Rep. Joseph Sanchez Introduces Legislation To Tackle New Mexico’s Chronic Shortage Of Health Care Providers
Rep. Joseph Sanchez
New Mexico House of Representatives News:
SANTA FE – Dist. 40 Rep. Joseph Sanchez, D-Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel & Taos, has introduced legislation to tackle New Mexico’s chronic shortage of health care providers.
The Medical Recruitment Provider Trust Bill would ensure that every New Mexican has access to medical care through either a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Many New Mexico residents struggle to access basic health care because of a shortage of doctors, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses and midwives, especially Read More
Gubernatorial Candidate Bregman On Legislative Session
Sam Bregman
By SAM BREGMAN
Gubernatorial Candidate
New Mexico
As the Governor and Legislature prepare for New Mexico’s annual legislative session, their two priorities should be clear: protecting New Mexicans from the consequences of the Trump Administration’s policies and safeguarding the health, education, and public safety of every child and family in our state.
The Governor and Legislature took important action by passing emergency funding to address federal healthcare cuts enacted by Trump and the GOP. They also passed free universal child care, easing financial pressure on thousands
January Is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month
NMHCA News:
SANTA FE — As New Mexico observes Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month in January, the state is highlighting continued declines in overdose and suicide deaths, alongside ongoing efforts to expand access to treatment, prevention, and crisis response services.
“January is a time of renewal, and it’s also a reminder that healing can begin at any moment,” said Nick Boukas, behavioral health services division director at the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “We want every person to know that treatment works, support is available, and recovery is not only possible, but also happening Read More
Permian Strategic Partnership And Philanthropic Partners Launch Infant Tele-Audiology Clinics In Artesia And Hobbs
HEALTHCARE News:
The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) today announced the expansion of access to critical early hearing detection and intervention services for infants and families across Southeast New Mexico. Two new infant tele-audiology clinics, located in Artesia and Hobbs, will be operated by the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD).
The Hobbs clinic is supported through a partnership between the JF Maddox Foundation and the PSP, while the Artesia clinic is funded by the PSP in collaboration with the Written in Red Foundation, John A. Yates & Charlotte G. Yates Legacy Foundation Read More
Los Alamos Medical Center Announces Retirement Of Vicki Martinez And Honors Her For 20 Years Of Dedication
On her retirement Los Alamos Medical Center’s Vicki Martinez with Interim CEO Tony Young. Courtesy/LAMC
LAMC News:
After more than 20 incredible years at Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC), the hospital has bid a heartfelt farewell to Vicki Martinez as she begins her well-deserved retirement. Martinez has been a cornerstone of the LAMC hospital family, serving as the Executive Assistant in Administration for most of her tenure.
If you’ve ever walked into the administration suite, chances are her warm smile was the first to greet you. Known as the gatekeeper to the executive team, Martinez balanced Read More
Healthcare At Forefront Of 2026 Legislative Preview
From left, Rep. Christine Chandler, moderator Margo Batha, League of Women Voters of Los Alamos First Vice President Leslie Wallstrom and Sen. Leo Jaramillo participate in the 2026 Legislative Preview Thursday evening at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos resident Morrie Pongratz asks legislators how best to address the state’s shortage of healthcare professionals during Thursday’s Legislative Preview in Fuller Lodge. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
As the next 30-day New Mexico Read More
Think New Mexico’s Kristina Fisher Lays Out Healthcare Reform Topics For Upcoming 30-Day Legislative Session
Associate Director Kristina Fisher of Think New Mexico speaks to the importance of healthcare reform during the legislative preview held Thursday evening at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
A lengthy to-do list for improving healthcare in New Mexico emerged during the legislative preview hosted by the League of Women Voters of Los Alamos (LWVLA) and American Association of University Women (AAUW) held Thursday evening in Fuller Lodge.
That list includes increasing the standard of proof in malpractice Read More
DEA Releases 2026 Aggregate Production Quotas
Cheri Oz
DEA Assist. Administrator of Diversion Control
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration released the established aggregate production quotas (APQ) for schedule I and II controlled substances and assessment of annual needs (AAN) for the list I chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine for 2026.
“DEA is committed to ensuring that patients can access the prescription medications that they need to stay healthy,” DEA Assistant Administrator of Diversion Control Cheri Oz said. “DEA takes seriously its responsibility Read More
Family YMCA’s Holistic Winter Wellness Program: A Multidisciplinary Approach To Whole-Person Wellness
YMCA News:
Beginning Feb. 1, the Family YMCA will host the Holistic Winter Wellness Program. The program blends four complementary modalities led by experienced practitioners:
Conscious Connected Breathwork
Led by Tessa D, this 75-minute guided breathwork session uses music, affirmations, and mindful breathing to quiet the mind and open the heart. Participants experience deep relaxation while supporting nervous-system regulation, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased energy and emotional clarity.
Sound Bath Meditation
Facilitated by Amber Word, this 90-minute immersive Read More
New Documents Added To Los Alamos Legacy Cleanup Contract Electronic Public Reading Room
LANL News:
New documents have been added to the Los Alamos Legacy Cleanup Contract Electronic Public Reading Room.
All legacy cleanup documents required to be posted after April 30, 2018, are available on the site linked above.
For legacy cleanup documents that were posted prior to April 30, 2018, please visit the LANL electronic public reading room.
- Notification of Return to Original Permitted Location of Four Los Alamos National Laboratory Hazardous Waste Facility Permit Storage Sheds (144, 145, 146, and 177)
https://ext.em-la.doe.gov/GovFTPFiles/api/GetFiles/GetFile?fileName=EMID-704101_N3B-2025-0434_Notif_Return_of_4_Permit_Units_122225.pdf
Possible Measles Exposure Linked To Travel In Albuquerque
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — A traveler from South Carolina who was diagnosed with measles spent a night in Albuquerque, leading to potential measles exposure in that area.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the traveler stayed at the Quality Inn, 450 Paisano St. NE, from 11:45 p.m. Dec. 28, 2025, through 7 a.m. Dec. 29, 2025.
“This situation reminds us there continue to be active measles cases across the United States,” Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer said. “The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best protection against measles.”
If you were Read More
State HCA Announces $1 Million In Grant Funding Available To Strengthen New Mexico’s Primary Care Workforce
HCA News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico’s primary care providers are encouraged to apply for grant funding to establish or expand residency programs and support primary care provider workforce.
The Health Care Authority (HCA) will award $1 million in funding beginning July 1, 2026. Allocations will depend upon the number of applications received, funding requested and availability of funds.
This Graduate Medical Education (GME) grant funding was allocated by the 2025 New Mexico Legislature in House Bill 480.
Grant applications open at 8 a.m., Jan. 2, 2026, and will be posted on the HCA GME Grant Read More
SFCC To Host Ask, Be Present, Connect – ABC Suicide Prevention Partner Class In Municipal Building Jan. 9
SFCC News:
If one of your New Year’s intentions is to lean into community, here is a great first step. You can make a difference by learning how to reach out to people who are struggling and strengthen community connections.
The first public class of the New Year is coming up at 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 9 in the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, Room 330.
Ask, Be Present, Connect – ABC Suicide Prevention Partner Class is a 60 minute class that addresses how to prevent suicide. During the class you will learn about the common causes of suicidal behavior, the warning signs of suicide, and Read More
Be A Lifesaver During National Blood Donor Month
VITALANT News:
ALBUQUERQUE — This January, nonprofit Vitalant is calling on all generous blood donors to be a lifesaver during National Blood Donor Month. Vitalant is grateful for all blood donors who are especially vital at the start of a new year, following the holiday weeks when office and school blood drives are scarce and busy schedules cause a dip in donations.
As a special thanks between Jan. 5-Feb. 8, Vitalant is giving donors 26 chances to win $500* to start off 2026.
Giving blood is just one way to make a lifesaving difference. Thomas Williams has long helped patients by donating blood Read More
Two New Businesses Open In Los Alamos: Los Alamos Mold Inspectors And Charisma Healing LLC
Partner and environmental health advocate Jessica Hoffland operates Charisma Healing LLC, and Los Alamos Mold Inspectors Co-owner and lead inspector Dennis Morrison. Courtesy photo
BUSINESS News:
Los Alamos Mold Inspectors — a medically-informed residential and commercial mold inspection service — is expanding education and support for residents who experience worsening symptoms in winter months or while spending extended time indoors.
Co-owner and lead inspector Dennis Morrison provides thorough, evidence-based mold inspections, moisture mapping, and environmental sampling Read More
County: Tips On Dressing For Safety In Cold Weather
COUNTY News:
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website, the best way to avoid hypothermia and frostbite is to stay warm and dry indoors and outdoors.
If you must go outside, dress for safety; wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you.
Remove layers to avoid sweating and chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded. Wear a hat because much of your body heat can be lost from your head.
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug Read More
DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities To Ensure Continued Access To Care Through Dec. 31, 2026
Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz
DEA Diversion Control Division
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has issued a Fourth Temporary Extension of the COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for the Prescription of Controlled Medications, extending the current telemedicine flexibilities .
Under these telemedicine flexibilities, DEA-registered practitioners are permitted to remotely prescribe Schedule II-V controlled medications via audio-video telemedicine encounters, Read More
DEA: Explore Drug Facts This Holiday Season
DEA News:
As 30 Days of Drug Facts comes to an end this December, the DEA encourages the community to take time to learn about drugs.
When you know the risks and effects, you can prevent misuse, avoid harmful interactions, and recognize warning signs early to help those in need.
Accurate information also protects against the danger of hearing incorrect information from your peers or through social media. Education strengthens both you and your community’s safety by lowering crime and health issues linked to drug abuse.
DEA.gov offers many drug fact sheets where you can find descriptions of a Read More
Los Alamos County Health Council To Meet Jan. 8
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Health Council is scheduled to meet at noon on Jan. 8 in Room 110 at the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.
This meeting is open to the public in person, and also via Zoom by pasting into the browser the following: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82011771382.
Agenda:
- CALL TO ORDER
- PUBLIC COMMENT
III. BOARDS/STAFF/MEMBERS COMMUNICATION
Approval of Minutes from the Los Alamos County Health Council Meeting on Dec. 4, 2025.
20610-25
Presenters: Lisa Hampton
Los_Alamos_County_Health_Council_25-12-04_BCC_Meeting_Minutes Attachments: Read More
New Mexico Medicaid Receives $211.5 Million To Strengthen Rural Health Care
HCA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) today received $211,484,741 in grant funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to support improvements in rural health care access and delivery across the state.
The funding is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program and will be used to expand rural health services, stabilize critical access facilities, bolster the health care workforce, and advance technology-enabled, community-based care models statewide.
“This $211.5 million federal investment recognizes New Mexico’s bold plan to transform Read More