ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico is giving a $500,000 grant to the New Mexico Medical Foundation. Story continues below Podcast: More Seniors & Fewer Children: The Future of New Mexico Crime: Albuquerque man with lengthy criminal history back behind bars Community: Holiday film, created in New Mexico, premieres at beginning of December News: New Mexico cannabis industry may soon experience major shift in policy enforcement This grant would help individually owned physician practices across the state recruit and retain healthcare professionals. The company says the money will go toward signing and retention bonuses, moving costs for physicians relocating, salary assistance and loan repayment support. This comes as Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico says the state ranks among the lowest in the nation for physician to population ratios. Earlier this year the organization also gave $500,000 to New Mexico State University to support the school of nursing and cover student scholarships.