Healthcare

Martinez: Challenges Of Grandparents, Kin Raising Children

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Jeramay Martinez

By JERAMAY MARTINEZ
Health Care Specialist
Los Alamos County

Most of us know how the adoption and foster care system works, but kinship care is somewhere in the middle. It’s when grandparents, extended family members or even family friends take in, become legal guardians, and care for the children when their parents can’t. Kinship care is more common than you may think in New Mexico. A recent report from the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation found that 8 percent of all kids in New Mexico are in some type of kinship care arrangement. That is more than double the national Read More

Algae Bloom Advisory Lifted At Santa Cruz & Clayton Lakes

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NMED News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is lifting a harmful algae bloom advisory that was issued in late September for Santa Cruz Lake in Santa Fe County and Clayton Lake in Union County following updated monitoring data showing improved conditions.

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) occur when certain algae rapidly grow in surface waters, creating potential health risks for people and animals. These blooms can appear blue, bright green, brown, or red and may look like scum or floating grass clippings. Some HABs can produce toxins that are dangerous to both humans and animals. Read More

State Seeks To Hire Hundreds Of Child Welfare Workers, Expand Kids’ Mental Health Services

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Valerie Sandoval
Acting Cabinet Secretary

CYFD News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico is seeking to hire hundreds of child welfare workers, expand substance abuse and infant mental health programs, and strengthen safety nets for vulnerable children and families under a proposed $422.3 million state budget.

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fiscal year 2027 budget represents a 4.7 percent increase and seeks $43.1 million of General Fund investments to replace expired federal health services grants, to add wrap-around services in communities and to broaden alternative Read More

NM To Open Five More Behavioral Health Clinics In 2026

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico will add five new agencies as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in 2026 to expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services across six counties. 

“For too many New Mexicans, getting behavioral health care has meant long waits or long drives,” Secretary Kari Armijo said. “This expansion is about meeting people where they are and making sure comprehensive care is available when and where it’s needed. By expanding Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in six counties, we are bringing services closer to home and removing barriers Read More

Public Safety Moment: Slow Down Especially In Ice & Snow!

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COUNTY News:

Despite Thursday morning’s weather and hazardous road conditions, Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) officers conducted 20 traffic stops and issued nearly 30 citations, most of them for speeding.

Several drivers were cited for traveling more than 26 miles per hour – or more – over the posted speed limit.

Excessive speeding on wet or icy roads is extremely dangerous. LAPD reminds all drivers to slow down and exercise caution during their commutes—no matter the weather or road conditions.

Also, when seeing emergency vehicle lights and hearing sirens, pull over!

Emergency crews Read More

Blood Donors Vital To Help Patients Through Holiday Season

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VITALANT News:

SANTA FE — This December, nonprofit Vitalant asks all those eligible, to schedule a blood donation appointment and help save lives.

Busy schedules and travel during the December holiday weeks typically lead to the lowest donor turnout of the year, but the need for lifesaving blood remains constant and critical for patients.

Jenn Dobson started 2025 with a cancer scare that turned out instead to be severe endometriosis, a painful condition. She endured surgeries and a stint in the ICU, where her heart stopped and it took 25 minutes to revive her. She also needed several units of Read More

LAMC Brings Back Shining Rooftop Christmas Tree!

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Since at least 1980, Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) has celebrated the holiday season in a special way — by placing a Christmas tree on the top roof. Over the years, that tree became more than just decoration; it became a symbol of hope and comfort for the entire community. This year, LAMC is proud to announce that the tradition is back! The tree is once again shining from the rooftop, bringing warmth and joy to our community, patients, team members, and neighbors. The hospital hopes this simple gesture rekindles the spirit of togetherness and comfort that has always defined our community. Here’s Read More

NMDOH: Rabid Coyote Bites Hiker In Southwest New Mexico

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NMDOH News:

SANTA FE — A coyote that bit a hiker in the Gila National Forest near Silver City has tested positive for rabies.

The hiker did not require hospitalization but is receiving routine treatment to prevent rabies infection. Testing by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division confirmed the diagnosis. This is the fourth rabid animal identified in southwest New Mexico this year, following a bobcat in Sierra County, a coyote in Catron County, and a dog in Grant County. 

“Rabies is preventable, but only if we take it seriously,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state Read More

LAVNS Appoints Ruben Vasquez As Its Executive Director

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LAVNS Executive Director Ruben Vasquez

LAVNS News:

Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service, Inc. (LAVNS), “the community’s trusted not-for-profit partner in home health and hospice care since 1973”, has announced the appointment of Ruben A. Vasquez as executive director.

This leadership transition marks the beginning of a revitalized strategic chapter for LAVNS as it heads into 2026, focused on strengthening its workforce, modernizing operations, and reaffirming its commitment to the community it has served for more than five decades.

A New Chapter for a Historic Institution

As the healthcare Read More

MANNM Announces New Nurse Practitioner Roberto Pardo

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Roberto Pardo, AGNP-C

MANNM News:

Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico (MANNM) announces that Roberto Pardo, AGNP-C has joined its provider team.

Pardo is an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with experience in gastroenterology and urology, bringing a thoughtful and patient-centered approach to adult and senior care. He is committed to helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported at every step of their health journey. 

With a background in specialty care, Pardo can assist patients with a wide range of concerns, while also focusing on preventive care and long-term Read More