MANNM Welcomes Leah Ramos, FNP-C
Leah Ramos, FNP-C
MANNM News:
Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico (MANNM) welcomes Leah Ramos, FNP-C. She graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from the Grand Canyon University in October of 2023.
She has great ties with the Los Alamos, Española and Santa Fe communities with her living in Los Alamos and her experience working at the Presbyterian Hospital and the College of Nursing.
MANNM is sad to announce the departure of Susan Skelton, saying, “We are grateful for her care and dedication to her patients and MANNM over the years, and we wish her luck in her new adventures.”
Susan Skelton, Read More
Chamber Of Commerce To Host Community Meet & Greet At Los Alamos Assisted Living Monday Feb. 26
CHAMBER News:
The community is invited to a Meet & Greet at Los Alamos Assisted Living, hosted by the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce 1-3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26.
Los Alamos Assisted Living, formerly known as Aspen Ridge, is at 1010 Sombrillo Court.
The new management team from Canyon Creek Healthcare will be on hand at Monday’s event to meet community members. Melissa Martinez is the executive director for Los Alamos Assisted Living. She has 35 years of experience in the medical field, including Long Term, Assisted Living, Home Health, Hospice, and Hospital. Martinez was general manager Read More
Op/Ed: Shared Grief
By DAVID CREMER
Los Alamos
My wonderful wife is a hospice nurse who has had the profound privilege of taking care of and comforting hundreds of patients as their journey on this earth came to an end. She often heard very poignant stories from her patients during their last days. She heard one of those stories from a retired Los Alamos police officer she was taking care of. It was a story that brought heartfelt tears to both her and the old officer as they talked.
Her relationship with her new patient began in the normal way. She came into his home, introduced herself, and started assessing the health Read More
Heinrich Joins Bipartisan Letter Urging HHS To Renew Efforts To Increase Cervical Cancer Screening Rates
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and 9 colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging the administration to renew its efforts to increase cervical cancer screening rates.
Data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) shows that cervical cancer incidence in women under the age of 50 has been increasing in recent years, in particular for Hispanic and Tribal communities. In light of these increases in cancer rates, the letter reiterates Read More
Mesa To Mesa Receives Grant From Blue Cross Blue Shield Of New Mexico For Its Low-Income Home Repair Program
Mesa to Mesa, in collaboration with NM Ramp Project and Global Volunteers, build and install a much-needed ramp for a client with mobility issues. Courtesy photo
MESA TO MESA News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Mesa to Mesa announced that it recently received a $20,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico’s (BCBCNM) Blue Impact SM initiative. The grant will support Mesa to Mesa’s Home Repair from the Heart Program.
Mesa to Mesa provides no-cost home repairs to low-income homeowners, many of whom are elderly or disabled and living in rural locations. The organization collaborates with volunteers Read More
Dannemann: Medical Leave Might Not Work For Ranches
By MERILEE DANNEMANN
Triple Spaced Again
© 2024 New Mexico News Services
Do you think there is workers’ comp insurance coverage on the Yellowstone Ranch? What about paid family and medical leave?
The fictional Yellowstone Ranch is the spectacular starring location of the “Yellowstone” TV series, now running on CBS after first being aired on a streaming network. The show is a 21st-century Western, replete with cowboys, cattle, horses and modern intrigue. People get injured in every episode.
In the last episode of Season 3, several people get shot, but I am more curious about Jimmy, the incompetent Read More
Paid Family And Medical Leave Narrowly Fails House Vote
Rep. Tara Lujan, D-Santa Fe, reacts after the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act failed to pass the house Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Photo by Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican
Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, one of the sponsors of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, speaks on behalf of her bill on the House Floor Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Photo by Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican
By ROBERT NOTT
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Advocates for a state-run paid family leave program came closer than ever this year to getting something passed in the Legislature, but at the end of the day they were Read More
Heinrich Issues Statement On Vote To Strengthen National Security, Deliver Support To Democratic Allies
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement after voting to support an aid package that would strengthen America’s national security by delivering aid to U.S. allies in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific and humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
“I am pleased the Senate has finally passed bipartisan legislation that will support Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend their democracy against Vladimir Putin’s war and deliver aid to Israel and innocent civilians in Gaza. Supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom and standing Read More
Life After 50: 10 Years And Counting…
The CCO of Pet Pangaea (Crescent) gives Vets With Pets program 2 paws up! Courtesy photo
Village Arts has Taylor Swift coloring books to purchase while dropping off pet supplies. Courtesy photo
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Champions of Youth Ambitions
Our non-profit, Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) will celebrate 10 years in June of 2024.
This year our non-profit will have several new additions to our programs in an attempt to give back. Our goals are to educate community members and provide resources for them to help someone they know who they believe is struggling.
This spring we will start Read More
HHS Approves New Mexico’s Request To Expand Access To Critical Behavioral Health Services Through Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra
CMS News:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), approved a proposal from New Mexico for community-based mobile crisis intervention teams to provide Medicaid crisis services.
Wednesday’s announcement is the latest in HHS’ ongoing efforts to support President Biden’s whole-of-government strategy to transform mental health services for all Americans — a key part of the President’s Unity Agenda.
New Mexico is the 15th state to expand access to community-based mental health and Read More
Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill Passes New Mexico House
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
STATE News:
- New program would raise awareness for healthcare resources and programs
available to veterans and service members
SANTA FE – The New Mexico House of Representatives on Saturday passed House Bill 298, which would establish the Service Members and Veterans Suicide Prevention Program.
This new program would aim to reduce suicide deaths among New Mexico’s service members and veterans by raising awareness of the issue and improving access to suicide prevention, behavioral health, and mental health resources.
“New Mexico tragically Read More
Health Of New Mexicans To Be Center Stage At Roundhouse
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — Efficient and innovative ways to improve the health of all New Mexicans will be highlighted at the New Mexico Legislature at the 9th Annual Public Health Day at the State Capitol 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 12.
Threads of Wellness: A Tapestry of Public Health is this year’s theme to highlight the intricate fabric of public health, enriched by the wisdom of the Indigenous perspective. Public Health Day will showcase DOH’s programs and services and the efforts of community organizations statewide to better provide broad health care opportunities for all people statewide. Read More
Heinrich Leads Bipartisan Letter To FDA Urging Agency To Take Necessary Steps To Tackle Opioid Epidemic
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Friday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, along with Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Angus King (I-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), led a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to include Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), specifically buprenorphine and methadone, in its List of Essential Medicines, an action that would significantly help health care providers Read More
House Passes Bill To Stabilize Healthcare Affordability Fund
House Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — The House of Representatives approved important legislation Thursday to ensure affordable health insurance plans remain available for tens of thousands of New Mexicans by a bipartisan vote of 51-14.
House Bill 7 would allow for ongoing, stable distributions to the Healthcare Affordability Fund, so the important programs it funds can continue.
The Affordability Fund, which was created in 2021, has helped tens of thousands of New Mexicans afford quality health insurance coverage on the Exchange and created an avenue for thousands Read More
LAMC Announces Next Quarter Of Employee Champions!
Los Alamos Medical Center congratulates Cassandra Robinson, left, and Lana Vigil on being named Employee Champions. Courtesy/LAMC
LAMC News:
Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) is congratulating Cassandra Robinson and Lana Vigil on being named Employee Champions of the Quarter for the final two quarters of 2023. The pair was recently honored at a beautiful celebratory breakfast. This program is the hospital’s way to recognize exceptional employees who uphold their core values.
Robinson is a highly knowledgeable IT Support Tech who is kind, patient and always willing to follow up to ensure Read More
NM House Passes Prescription Drug Transparency Act
Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque)
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass House Bill 33, the Prescription Drug Transparency Act, which would increase price transparency within the prescription drug supply chain.
HB 33 would require manufacturers, health insurers, pharmacy benefits managers, and pharmacy services administrative organizations to report prescription drug prices and trends to the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) annually.
OSI would then compile an annual report on its findings, present it Read More
Skolnik: Reducing The Harms Of Alcohol In New Mexico – Critical Next Steps
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
The House Taxation and Revenue Committee will decide in the next few days between two bills that address alcohol. One is evidence-based and takes account of best practice and would likely be very helpful in reducing alcohol consumption and raising additional revenues to address the harms of alcohol. The other bill is not based on best practice and would either lower the costs of alcohol for some groups, leading to an increase in consumption, or provide the alcohol industry with a $50 million windfall. I have just sent the letter below to the Committee. It takes account Read More
DEA Announces $19 Million Settlement With Morris & Dickson Co. On Failure To Report Thousands Of Unusually Large Orders Of Oxycodone And Hydrocodone
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced a settlement with pharmaceutical distributor Morris & Dickson Co., LLC for failing to maintain effective controls against diversion of controlled substances, including failure to report to DEA thousands of unusually large orders of oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Morris & Dickson, which owned and operated two distribution centers registered with the DEA as distributors of Schedules II-V controlled substances, has admitted to all wrongdoing previously determined by the DEA Administrator and will Read More
Los Alamos Senior Center & The Family YMCA Collaborate To Help Seniors Get Fit
LARSO News:
Envisioning a senior strength training is pretty far from the vision of a senior sitting in a rocking chair. However, lifting weights is important for anyone over 60.
Did you know that after 50, muscle tone declines by 15 percent each decade, and eventually you become more prone to poor balance and falling. In fact, falls and fractures are one of the main causes for hospitalization for seniors. When a senior falls, it is the gateway to losing their independence. All seniors should consider Read More
State’s Health Councils Facing Loss In Funds Provide Boots-On-The-Ground Approach
Ninety-year-old Anacita Tenorio works through tai chi forms during a class at the Santo Domingo Pueblo Senior Center on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. The class, taught by Eric Bailon, falls under the Health Organization Partnership Advisory Coalition — Santo Domingo’s health council. Jim Weber/The New Mexican
By GABRIELLE PORTER
The Santa Fe New Mexican
When Timothy Eric Bailon was hired in 2021 to run point on a program trying to cut back on the risk of elder falls in Santo Domingo Pueblo, a single memory came rushing back to him.
It was from 2016, when Bailon was working a stint as a tribal official on
