Skolnik: Fall Vaccine Season – Valuable Summary Information
Courtesy/Skolnik
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
Ideally, members of our local community would already have had a chance to discuss with their primary care providers the recommendations for who should get the RSV, COVID, and influenza vaccines and when. However, this is highly unlikely. In addition, some people do not have a primary care provider or lack the financial resources to seek such advice on this matter.
In this light, please see the graphic above that summarizes information about who is eligible for the RSV, influenza, and COVID vaccines, the “protection” they provide, and what the Read More
‘Ask A Therapist’ Event To Address Youth Depression
The County’s Social Services Division is hosting ‘Ask A Therapist’ event Sept. 28. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County’s Social Services Division is hosting a free event ‘Ask A Therapist’ in partnership with Los Alamos Public Schools, Los Alamos County Municipal Court, JJAB (Juvenile Justice Advisory Board) and SALA Los Alamos.
The event is aimed at addressing the critical issue of youth depression and anxiety and is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 28 at the SALA Event Center, 2551 Central Ave. It is the last in the “Mental Health Matters” series scheduled throughout September. Read More
Senators Luján And Menendez Urge FCC & EPA To Address Public Health Threats Posed By Toxic Lead Cables
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
From the Office of U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) sent letters to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based on recent media reports on the potential public health threat of lead-sheathed telecommunications cables. The 18-month long investigation by the Wall Street Journal found that a nationwide network of lead-sheathed cables—remnants of legacy telecom networks—are potentially leaching dangerous levels of toxic lead into Read More
Serna Solutions, LLC Opens Satellite Office In Los Alamos
SERNA SOLUTIONS News:
Serna Solutions, LLC has announced that it has opened a new satellite office in Los Alamos. Serna Solutions also has offices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
Since 2003, Serna Solutions has provided clinical counseling services to individuals, couples and families with a variety of challenges. Through years of service, the company has found that the best way to help people activate their own resources for insight and change is through an integrative style that is non- confrontational yet challenging.
SERNA SOLUTIONS News:
Serna Solutions said, “We blend evidence-based Read More
Introducing National Federation Of The Blind Of New Mexico
By JANET MONTOYA
President At Large Chapter
NFBNM
As the president of the At Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico, (NFBNM). I would like to introduce you to this empowering organization. The members of this organization are productive and active citizens, supporting businesses and providing services to the community. The National Federation of the Blind is the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people, and has the power, influence, diversity, and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because Read More
Screenagers Under The Influence Shows Thursday At SALA
LAPS News:
Screenagers Under the Influence will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 at SALA as part of the Mental Health Matters series.
All Mental Health Matters series events are free to the public.
This is a new release that examines the impact of our digital age on teens’ decision making in relation to substances such as vaping, alcohol, drugs and gaming. The film explores the latest research, highlights the personal experiences of teens and families, acknowledges the changing landscape of the substances themselves, and offers solutions for how we can best empower teens as they face Read More
Community Conversations Presents: ‘Fentanyl Awareness – Overdose Recognition & Response’ Online Training Sept. 27
COMMUNITY News:
The community is invited to attend an online webinar to learn about fentanyl overdose recognition and response 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27.
This event, with Bernie Lieving, the statewide overdose prevention education coordinator, will discuss myths vs. facts of fentanyl, signs of substance abuse and addiction and your rights as a responder.
No prior registration is required to attend.
Community members who would like to have NARCAN® naloxone nasal spray can pick up the product for free from the Social Services Office (1183 Diamond Dr. # E) or Municipal Court (2500 Trinity Read More
LAMC Celebrates 41 Years Of Dedication By Lori Coffelt
Lori Coffelt has worked at LAMC since 1982. Courtesy/LAMC
From Los Alamos Medical Center:
At Los Alamos Medical Center, we are blessed to have so many fantastic team members who are committed to our mission of making communities healthier and who live our core values each and every day.
The following is the second in a Q&A series highlighting several dedicated LAMC employees who have served our communities for decades. This week, the employee we are featuring up is Lori Coffelt, Risk Manager, who has worked at our hospital since 1982.
Question: Can you tell us a little bit about your first role Read More
Hunger Action Month Urges Community To Join Movement To End Hunger Through Donating, Advocating And Volunteering
FOOD DEPOT News:
SANTA FE — The Food Depot is joining with Feeding America and food banks across the United States for Hunger Action Month, a time to come together to help provide healthy meals for our communities.
Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive and in every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet, The Food Depot needs your support as demand for emergency food services is higher than ever. In FY 22-23, Northern New Mexico’s food bank distributed 8 million meals, 660,000 meals a month, to communities across a 26,000-mile service Read More
Dr. E. Arthur Dreskin Distinguished Endowed Lecture: Defining And Treating Long-COVID With Dr. Upinder Singh Online Sept. 21
Dr. Upinder Singh
SOMG News:
An estimated 7.7 million to 23 million Americans have developed Long-COVID after being infected with the virus, according to The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Long COVID is a condition that occurs when patients still have symptoms at least four weeks after they have cleared the infection. In some cases, symptoms may be experienced for months or years.
Dr. Upinder Singh, a professor of microbiology and immunology and an infectious disease expert, will be the Dr. E. Arthur Dreskin Distinguished Endowed Lecture speaker at the USC School of Medicine Read More
Skolnik: West Nile And New Mexico – What Is The New Mexico Department Of Health Doing?
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
Although the burden of disease and deaths from West Nile virus is low, this disease still concerns people, especially when infected birds die and are found on or around school grounds, among other places.
To date, we have received no communications from the NM Department of Health or Los Alamos County about what either is doing to address West Nile virus in either Los Alamos or in the state.
In this light, I wrote to the Deputy Secretary of Health, Dr. Laura Parajon, about this matter and she kindly passed my questions on to Dr. Chad Smelzer, the Deputy State Epidemiologist. Read More
NNMC Welcomes National Latino Behavioral Health Association Thursday
NNMC News:
ESPAÑOLA — The National Latino Behavioral Health Association’s Connecting Our Voices invites the community to the premiere of our Summer Youth Interns’ 2023 Public Service Announcement premiere and roundtable at the Northern New Mexico College Center for the Arts.
A light lunch and networking opportunity will begin at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, followed by the PSA viewing and roundtable Q&A.
These powerful PSAs were created by youth for youth and focus on substance abuse prevention and mental health awareness. Interns from the Summer 2023 cohort ranged in age Read More
U.S. Senators Luján & Sullivan Introduce Legislation To Honor September As National Recovery Month
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced today, the Honoring National Recovery Month Act to provide a dedicated funding stream to support National Recovery Month activities.
Individuals with substance use disorder can and do recover, and there are more than 21 million people in the U.S. who are in recovery.
During National Recovery Month, which is observed each September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) celebrates recovery, engages and educates the public Read More
County Reminder To Protect Against Flu, COVID-19, RSV
COUNTY News:
As the community transitions into the fall season, officials with the Los Alamos County’s Social Services division urge citizens to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from the ongoing threats of influenza (flu), COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Taking protective steps goes a long way in keeping kids in school, seniors active in the community, businesses open to the public and everyone able to enjoy the coming holiday seasons.
Flu Season Approaches: Get Vaccinated
The flu season typically coincides with the Read More
New Mexico Governor Announces Statewide Enforcement Plan For Gun Violence, Fentanyl Reduction
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Friday a new public health order that outlines immediate actions aimed at quickly reducing gun violence and illegal drug use in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
The recent shooting deaths of a 13-year-old girl July 28, a 5-year-old girl Aug. 14 and an 11-year-old boy Sept. 6, as well as two mass shootings this year spurred the governor to declare gun violence a public health emergency on Thursday. The public health order includes directives to curb the gun violence and drug abuse that the Governor has declared to be public health emergencies. Read More
Los Alamos County Council Proclaims September 2023 National Suicide Prevention Month
Councilor Randall Ryti presents a proclamation declaring September 2023 National Suicide Prevention Month in Los Alamos County to Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen, left, and Social Services Manager Jessica Strong, during Tuesday night’s Council meeting. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council presented a proclamation, which recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month, during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Councilor Randall Ryti read the proclamation:
WHEREAS, Los Alamos County’s Social Services division is raising awareness of mental health and Read More
New Study Of ‘Medicaid Forward’ Proposal Projects Major Leap In Coverage And Significant Savings For New Mexicans
New Mexico House Democrats News:
SANTA FE — A new study of “Medicaid Forward”, a proposed plan to provide quality, affordable health care plans on an income-based sliding scale, projects that between 407,000 and 542,000 New Mexicans would select the plan, including up to 142,000 uninsured.
The study also shows that implementation of the plan could create billions of dollars in savings across households and businesses in the state.
“Medicaid Forward is a path to provide more New Mexicans with coverage they can afford and to give employers more breathing room to reinvest in their businesses Read More
Antoinette Vigil Named Deputy Secretary Of New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department
Deputy Secretary Antoinette Vigil
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) announces that Antoinette Vigil has joined the department as Deputy Cabinet Secretary.
Vigil comes to ALTSD after serving as the Deputy Cabinet Secretary at the Tourism Department since 2019. She brings 20+ years of public service at the state, municipal and county levels, in varied levels of administration of projects and programs. In addition to her tenure at the Tourism Department, Vigil also served as a Director of Economic, Business and Tourism Development for Sandoval Read More
LAMC Hosting Free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Sept. 30
LAMC News:
Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) is hosting a free community flu shot clinic from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the hospital at 3917 West Road.
The flu vaccine will be administered in a drive-thru configuration that will not require people to get out of their vehicle. This clinic is for ages 18 and older only; children will not be inoculated. High-dose vaccines will be available for those who are 65 and older.
Attendees are asked to follow the signage at the hospital and follow instructions to receive their free vaccination. While this is a first-come, first-serve clinic, hundreds Read More
Community Forum On Global Health Sunday Sept. 10
Richard Skolnik
Community News:
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- “The health of anyone, anywhere is the health of everyone, everywhere.”
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A Community Forum on Global Health will be presented by Richard Skolnik of White Rock, 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10 at Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, 1738 North Sage St.
Skolnik will explain why Global Health is so important, citing health, social, economic and ethical reasons. He will use examples from COVID to highlight why people should care more now about Global Health than before. He also will offer suggestions about measures that concerned people can take to ensure that more people Read More
