Senators Demand Health And Human Services Provide Report On Patient Abuse
HHS Secretary Alex Azar
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wednesday, U.S. Senators Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), all members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, wrote to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar requesting that the Department provide the Committee with an unredacted copy of the internal audit report on the Indian Health Service (IHS) management response to former IHS pediatrician Stanley Patrick Weber’s Read More
Senators Tom Udall And Martin Heinrich Vote for $8.3 Billion Emergency Coronavirus Response Package
U.S. Senate News:
- Federal response to novel coronavirus grants more than $2 billion to the CDC
- New Mexico will receive more than $5.9 million to fund state public health response
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) voted Thursday in favor of a $8.3 billion bipartisan, bicameral, emergency supplemental Appropriations bill to respond to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
The funds include a major boost of $950 million in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to state Read More
EPA Releases List Of Disinfectants To Use Against COVID-19
EPA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
“Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said. “There is no higher priority for the Trump Administration than protecting the health and safety of Americans. EPA is providing this important information
Los Alamos Medical Center Prepared To Detect, Protect, Respond To Any Novel Coronavirus Exposure
By JOHN WHITESIDE
CEO
Los Alamos Medical Center
Los Alamos Medical Center is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors.
We are continuing to work closely with New Mexico Department of Health and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure our hospital is prepared with the appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond should anyone in our community contract or be exposed to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19).
Additionally, we are reviewing our facility’s Read More
Skolnik: Staying Safe In An Age Of Anti-Science Authoritarianism
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
Our staying safe during a disease outbreak requires that we have clear, science-based information available to us at all times. Sadly, however, we are living in an age in which many people reject science. We are also living in an age when one widely watched news network consistently purveys false information about a range of science related matters, now including coronavirus.
Worse than that, however, is that we have a government which demands loyalty over truth and which is muzzling our scientific, medical, and public health institutions. Coordinating communications Read More
Heinrich Launches Online Coronavirus Resource Center
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is providing New Mexicans with critical resources and raising awareness about the health threat posed by COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
Friday, Heinrich launched a Coronavirus Resource Center on his website to provide information about the virus and tools to help New Mexicans stay healthy.
“It’s critical that we all stay informed about the coronavirus and what we can do to protect ourselves from it and other illnesses. If you have any questions, please be sure to speak with your health care provider and utilize these Read More
Health Department Remains On Alert For Coronavirus
NMDOH News:
A New Mexico Department of Health weekly advisory
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) continues to monitor and respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
While there remain no cases in New Mexico, the virus has spread to 11 countries outside of China, and “community spread” has increased or been detected in several countries, including South Korea, Iran and Italy.
Community spread means that cases have been confirmed with no travel to China and no known contact with another case of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this
Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus Shares Information With Staff And Parents On LAPS Planning In Regards To COVID-19
LAPS Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus
LAPS News:
Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus sent the following letter Wednesday to staff and parents:
Dear Parents and Staff,
This letter is to provide information about what Los Alamos Public Schools is planning in regards to COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus. We take the health of our students and staff very seriously.
You are likely aware of the outbreak of COVID-19 in China and the subsequent confirmed cases in the United States and other countries around the world. It’s important to know that the World Health Organization Read More
Cliff Han Receives Los Alamos SBDC Star Business Award
SBDC Star Award recipient Dr. Cliff Hann of Los Alamos, left, with SBDC Director Julianna Barbee and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales. Courtesy photo
SBDC Star Award recipient Dr. Cliff Han, third from left, with officials including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, center. Courtesy photo
SBDC News:
Dr. Cliff Han, inventor of AllerPops and Los Alamos resident, was recently honored by Lt. Gov. Howie Morales at an awards reception at the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe.
Han also was recognized by Rep. Joseph Sanchez and by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on the House Floor at the State Capitol.
The New Mexico Small Business Read More
Han: Beat COVID-19 With Proper Preventive Measures
Knoze Jr Corp owner Cliff Han. Courtesy photo
By CLIFF HAN
Los Alamos
Los Alamos researchers published an article that indicates the novel coronavirus COVID-19 will likely be unstoppable and eventually become a pandemic.
Several other authorities expressed similar opinions. I want to tell you Hakuna Matata, and that with this method below, you can prepare yourself to beat the virus when it comes.
I am not going to tell you how to avoid contamination but how to temporarily increase your immune sensitivity to resist the virus’s invasion and help your body to clear the virus before it causes serious Read More
New Mexico Department Of Health Advises General Public Against Using Facemasks To Prevent Novel Coronavirus
Courtesy image
NMDOH News:
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) continues to monitor and respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China and around the world.
China has reported more than 40,000 confirmed cases that have been identified in twenty-four countries, including 15 cases in the US. There have been no cases of novel coronavirus diagnosed in New Mexico at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks and respirators. Currently, there is a decrease in Read More
Cultivating Vitality With Michelle: Progressive Discontent
By MICHELLE HARKEY-WILDE
Los Alamos
Over the past seven weeks I’ve been presenting some options for making some changes in life. Admittedly, change can be difficult and ignite a cascade of consequences, which look like resistance, but is actually a self-defense mechanism against moving too quickly. This is why gradual change is often more lasting.
There’s a tension between change and comfort.
The comfort zone is where you feel safe and comfortably stagnant. However, there’s also some discontent lurking there. If you’re well within your comfort zone you will not be learning or growing. This Read More
Kiki Saavedra Senior Dignity Fund Heads To Governor
STATE News:
The Kiki Saavedra Senior Dignity Fund Act, sponsored by House Health and Human Services Chair Debbie Armstrong and a top priority of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Wednesday received concurrence from the New Mexico House of Representatives after the Senate made a small, technical change to the bill.
The concurrence vote means HB 225 has passed the Legislature and now goes to the governor to be signed into law. Ongoing budget negotiations will determine the amount the fund receives.
“This fund is to innovate and incubate senior programs above and beyond what the Department of Aging Read More
New Mexico Health Care Access Bill Wins Final Approval
STATE News:
House Bill 100 increases access to high-quality health care
SANTA FE – House Bill 100, increasing access to and affordability of health insurance for New Mexico families, passed the Senate floor with a vote of 28-14 Tuesday and today the House concurred.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement:
“Access to high-quality and affordable health care is a non-negotiable priority of my administration. Passage of House Bill 100 will provide healthcare coverage for more New Mexicans by giving New Mexico’s health insurance exchange the tools it needs to ensure
Bill Creating Path To Import Drugs From Canada Sent To Gov
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Courtesy/The Governor’s Office
By MICHAEL GERSTEIN
The New Mexican
A bill that would create a potential pathway for New Mexico to import prescription drugs from Canada is now on its way to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.
The House unanimously approved Senate Bill 1, which calls for the state to create a plan for Canadian drug imports, late Sunday night in a 68-0 vote after the Senate previously passed the measure. The governor expressed support for the proposal in a statement Sunday night.
“This measure received Read More
HOPE Pregnancy Center Presents Comedy & Dessert Night At Crossroads Bible Church Saturday Feb. 29
COMMUNITY News:
HOPE Pregnancy Center, Inc. will present Chocolate and Chuckles, a comedy and dessert night featuring Comedian Nazareth, on Saturday, February 29 at Crossroads Bible Church.
HOPE Pregnancy Center, Inc. is excited to celebrate 25 years of service by hosting the first annual Chocolate and Chuckles at Crossroads Bible Church. Chocolate and Chuckles will feature desserts and a multi-item raffle, with entertainment provided by inspirational Comedian Nazareth.
“Chocolate and Chuckles will be a fun night of laughs and desserts and an opportunity to celebrate the community Read More
Human Services Department: $1.535 Million For Primary Care Graduate Medical Education … Seeking Applicants
HSD News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced Tuesday the availability of $1.535 million for primary care GME programs in New Mexico.
The funding addresses the urgent need of increased healthcare access and primary care physician workforce expansion. The department is soliciting applicants for first-year residency positions in New Mexico.
Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2020 and more information, including the Request for Application, can be found at: https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/gme-expansion.aspx.
“Healthcare workforce expansion Read More
NMDOH Notifies Healthcare Providers Of Infection Prevention Guidance For Novel Coronavirus Infection
NMDOH News:
Through the New Mexico Health Alert Network (HAN), the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has notified healthcare providers of updated case definition and infection prevention guidance for novel coronavirus infection.
Key Points
- This is a rapidly evolving outbreak and we are learning more about the virus every day. Our recommendations and our response will continue to evolve.
- NMDOH is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating preparedness and response activities, including participating in national and international teleconferences, distributing Health
A Global Look At Women And Cardiovascular Disease
LAMC Interim Chief Nursing Officer Lori Coffelt in her office. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By LORI COFELT RN
Interim Chief Nursing Officer
Los Alamos Medical Center
The World Heart Federation and the World Health Organization tells us that cardiovascular disease (CVD) – heart disease and stroke – is the biggest killer of women globally, killing more women than all cancers, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.
Here are a few remarkable statistics:
Heart disease and stroke cause 8.6 million deaths among women annually– a third of all deaths in women worldwide. Read More
Skolnik: Coronavirus, The US, And Global Health Security
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
The health of anyone, anywhere, is the health of everyone, everywhere. Infectious diseases and resistance to antibiotics don’t respect boundaries. The whole world is in this together.
No country is adequately prepared to deal with disease threats, resistance to antibiotics or bio-terrorism. Two recent studies revealed how far we are from being ready to cope adequately with such threats.
Major threats to global health exist and may get worse. We have already faced SARS, MERS, Ebola, and resistance to many antibiotics. We had an anthrax scare. Coronavirus is Read More
