Opportunities To Give During Blood Donor Month In January
The Vitalant mobile donation unit is often parked at Smith’s Marketplace. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos
If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community in 2026, how about becoming a blood donor?
Vitalant is the community hub that coordinates a variety of blood drives throughout Los Alamos and White Rock. You can find them at the senior centers, churches, the teen center and occasionally on their mobile unit in either town.
January is National Blood Donor Month and celebrated to honor blood donors and raise awareness about the critical Read More
NMDWS: Texas Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing $160,000 In New Mexico Pandemic Benefits
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Texas man pleaded guilty last week to stealing more than $160,000 in federal unemployment relief funds issued by New Mexico during the pandemic.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the guilty plea by Marc Long — the result of continued work by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) to prosecute pandemic-era fraud.
The case underscores the NMDWS’ continued commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting fraud involving unemployment benefit programs.
“The guilty plea in the Marc Long case sends a clear message: New Mexico has Read More
NM Primary Care Council To Hold Quarterly Meeting Jan. 8
HCA News:
Notice is hereby given that the New Mexico Primary Care Council will convene for a regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 8. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
The public is welcome, and information about how to attend the meeting is below.
Copies of the agenda will be posted and available on the Health Care Authority’s website. Copies may also be obtained by contacting Stakeholder Engagement & Community Coordinator – MAD Zachary Larry at zachary.larry@hca.nm.gov.
An individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified Read More
New Mexico Aging And Long-Term Services Department Marks Year Of Expanded Services For Seniors In 2025
ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Emily Kaltenbach
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — In 2025, the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) advanced a wide range of policies, programs, and partnerships to help older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across the state live with dignity and independence.
“This past year we focused on building systems that work better, reach farther, and put people first,” ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Emily Kaltenbach said. “Every one of these actions reflects what we hear directly from older adults and caregivers: people want support that is accessible, Read More
Federal Office Of Special Education Programs Finds New Mexico Maintains Top National Ranking For Infant Early Intervention
ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky
ECECD News:
SANTA FE — For the third consecutive year, New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) ranks first in the nation for identifying and enrolling babies from birth to 12 months with developmental delays and disabilities, according to the latest federal data released last month.
The rankings, determined by the federal Office of Special Education Programs for 2024, also show New Mexico ranks second in the nation for serving children ages 1-2, behind only Massachusetts.
ECECD’s Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program reaches families Read More
Op-Ed: Legislature Should Pass All 10 Health Care Worker Compacts In 2026
By KRISTINA FISHER
Associate Director
Think New Mexico
The most immediate way that New Mexico lawmakers can expand access to health care is by joining all the interstate compacts for health care workers, which would make it easier for health care professionals who are licensed in other states to care for patients here in New Mexico, including via telehealth.
States that join the doctor compact experience an increase of 10-15 percent in the number of doctors licensed every year.
This probably explains why states keep joining compacts and no state that has joined a compact has ever left. Forty-two Read More
American Medical Association: 10 Health Recommendations
AMA News:
CHICAGO — As the new year quickly approaches, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering 10 recommendations to help Americans make the most impactful, long-lasting improvements to their health in 2026 and beyond.
“With the holiday cookies eaten and those missed workouts officially last year’s worry, the new year is a great chance to refocus on the healthy choices you want to make in 2026,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “Even tiny changes now can snowball into major gains for your long-term health.”
The AMA’s 10 recommendations for a healthier new year, include the Read More
Sandra Salazar Brightens Spirits Of Seniors At Los Alamos Wellness & Rehab Through Adopt-A-Grandparent Program
Mary Kay Independent Consultant Sandra Salazar delivers gifts for residents at Los Alamos Wellness & Rehabilitation on Monday at 1011 Sombillo Court. She is shown here with the facility’s Activity Director Joshua Bloom. This is the 6th year that Salazar has shown this act of kindness to seniors under her ‘Adopt A Grandparent’ program.‘Many seniors don’t have anyone visiting during the holidays and may not receive a gift. This year, the Adopt A Grandparent stockings were filled with items sponsored or donated by customers and businesses, including Mary Kay Mint Bliss foot cream, hand Read More
Governor Awards $20 Million To Expand Rural Primary Care
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Thirty-two rural health care organizations will share $20 million in Rural Health Care Delivery Fund awards to expand primary care services across New Mexico.
The fiscal year 2026 awards support projects that strengthen local health care capacity and improve access to coordinated, person-centered care in underserved areas—from tribal communities in Cibola County to frontier clinics in Catron County.
“We created this fund because rural health care providers were struggling to keep their doors open, let alone expand,” Lujan Grisham said. “These awards will help Read More
New Mexico’s 988 Lifeline Open 24/7 During Holiday Season
New Mexico Health Care Authority News:
- Mental health support is always available
SANTA FE — The 988 New Mexico Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available around the clock throughout the holiday season, offering free support for mental health, emotional, and substance use crises.
“During the holidays, many people are carrying more than usual, and no one should have to go through that alone,” said Kari Armijo, secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “If you need someone to listen, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to connect you with trained counselors and Read More
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Convenes More Than 55 Experts To Create Roadmap For Native Maternal Health Solutions
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, convened more than 55 American Indian, Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Native Hawaiian (NH) maternal health experts and organizations to create a landmark set of five reports outlining the current state of Native maternal health.
The five reports synthesize national findings on maternal mortality, workforce equity, access to health care services, data sovereignty, and funding inequities.
AI/AN people face pregnancy-related Read More
Low-Sensory ‘Noon’ Year’s Eve At White Rock Library
COUNTY News:
The community is invited to chill out midday on New Year’s Eve, removing the need to stay up until midnight. Lean into a low-sensory “Noon” Year’s Eve experience.
At White Rock Branch Library, the County will provide a low-key, self-paced gathering for those of who don’t enjoy loud noises and things falling from the ceiling.
Library staff will have crafts and game stations available for kids who prefer to party at their own pace.
No balloon drop, no loud music; just good vibes celebrating the turning of the calendar year from 2025 to 2026. This event is best for kids ages 4-10 and their Read More
Inspired By Creating Community Through Youth Advocacy
CASA First’s Grace Korthuis and a child play with blocks. Courtesy/CASA First
By GRACE KORTHUIS
CASA First
As a 24-year-old living in Northern New Mexico, it can be difficult to create community. Working at the nonprofit CASA First, I’m inspired by the compassionate community I’m now part of. It includes my colleagues who uplift vulnerable children, and volunteers who inspire me with their care and steadfastness. I feel especially connected to the families and kids whom I get to see grow and heal over time.
Working within the child welfare system is often devastating, especially here in New
Dannemann: Lawyer-Legislator Interferes With Health Care Access
By MERILEE DANNEMANN
Triple Spaced Again
© 2025 by Merilee Dannemann
Katy Duhigg blew up the interstate compacts discussion. Again.
This was a few weeks ago, and the latest news reports indicate that the discussion is back on track. But one critical question is, who put Duhigg on the committee?
The interstate compacts I’m referring to are related to access to healthcare for New Mexicans. Medical professionals, including physicians, can legally practice their profession only in a state where they are licensed. For a doctor licensed in another state to do anything professional in New Mexico, Read More
Community Invited To Super Saturday At LAMC Lobby Shop!
EM-LA Updates Los Alamos County Council On Efforts To Resolve Chromium Plume
Images of EM-LA’s various meetings with stakeholders regarding the hexavalent chromium plume. Courtesy/LAC
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
For more than 20 years, the Department of Energy (DOE) has been attempting to successfully eradicate the hexavalent chromium plume in the aquifer 1,000 feet below Mortandad and Sandia canyons.
Los Alamos County Council learned about DOE’s Environmental Management-Los Alamos Field Office’s (EM-LA) progress on resolving this long-term issue during its Tuesday night meeting.
EM-LA Manager Jessica Kunkle emphasized Read More
New Federal Rules May Affect SNAP Food Benefit Eligibility
NMHCA News:
SANTA FE — About 55,750 New Mexicans will need to work, volunteer or attend training for 80 hours a month to keep receiving SNAP food benefits under the new federal law taking effect Jan. 1, 2026.
These federal mandates, passed by Congress in July, expand work requirements for able-bodied adults to include those ages 55-64, add an exception for Native Americans, and remove exceptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth.
The new law will only begin affecting SNAP eligibility when someone first applies for benefits or renews their case on or after Read More
Los Alamos Community Foundation Provides ABC Suicide Prevention Training To Los Alamos Commerce And Development Corporation Staff
Attending the ABC Suicide Prevention Training session on Nov. 5, from left, Trainer Dawnmarie Shipley, Discover Los Alamos staff Paul Grubel, Ambassador Program Manager Jennifer Armstrong, LACDC Executive Director Lauren McDaniel, Building Manager Clarice Rodriguez, Discover Los Alamos Director Melanie Pena, Discover Los Alamos staff Annie Kuiper. Not pictured Program Manager and Anchorum Fellow for the LACF Brandi Weiss. Photo by Brandi Weiss
LACF News:
The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) organized and facilitated an ABC Suicide Prevention Training session on Nov. 5,
Public Health Offices Closed Christmas And New Year’s Day
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — State public health offices and administrative offices will close at 12 p.m. noon, Wednesday, Dec. 24 and be closed Thursday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas and again the following Thursday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
All New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) offices will reopen as regularly scheduled the following Fridays of Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.
New Mexicans can call the NMDOH Helpline, 1.833.SWNURSE (1.833.796.8773) or text the Helpline at 66364 (NMDOH) during regular business hours throughout the holiday season, including both Christmas and New Read More
State Launches Campaign To ‘Do The Loving Thing’
NMHCA News:
SANTA FE — A new statewide public awareness campaign encourages parents to support their children by paying child support, with television and radio ads launching this month.
The Health Care Authority’s Child Support Services Division (CSSD) is airing “Do the Loving Thing” ads in English and Spanish beginning this December for 12 months through the New Mexico Broadcasters Association’s Public Education Program.
Last year, the Child Support program collected $119 million in collections with 65 percent of payments coming through wage withholding Read More