By CORY STYRON
Director
Community Services Department
In May, I provided a brief introduction to the Community Services Department (CSD), offering an overview of the structure of the Department, introductions to each Division’s managers, and a rundown of the wide variety of programs, services, and facilities for your enjoyment across the County. We also touched on how the CSD team collaborates with other service providers in the community to support and enrich individuals’ lives through the arts, history, cultural pursuits, and referral resources.
This month’s editorial is to offer more information about our referral resources and the many other services found in the Social Services Division (SSD).
The SSD office (1183 Diamond Drive, Suite E, Los Alamos) is located right across from Los Alamos High School. Manager Jessica Strong and her team, Deni Fell, case coordination specialist, and Eloisa Sanchez, health care specialist, oversee a spectrum of programs and services centered around community health and wellbeing. Whether facing life challenges, basic food needs, family concerns, or companionship, SSD staff can help. SSD is on the front line and collaborates closely with multiple partners in the community to provide an extensive and robust list of resources.
SSD staff can aid with emergency food boxes, connect you with the food pantry at LA Cares, and help you complete an application for Medicaid or SNAP. The team works with housing partners throughout the region, as well as with Los Alamos County Department of Public Utilities and other local service organizations to assist with utility bills or shut-off notice payments. Their job is to help you navigate the challenges and get you on your feet as soon as possible. With help, you can reduce the stress of a hard situation, allowing you and your family to be better equipped to face difficult circumstances.
The SSD team realizes that some challenges may require professional assistance, including medical or mental health concerns. Los Alamos County has partnered with Las Clinicas del Norte and the NM Department of Health, both located in Health Commons next door (1183 Diamond Drive, Suite D, Los Alamos), to provide medical resources for those with limited incomes. These agencies can assist with preventative care, vaccines, and other medical treatments. The Los Alamos community also has several other providers and therapists in town to assist with mental health and substance use needs.
SSD is currently focused on promoting the Fentanyl Awareness: Harm Reduction strategies. SSD is working closely with community partners including Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB), Los Alamos Public Schools, the Courts, and Los Alamos Police Department to provide training and support following several suspected fentanyl overdoses in our community. SSD will host “Train-the-Trainer” events for community providers and businesses to learn to recognize the signs of an overdose, as well as how to administer naxloxone (commonly referred to as Narcan).
Join us for a community Fentanyl Awareness: Harm Reduction training day, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29 at Fuller Lodge. Registration details are available at https://losalamosjjab.com/events/.
SSD, as well as the Health Commons, has Narcan and fentanyl testing strips available to distribute to any member of the public (over the age of 14) that wants to keep these supplies on hand to potentially save someone’s life. The team is also planning to distribute these resources at the Los Alamos Farmers Markets on Thursdays, and at the Summer Concerts weekly. In addition, a list of local businesses and organizations where Narcan and fentanyl testing strips can be acquired is being developed, and is growing, as additional locations become certified to have Narcan on-site. The information will be kept up to date on the SSD website.
Los Alamos County contracts services within the community to strengthen and improve our support net. SSD manages contracts for Family Strengths Network (3540 Orange St, Los Alamos), the Teen Center (475 20th St., Los Alamos), both the Los Alamos Youth Activity Center (475 20th St., Los Alamos) and the White Rock Activity Center (10 Sherwood Blvd., White Rock), (Both managed by the Los Alamos Family Council), and both the Betty Ehart Senior Center (1101 Bathtub Row, Los Alamos) and the White Rock Senior Center (133 Longview Drive, White Rock). These contracts provide a safe space for youth and seniors to make connections with their peers. Each age group has specially designed activities, programs, and services to meet the needs of a connected life and a safe place within the community.
In addition to helping connect people to the services they need, SSD also works on long-term and special projects. Management Analyst Dr. Emily Piltch is working in collaboration with the Los Alamos County Health Council on the Comprehensive Health Plan for release in 2024. She will be attending a variety of events to reach out to the community and gather input later this summer.
Always know you can reach out and ask for help. The SSD staff are well-connected throughout the county and the northern New Mexico region and will help you and link you with referrals and contacts for additional services, as needed.
Contact SSD at 505.662.8068 and make an appointment to meet with either Deni Fell or Eloisa Sanchez. Social Services Manager Jessica Strong, can be reached at 505.662.8312 or jessica.strong@lacnm.us.
