the size of the House to 30 family guestrooms and much larger public space. In 2021, in response to the growing need for our services, we opened our second House. The Highlands House, located inside a SpringHill Suites by Marriott, across the street from Presbyterian hospital, is the first of its kind in the world. Since we opened our doors, more than 50,000 families have called our Houses a home. In October 2007, RMHC-NM opened a Ronald McDonald Family Room at UNM Children’s Hospital. This program provides a respite room for families of pediatric in-patients. Over 600 family members visit the Family Room each month. A second Ronald McDonald Family Room will open at Presbyterian Hospital in April 2013. In addition to the respite space, this Family Room will also house four sleeping rooms to allow parents of pediatric patients to sleep overnight. The Ronald McDonald House plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to the best pediatric care in the region, particularly for under-served families.