UNM's Project ECHO expands global impact, improves outcomes across sectors

At The University of New Mexico, Project ECHO continues to expand its reach, applying its collaborative model to improve outcomes across healthcare, education and communities worldwide.

The expansion is highlighted in the latest episode of It's Probably Not Rocket Science, "Part Two: Project ECHO helping improve outcomes worldwide," which explores how the program has evolved beyond its original focus and continues to scale across sectors.

Originally developed to improve access to specialty care, Project ECHO now includes more than 30 programs in the healthcare space alone, addressing issues such as behavioral health, opioid use disorder, hepatitis C and diabetes.

"There are over 30 ECHO programs just in the healthcare space," said Dr. Matt Bouchonville, an endocrinologist involved with Project ECHO.

In recent years, the model has expanded into additional areas, including education initiatives focused on literacy and student success, as well as programs addressing agriculture, public safety and civic engagement. The model's adaptability allows communities to apply it across disciplines while maintaining a shared approach to problem-solving.

"It's such a simple model… these virtual communities that are easy to apply to a number of different spaces and to scale," Bouchonville said.

As discussed in the episode, Project ECHO is also evolving to support systems-level improvements. In New Mexico, partnerships with state leadership are helping improve coordination around social drivers of health through shared referral systems and increased collaboration across organizations.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the program emphasizes local expertise and shared learning. Participants bring real-world challenges into discussions, creating solutions that reflect the needs of their communities.

"We're not showing up to say we have the answer," said Andrea Zyrowski, a nurse and diabetes educator with Project ECHO. "We're saying you have the answer, and here's a vehicle to amplify it."

That approach has guided Project ECHO's international growth. In Latin America, the program works with local universities, ministries of health and community partners to support region-specific solutions and strengthen access to care in underserved areas.

The model also allows for knowledge sharing across regions. Lessons learned internationally, including strategies for leveraging limited resources, are now informing efforts in rural New Mexico, particularly in communities with limited healthcare infrastructure.

"We learn as much from our partners as what we contribute," Zyrowski said.

Ongoing research remains a key component of the program's growth. Current initiatives include a large-scale diabetes trial in New Mexico examining clinical outcomes and patient engagement across rural clinics.

Beyond measurable outcomes, program leaders say the model also strengthens connections among providers, helping reduce isolation and improve retention.

"It really adds to the joy of work," Bouchonville said.

As Project ECHO continues to expand globally, its core mission remains the same: connecting people, sharing knowledge and improving outcomes through collaboration.

To listen to It's Probably Not Rocket Science, visit podcast.unm.edu, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.