Governor Signs Landmark Bills To Improve Healthcare Affordability And Access For New Mexicans
STATE News:
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Friday signed into law legislation that builds on the administration’s work to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for every New Mexican.
“Delivering quality healthcare to New Mexico’s population requires a tailored approach that takes into account rural communities, New Mexicans benefiting from Medicaid, and the tens of thousands of public employees in our state,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “These are bills that are going to positively impact a vast swath of New Mexicans.”
The governor signed these important Read More
DEA Arrests For Fentanyl Surpass Heroin In FY-2021
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Arrests by the Drug Enforcement Administration for fentanyl offenses exceeded those for heroin offenses for the first time in fiscal year 2021, according to a new Bureau of Justice Statistics report, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioid Offenses in Federal Courts, 2021.
During FY 2021, the DEA made 3,138 arrests for fentanyl, 2,591 arrests for heroin and 676 arrests for other opioid offenses. From FY 2020 to FY 2021, there was a 36% increase in arrests made by the DEA for fentanyl and a 29% decrease in arrests for heroin.
The DEA also reported an increase (1,528 arrests, Read More
The Family YMCA Poster Competition Held For Fighting Heart Disease And Promoting Healthy Living
Poster submittals for staying ‘Heart Smart’ all year round. Courtesy/YMCA
Courtesy/YMCA
YMCA News:
As February (American Heart Month) draws to a close, we would like to celebrate the kids in our community who have submitted their poster in our competition on how to stay, “Heart Smart” all year round.
The Family YMCA gave a challenge earlier this month to our community’s kids (Kindergarten-6th grade) to make posters that creatively teach about ways of fighting heart disease and living a healthy life!
The competition was very close but after much deliberation our judge chose the following: Read More
Skolnik: Measles Rears Its Ugly Head
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
The first vaccine against measles was approved for use in the US in 1963 and the US eliminated measles in 2000. Yet, last week there were 35 cases of measles spread among 15 American states and we will likely see more cases in the near future.
Although our risk of getting measles today in New Mexico is small, there are a number of reasons why measles should be of concern to all of us:
- Measles is among the most contagious diseases in the world. It is caused by a virus that is spread in the air and by contact with nasal and throat secretions from infected people. The virus can also
Health Department: Older Adults Now Eligible For Additional Dose Of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine In New Mexico
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — In response to the endorsement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is urging adults aged 65 and older to receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose for enhanced protection against severe outcomes of the virus.
“Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH. “An additional vaccine dose can provide Read More
LANL: Recycling Old Electrical Devices Minimizes Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Eco-Footprint
In a project that rounded up more than 100 of Los Alamos National Laboratory’s legacy electrical devices no longer in use — all of which contained oil and some that contained the now-banned chemical compound known as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs — one non-negotiable prevailed. The devices must be recycled, rather than buried in a landfill, which is what LANL project owners told interested bidders. Read the full article here. Courtesy/LANL Read More
New Mexico Environment Department Enforcement Watch Alert: 333 Actions Initiated, 13 Resolved In February 2024
NMED News:
SANTA FE— The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) released updates for the month of February 2024 on the Enforcement Watch.
The Enforcement Watch is a listing of all active and resolved enforcement cases. Active cases involve an alleged violation of a regulation, rule, permit, license, etc. Resolved cases are those that were adjudicated in court of law or administratively resolved.
The Enforcement Watch also provides tools for the public to report alleged environmental or workplace safety violations.
In the month of February, 333 new entries were added to the Active Matters Read More
Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Colonoscopies
By NEAL E. RAKOV
MD, FACP, AGAF
Gastroenterologist at Los Alamos Medical Center
Have you had your colonoscopy? If you’re 45 or older, you’ve probably heard this question from someone you know – a doctor, a family member, or a health-conscious friend. More than 50,000 people die from colon cancer each year in the United States, and the disease may not have early symptoms. That’s why most people should talk with their provider about a colonoscopy once they reach the age of 45.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Even if your first colonoscopy is decades away, it’s important to know what to Read More
100+ Women Who Care Donates $3,000 To LARSO In Support Of Low Vision Program
During the 100+ Women Who Care event held Feb. 1 at SALA Event Center, Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) Executive Director Jacci Gruninger discusses her non-profit organization and its desire to assist low vision seniors with special outings to area concerts and the purchase of low vision games to begin hosting game nights at the Los Alamos and White Rock senior centers. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Liddie Martinez, Enterprise Bank & Trust President – Los Alamos Region & Director of Community Engagement, serving as emcee for the first 100+ Women Read More
2024 NM Mission Of Mercy Large-Scale Free Dental Clinic Coming To Northern New Mexico April 26-27
COMMUNITY News:
The New Mexico Mission of Mercy (NM MOM), a free two-day clinic providing free, high-quality dental and medical services to underserved New Mexicans is set for April 26-27, 2024 in the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
This event is completely volunteer driven and made possible because of the generous support of sponsors and volunteers. This is a chance for New Mexicans to participate in the largest charity event in New Mexico. To join thousand of other volunteers in helping provide underserved New Mexicans with free dental care, click here.
To learn more about this event, Read More
Los Alamos High School Key Clubbers Work With JJAB On Fentanyl Harm Reduction
Los Alamos High School Key Club President Rebecca Li, right, on behalf of the LAHS Key Club, presents a check to JJAB Executive Director Rachel Mohr-Richards for the ‘How to Save a Life’ presentation. Courtesy/LAHS
Key Clubbers raising money for fentanyl harm reduction. Courtesy/LAHS
LAHS News:
Early in her term as President of the Los Alamos High School Key Club, Rebecca Li listened to the school resource officer talk of the dangers of fentanyl and the resultant deaths of young people.
The LAHS Key Clubbers are part of the Southwest District of Key Club International, and while the district Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation To Protect Americans’ Right To Access IVF
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) has cosponsored the Access to Family Building Act, which would protect every American’s right to access in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) services that millions need to have children.
Introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), this legislation would establish a statutory right to access IVF and other ART services, effectively pre-empting any state effort to limit such access and ensuring no hopeful parent—or Read More
New Mexico Health Officials Announce First Reported Pediatric Flu Death Of 2023-24 Season
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announced Wednesday the state’s first reported influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2023-24 flu season.
Regrettably, a child (5-12 years old) in Bernalillo County died from complications associated with influenza (flu). To protect the family’s privacy, NMDOH will not provide any further information regarding this death.
“We at the New Mexico Department of Health express our condolences to the child’s family,” NMDOH Sec. Patrick Allen said. “The flu is common but can cause serious illness and even death. I urge Read More
Heinrich, Colleagues Call For Legislative Solution To Protect Access To Medicare Services
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to advance a legislative solution to support access to Medicare services by avoiding a devastating cut to provider reimbursement rates
Medicare physician payments were cut by 3.4 percent Jan. 1, 2024. The rising cost of practicing medicine has led some health care professionals to limit the number of Medicare patients they serve and exacerbated the already severe health care provider Read More
UNM Weaving Colors: Autism & Native Community March 20
UNM News:
Alexis M. DeLaCruz, Esq. from the Native American Disability Law Center will present from 1-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Title of Session – Know Your Rights: School Discipline
This “know your rights” style presentation will provide attendees with an introduction to the education civil rights laws that protect students with disabilities in their schools, including both NM public and charter schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.
The presentation will ensure attendees understand what school discipline looks like in practice and how to protect Read More
McQuiston: Radon … The Invisible Danger In Your Home
By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
Radon. While maybe not as well-known as it cousins carbon monoxide or natural gas, this colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is just as deadly. Produced naturally from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water, it has been proven to be the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. Studies show that radon can also cause emphysema, hardening of lung tissue, pneumonia, and chromosomal irregularities that lead to birth defects.
You don’t have to live near a power plant or travel to a foreign country to have exposure Read More
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
