LAMC Hospital Auxiliary Seeks Volunteers … And Shoppers!
Hospital Auxiliary Board Vice President Carol MacLeod, right, and Secretary Kim Hogan at the Lobby Shop last Thursday inside Los Alamos Medical Center. They invite the community to stop by and see the many items available for purchase; proceeds go to charitable causes. They also ask community members to consider volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Joy and laughter fill the Lobby Shop despite its urgent need for volunteers and shoppers. The Hospital Auxiliary operates the Lobby Read More
Public Invited To Shape Kinship Caregiver Pilot Program
ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Emily Kaltenbach
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE – The Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) is inviting the public to weigh in on the rule for the new Kinship Caregiver Pilot Program.
Created through House Bill 252 during the 2025 Legislative session, the Kinship Caregiver Pilot Program is designed to assist those who are raising children outside of the traditional foster care system by helping them access services, legal resources, and financial support.
“Whether it’s grandparents stepping in, an aunt or uncle opening their home, or an older sibling keeping the Read More
Enterprise Bank & Trust Support Aids CASA First In It’s Advocacy For Children
CASA First Executive Director Annie Rasquin, LISW, at her offices Tuesday at 466 W. San Francisco St. in Santa Fe. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Sponsored Content
SANTA FE—Entering the offices of CASA First in Santa Fe is like coming home after a long trip – calm and comforting. That soothing feeling permeates the space, including a large area called the “Calm and Comfort Room”, designated for gatherings with children and families. Soft stuffed animals containing weights provide traumatized children with a secure Read More
Public Health Offices Closed For Independence Day
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — State public health offices and administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 4 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.
Also known as Independence Day, the holiday celebrates the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.
All New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) offices will resume regularly scheduled hours as of Monday, July 7.
The NMDOH Helpline, 1.833.SWNURSE (1.833.796.8773) will be available on July 4 during regular Read More
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Season Starts July 1
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program returns Tuesday, July 1, providing nutritious, locally-grown foods to income-based eligible seniors, Native American elders and WIC families.
WIC Families must be actively enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Participants should contact their local WIC clinic to check their eligibility and access benefits.
“This program gives people access to healthy, fresh local fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey in their communities,” Veronica Griego said, New Read More
Watch Out For This Tree Eating Bug … Don’t Touch It!
Douglas-fir tussock caterpillar on a tree branch. Courtesy/SFNF
Douglas-fir tussock caterpillar. Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — If you see brownish-yellow or red discoloration of trees while exploring the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF), it may be the result of defoliation from the Douglas-fir tussock moth (DFTM).
Do not pick up this cute – and potentially dangerous – caterpillar. These caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs covering their bodies. The female moths, egg masses, and cocoons also have hairs, which can cause tussockosis, an allergic reaction from direct skin contact Read More
New Mexico Board Of Veterinary Medicine Opens Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Grants Program Application Process
NMBVM News:
The New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine has opened a grant application process to fund low-cost spay/neuter services for companion animals of income-qualified New Mexicans. The Board will disburse $1 million in 2025 to nonprofit spay/neuter organizations, animal shelters, and other local government entities for the purpose of increasing affordable and accessible spay/neuter services throughout the state.
The application window opened on June 2, 2025, and will close at 11:59 p.m., July 17, 2025. Grants are capped at a maximum of $50,000. We are not awarding to individuals Read More
Corey Roybal Named Director Of Adult Protective Services
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — The Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) is proud to announce that Corey Roybal is now serving as the new Director of Adult Protective Services (APS).
Roybal brings over a decade of experience in protective services, client advocacy, and systems-based intervention. Since joining ALTSD in 2018, he has served multiple roles, most recently acting as deputy director of APS since 2023.
“During his time here at ALTSD, Corey has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable New Mexicans,” Emily Kaltenbach said, ALTSD Cabinet Read More
Los Alamos Summer Concert Starring ‘Crazy Bird’ To Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Friday Night At Ashley Pond Park
‘Crazy Bird’ headlines the Los Alamos Summer Concert Friday Night at Ashley Pond Park. Courtesy/Sancre Productions
By PABLO IRLANDO-WILDMAN
CEO
Sancre Productions
CHRISTUS St. Vincent Medical Center brings us the band Crazy Bird to Ashley Pond Park for the 6th show of the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series, this Friday, June 27. Come out to the free event and enjoy the multitude of food vendors, kids’ activities, information booths, and non-profit row.
Crazy Bird is a local band in the Santa Fe/Albuquerque area. According to their website, they play impossible music, with righteous grooves Read More
Zepbound/Wegovy Support Group On Hiatus During July, Resumes August 6
COMMUNITY News:
A new support group for those on Wegovy or Zepbound or those considering these drugs will not be meeting during the month of July.
Dr. Elena McAtee and Certified Holistic Health Coach and Nutrition Coach Kate Cleveland are happy to field questions through email. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month and attendees can register at the class. The group resumes at 11 a.m., August 6. Read More
Op-Ed: Volunteer Firefighters Should Be Included Under New Mexico’s Cancer Presumption Legislation
By JONATHAN SHARP
Chief Financial Officer
Environmental Litigation Group, P.C.,
Firefighting remains one of the most hazardous professions. In addition to visible threats such as collapsing structures, poisonous smoke, and thermal injuries, these first responders face prolonged exposure to toxic substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Often dubbed “forever chemicals” – these synthetic compounds were once praised for their exceptional strength and chemical stability, making them integral to various firefighting products, such as turnout gear and Read More
Amerisleep Study: 364 Hours Spent ‘Bed Rotting’
HEALTH News:
A new nationwide survey from Amerisleep.com reveals that more than half of Americans have taken paid time off or called in sick specifically to engage in “bed rotting”—a viral trend that involves staying in bed for hours on end while watching TV, scrolling through social media, or simply doing nothing.
The study highlights a startling shift in how Americans are using their downtime—and what it may be doing to their health.
According to the findings, the average American now spends 364 hours a year bed rotting, the equivalent of 15 full days. Gen Z is driving the trend, with nearly Read More
NMED Offers Free Domestic Well Water Testing At Las Vegas Water Fair June 28
NMED News:
LAS VEGAS — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) will host a free domestic well water testing event in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 28.
Testing will be available 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in Las Vegas at the Contractor Connects + Event, located at the West Las Vegas High School, 179 Bridge Street in Las Vegas.
Well water tests typically cost about $150 but will be free to the first 100 participants or while supplies last. Participants must bring their own water sample to the event in order for it to be tested. Test results will be mailed to the households Read More
Love NM To Host Free One-Day Outreach To Serve New Mexico Families In Need June 27 At Tingley Coliseum
LOVENM News:
ALBUQUERQUE — In response to widespread need across New Mexico, Love NM will host Love Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, June 27, at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, in conjunction with OneABQ and several local churches.
This free event will connect individuals and families with a variety of goods, services, and targeted resources focused on health, wellness, and child development. Community members may register to attend at lovenm.org/#events.
Love Day is an outreach event designed to support New Mexicans with dignity by providing essential services and resources in a joyful Read More
A Day To Appreciate Veterinarians And Animal Shelters—Invaluable To Our Community
COMMUNITY News:
June 18 is Veterinary Appreciation Day and the Los Alamos Animal Shelter has a great safety net to help them accomplish their daily work. Paul Sena is the Manager of the local shelter and utilizes many community partners for the benefit of our furry friends.
“Veterinarians are essential to keeping our shelter animals healthy and thriving. Through established agreements, we’re fortunate to work with several veterinary providers,” Sena said. “The Animal Clinic of Los Alamos provides compassionate care for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to emergency Read More
Santa Fe Animal Shelter And Veterinarian Services—Caring People Watching Out For Animals
Maxxine came into the Santa Fe shelter with a broken femur and a broken spirit that almost required amputation. Community donations helped to pay for her surgery and rehabilitation and now she will go on to live a full life. Courtesy photo
Vet staff help an adorable puppy. Courtesy photo
COMMUNITY News:
All veterinarians and their staff work hard, but those that tend our furry friends at animal shelters have boundless compassion that some may never know and others could never comprehend. The Santa Fe Animal Shelter’s Animal Hospital is a full-service facility with two clinics (internal and external), Read More
State Issues Smoke Advisory For Southwestern New Mexico In Wake Of Trout And Buck Fires
NMHealth News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Departments of Health and Environment issued a smoke advisory for communities affected by the Trout Fire in the Silver City area and the Buck Fire near Aragon.
Pending further notice, the advisory is in effect in Grant and Catron counties.
Smoke from the Buck Fire may be visible from Highway 12 southeast of the community of Aragon and southwest of Highway 60. The Trout Fire, north of Silver City, is expected to continue moving north and east, depending on wind direction and other weather conditions. Smoke can travel long distances and may harm air quality Read More
Regional Information Meetings For Developmental Disabilities Waiver Renewal
UNM News:
Did you know that the Health Care Authority’s Developmental Disabilities Supports Division is renewing the Developmental Disabilities Waiver?
If you want more information, consider attending one of the in-person town hall meetings.
- Northeast Region/Santa Fe — 1–3 p.m., June 23, 2025
- Southeast Region/Roswell — 1–3 p.m., June 30, 2025
- Northwest Region — 1–3 p.m., July 10, 2025
- Metro Region/Albuquerque — 1–3 p.m., July 14, 2025
- Southwest Region/Las Cruces — 1–3 p.m., July 22, 2025
Link for Virtual Attendance: https://shorturl.at/tDON4
Questions? Contact Steven Fernandez Read More
June Is Elder Abuse Awareness Month
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — Throughout the month of June, the state is urging all New Mexicans to recognize the signs of elder abuse and take steps to prevent it.
“Our older adults deserve to live safely and with dignity and respect,” Emily Kaltenbach said, Cabinet Secretary for the Aging and Long-Term Services Department. “Preventing elder abuse is a shared responsibility; by staying informed and vigilant, we can safeguard our seniors from harm.”
Elder abuse can encompass physical, emotional and financial harm. Some common signs that may indicate someone is experiencing harm:
- Unexplained
Stansbury Fights For Expanded Access To Healthcare
U.S. Congressional News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) fought for expanded access to healthcare in rural and Indigenous communities during an Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee hearing.
Her bill, the IHS Provider Expansion Act, was reintroduced earlier in the month, and testimony about the legislation was heard during the subcommittee hearing.
Watch the video of the hearing.
The legislation would establish an Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs within the Indian Health Service (IHS). This legislation would expand the existing IHS Read More
