Scenes From LAMCs 2025 Free Drive Thru Flu Shot Clinic
Cars line up Saturday morning for the annual free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic for ages 9+ provided for the community by Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC). Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
The Flu Shot Crew prepares for the high volume of traffic waiting for flu shots provided free to the community by LAMC at its annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic in the parking lot behind the medical center. Photo by John McHaleladailypost.com
Emergency Department Nurse Myrna Small administers flu shots at the annual Free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Saturday morning at LAMC. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com Read More
New Mexico Environment Department Warns Public Of Concerning Algae Bloom In Santa Cruz Lake
Harmful algae blooms spotted Sept. 22 in the water and on the shoreline of Santa Cruz Lake. Courtesy/NMED
NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is advising visitors to Santa Cruz Lake near Española to exercise caution due to the presence of a potentially harmful algae bloom.
Recent samples collected from the lake indicate that harmful algae are present.
NMED is recommending that visitors follow specific safety precautions while at the lake:
- Do not drink untreated surface water;
- Avoid swimming in areas with algae blooms and keep pets out of the water;
- Stay clear of
Robinson: Self-Serving Senators Keep Medical Compacts Out Of Special Session
By SHERRY ROBINSON
All She Wrote
© 2025 New Mexico News Services
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What is it about healthcare that inspires so much gibberish? On the same day that the president was dispensing unfounded medical advice on Tylenol to pregnant women, state Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth was spinning a wild yarn about why lawmakers shouldn’t take up medical compacts during the upcoming special session.
The interstate medical licensure compact is an agreement among states to recognize each others’ professional licenses. It allows healthcare workers licensed Read More
The Y Kicks Off Smart Start Program For Teens
The Family YMCA News:
Ready to become stronger, faster, and more injury-resistant? The Family YMCA’s Teen Strength Training class is designed to help athletes (and future athletes!) build powerful muscles, protect joints, and prevent injuries—giving them the edge on the field, court, or track.
Whether seeking to enhance performance or simply get fitter, this program is the perfect way to level up one’s game.
Sign up today and start training smarter, not harder! Read More
Coro de Cámara To Perform In Concert ‘Connections: Sharing Our Mental Health Stories’ Oct. 16, 18, 19
Coro de Cámara ensemble at Ashley Pond Park. Courtesy⁄Coro de Cámara
Coro de Cámara News:
With the goal of creating connections, raising mental health awareness, and fostering mental well-being, the Coro de Cámara chamber chorus offers three unique performances of “Connections: Sharing Our Mental Health Stories” Oct. 16, 18, 19 in Los Alamos and Santa Fe.
The program includes inspiring pop, Broadway, and choral music; dance, drama, and real-life stories; a Q&A with mental health professionals and free resources.
Coro Artistic Director Nylea Butler-Moore, who has long considered Read More
NMDOH: Plague Case Reported In Bernalillo County
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports a case of plague in a 77-year-old man from Bernalillo County, the second case of the year.
The man was hospitalized and has since been discharged. There have been no deaths from plague in 2025.
Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents and is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, but can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets.
“The bacterium that causes plague can be found in wild rodents and their fleas throughout New Mexico,” said Read More
REVEL To Host First-Ever ‘Love Life ALS Stunt Carnival’
REVEL News:
ALBUQUERQUE — REVEL will host the first-ever “Love Life ALS Stunt Carnival” Saturday, Oct. 4, at 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, bringing together stunts, live entertainment, and community activities to raise awareness and support for families impacted by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The event will feature Glenn Allen Love Jr., a former UCLA and Canadian Football League player turned Hollywood stunt performer. All proceeds from the event will go to the Love Life ALS Foundation.
In July 2024, the day after celebrating his daughter’s first birthday, Love — then Read More
SFCC: SNA To Host Blood Drive With Vitalant Nov. 4
SFCC News:
Santa Fe Community College’s Student Nurses Association Club will host a Vitalant Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The event will be in the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center parking lot at 6401 Richards Ave.
Please bring photo ID to participate.
To schedule a blood donation, visit https://vit.la/78y54w. For information, call 505.428.1000. Read More
United Way Of Northern New Mexico Awarded $25K Blue ImpactSM Grant To Fuel Youth Leadership And Increase Nonprofit Capacity
Local nonprofit leaders and residents gather for a community event at United Way’s Youth Pathfinder Casita at McCurdy Family Resource Campus in Española Valley. Courtesy/UWNNM
UWNNM News:
Los Alamos/Española—United Way Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) has received a $25,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. The grant will support UWNNM’s Collective Impact program, which connects and convenes Northern New Mexico nonprofits and empowers youth to discover their potential and succeed in meaningful careers.
“This Blue Impact grant is a powerful investment in the Read More
Luján Presses Secretary Kennedy On Major Flaws To Autism Research Program That Jeopardizes Sensitive Health Data And Scientific Integrity
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) pressed Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on major issues regarding the Real-World Data Platform pilot, which is being developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to study causes of autism and outcomes. In the letter, Sen. Luján highlights how the initiative disregards privacy and data-governance safeguards, jeopardizing the sensitive health information of individuals with autism without their knowledge. Additionally, Read More
Falls Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 22-26: Falls Main Cause Of Injury-Related Deaths For Elderly
DOH News:
SANTA FE — Unintentional falls were the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older New Mexicans from 2019-2023, according to New Mexico Department of Health data.
A recent New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) report on Unintentional Fall-Related Injuries Among Older Adults in New Mexico includes some key points on fall-related deaths and hospitalizations among New Mexicans aged 65 and older.
Among the findings include:
- The age-adjusted death rate from falls among older adults (65+) in New Mexico dropped 41% from 2019 to 2023.
- The age-adjusted hospitalization
New Mexico Office Of The Superintendent Of Insurance Approves 2026 Health Insurance Premium Rates For Small Group Health Insurance Market
OSI News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) has approved 2026 health insurance premium rates for the small group health insurance market.
The average increase across all plans is 16.8 percent. The new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2026, when health insurance small group consumers in New Mexico will have 137 plan options available. Currently, almost 36,000 New Mexicans are enrolled in a small group plan.
Carriers offering health insurance plans and coverage in New Mexico in 2026:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (HealthCare Service Corporation)
- Presbyterian
Rise In Overdose Deaths, ER Visits In Three NM Counties
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health reports an increase in overdose deaths and overdose-related emergency department visits during the first half of 2025 in three Northeast counties: Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos.
Drug overdose deaths increased in Rio Arriba County by 48%, in Santa Fe County by 104% and in Taos County by 340% compared to the same time last year. Drug overdose related emergency department visits also increased by 81% in Rio Arriba County, 131% in Santa Fe County, and 206% in Taos County.
Fentanyl use is linked to the majority of fatalities. The New Mexico Read More
Nathan: Why The Health Care Worker Compacts Belong In The Special Session
By FRED NATHAN
Executive Director
Think New Mexico
When the legislature convenes for a special session starting Oct. 1, it should enact a straightforward reform that will immediately increase access to health care providers in New Mexico: join all the interstate compacts for health care workers.
These interstate compacts are agreements among states to recognize professional licenses issued by the other states participating in the compact. So, for example, a doctor licensed in Colorado could provide their license information to the New Mexico Medical Board and quickly become licensed Read More
At Awareness Walk Today In Española, Deb Haaland Vows To Address Fentanyl Crisis And Support Paths To Recovery
New Mexico Gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland speaking today in Española to families impacted by fentanyl addiction, vows to address the crisis. Courtesy photo
ESPAÑOLA – At the Walk For Our Lives fentanyl awareness event today in Española, Deb Haaland, candidate for governor of New Mexico, stood alongside families impacted by fentanyl addiction and vowed to address the fentanyl crisis.
She committed to investing in addiction recovery services, family support programs, and tools for law enforcement to get illegal drugs out of New Mexico. The walk was led by Española native Alicia Pauline Read More
NNSA/LANL Resume Depressurization Of Waste Containers
Flanged Tritium Waste Container at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Courtesy/LANL
NNSA/LANL News:
On Saturday, Sept. 20, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) will resume the depressurization of small amounts of built-up gas in three waste containers that have been in temporary storage at the lab since 2007.
A fourth waste container was safely and successfully depressurized earlier this week.
The lab’s webpage on the project details the status of operations, includes answers to common questions, and provides numerous project-related Read More
Raffin: Sleep Apnea, Underdiagnosed And Dangerous
By CELESTE RAFFIN
Member
Los Alamos County Health Council
What do poorly controlled hypertension, palpitations, morning headaches and sore throats, brain fog, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality and mood changes, depression and anxiety, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, night sweats, and insomnia all have in common? They are all signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is very common; it is estimated that up to 9% of Americans suffer from it. Yet sleep apnea is frequently not considered by healthcare providers with one estimate stating that 80% of patients suffering Read More
Try Out Slip, Trip, & Fall Simulator During Falls Prevention Awareness Week Sept. 22-26
KIAH McCONNELL
Marketing & Program Coordinator
It’s time for Falls Awareness Prevention Week 2025! Falls are an important issue for older adults, with one out of four Americans age 65+ experiencing a fall each year.
The good news is, falls are preventable. That’s why the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization is bringing the mobile falls training classroom from American Safety & Health to the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center.
The Slip, Trip, and Fall Simulator has appointment slots available 9:00am-4:00pm September 22-26, plus evening hours on Thursday, September 25 from Read More
Luján, Grassley Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Access To Medical Services For Older Americans In Underserved Areas
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced bipartisan legislation bolstering pharmacists’ ability to serve older Americans in communities that lack easy access to doctors or where pharmacists can provide certain basic medical services.
The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act encourages pharmacists to offer health care services (like health and wellness screenings), immunizations and diabetes management by authorizing Medicare payments for those services where pharmacists are already Read More
State Celebrates Role Of Senior Centers In Healthy Aging
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — Senior centers are cornerstones of healthy aging, providing older New Mexicans with opportunities for connection, learning, and essential services that help them live independently and with dignity.
The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) recognizes September as National Senior Center Month and National Healthy Aging Month.
“Across the state, senior centers enrich the lives of New Mexicans every day by providing essential services, like meals, transportation, joy, purpose and connection,” Emily Kaltenbach ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Read More
