Lunch With A Leader: Think New Mexico’s Kristina Fisher To Address State’s Critical Shortage Of Health Care Workers
Kristina G. Fisher
Think New Mexico
LWV News:
The May 15 League of Women Voters of Los Alamos (LWV) event, Lunch with a Leader, will feature Think New Mexico Associate Director Kristina G. Fisher.
The entire community is invited to this event that takes place noon to 1 p.m. at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall at 1738 N Sage Loop.
Fisher grew up in Santa Fe where both her parents worked as teachers. She was Valedictorian of her class at Santa Fe Prep, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Williams College, and earned her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief Read More
NMDOH: Summer Travel Brings Risk Of Measles
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — Summer is coming, and that means more visitors and community events in New Mexico – as well as more potential exposures when it comes to the measles outbreak.
New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) recommends a dose of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine for anyone unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status traveling into or out of the state for leisure travel, summer camps, art markets and other communal gatherings.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease, as we can see by its spread around the country,” said NMDOH acting state epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser. Read More
Spring Into Health: Tips For Staying Healthy This Spring
By MICHAELA BAILLY
PA-C
Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico
As winter fades and spring arrives in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to refresh your health routine.
The warmer weather and longer days bring new opportunities to get outside, eat fresh foods, and reset your wellness goals.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply want to feel your best, here are some practical springtime health tips to help you thrive:
- Get Moving Outdoors
- After months of indoor activity, spring is an ideal time to take your workouts outside. Walking, biking, hiking, or gardening can all
Shout Out To Guide Dogs On International Day 2025
Los Alamos resident Janet Montoya with her loyal companion from the Guide Dogs of America. Courtesy photoInternational Guide Dog Day:
International Guide Dog Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in April each year. This day honors the work of the loyal companions for people with visual disabilities.
Guide dogs provide opportunities for social interaction and greater independence for people who are blind or have low vision. International Guide Dog Day pays tribute to the dogs who do this impressive work. Guide dogs help their owners make their way through the world while offering love and
Best Of Liddie’s Recipes: Apricot Pie
Apricot pie. Photo by Liddie Martinez
By LIDDIE MARTINEZ
Española Valley
Apricots have always been revered in Northern New Mexico, and on the rare occasions when blossoms don’t freeze with the late frost, we rejoice in their arrival.
Apricots were introduced to New Mexico during Spanish Colonization in the late 1500s and have remained a beloved but elusive fruit. In my youth, green apricots were often the weapon of choice for our mischievous neighbor boys who pelted my sister and me from hidden posts as we wandered through the neighborhood acequia to gather the jewels in the orchards.
We would Read More
Mental Health Awareness Month Kicks Off May 1
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
C’YA
Thursday, May 1 starts the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month. One year ago, a gift from the Women’s Christian Service Society (WCSS) gifted C’YA with funds to become a certified QPR instructor for suicide prevention. The past year we have taught a variety of free prevention classes in Los Alamos and White Rock.
The topic is extremely hard to ponder, but the one-hour presentation is easy. The goal is to teach warning signs to look for and how to offer some help to someone who is struggling. The program includes a great resource booklet covering Read More
Reminder: Loan Repayment For Health Professionals Available
NMHED News:
SANTA FE — Health care professionals in New Mexico may once again apply for the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP).
This program provides up to $25,000 in student loan forgiveness to health care professionals who commit to working in underserved counties of New Mexico for a minimum of three years.
More information about the program and how to apply can be found on the Higher Education Department website. The application window opens March 15 and closes at 5 p.m., May 1.
“We are determined to support members of critical workforces throughout our state, and there is Read More
Fentanyl Awareness Day Emphasizes Saving Lives
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — Awareness, prevention and real-time solutions can make a difference when it comes to New Mexico’s ongoing efforts to reduce fentanyl overdose in the state.
Tuesday, April 29 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) wants residents to know the important resources available to help.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid manufactured both legally for pain management and illegally as a street drug. It is the substance most often involved in fatal overdoses in the state.
New Mexico has worked to provide greater access to treatment Read More
New Mexico Department Of Veterans’ Services Conference
NMDVS News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) will host a veterans’ conference 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Buffalo Thunder Resort Pueblo Ballroom.
The free conference will bring together veterans, family members, service providers, and advocates from across the state and feature breakout sessions for tribal and women veterans.
State Benefits personnel will assist eligible veterans and unmarried widows applying for property tax waivers, exceptions, and park passes. Certified Veteran Service Officers will be on-site to assist with VA benefits Read More
Community Invited To Health, Wellness & Resource Fair
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
C’YA
The Health, Wellness and Resource Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 3, will engage and educate community members of all ages and income levels with local and regional programs, activities and resources.
Champions of Youth Ambitions, (C’YA) is including representatives from Albuquerque and Rio Rancho to provide education and information on disability resources and innovative technology related to tinnitus.
Laura Howard of the Worth Hearing Center and Tinnitus Specialists of New Mexico, has been a clinician there for three years and said she is Read More
DEA Recognizes 2025 National Fentanyl Awareness Day
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — DEA joins community organizations, law enforcement and public health partners in recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day coming up on Tuesday, April 29.
Fentanyl is the greatest drug threat facing the United States as drug-related overdoses remain the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-44. [1]
DEA will recognize National Fentanyl Awareness Day with extended DEA Museum hours from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. this coming Tuesday. The Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit, located at the Museum at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA, displays more than 7,000 photos Read More
NM Medicaid Seeks Beneficiary Advisory Council Members
NMHCA News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Medicaid has announced the July 1 launch of a Beneficiary Advisory Council, a new opportunity for Medicaid members, caregivers, and family members to help shape the future of New Mexico’s Medicaid program.
“Medicaid serves more than 800,00 New Mexicans with critical health care services, and no one understands its strengths and challenges better than the people who rely on it every day,” said New Mexico Medicaid Director Dana Flannery. “This council will help ensure that the program reflects the real experiences and needs of New Mexicans.”
Members of the Read More
Dog Diagnosed With Plague In Santa Fe County
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — A Santa Fe County dog has been diagnosed with plague – marking the first animal plague case in the state in 2025.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the dog received veterinary care and has recovered.
“Plague is a bacterial disease in wildlife that pets can be exposed to by eating an infected animal or through bites of infected fleas,” Dr. Erin Phipps said, State Public Health Veterinarian. “Humans can also contract it through flea bites but also risk getting plague through direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets.”
With Read More
Youth Mental Health: If Outcomes Don’t Matter, Nothing Does
By JAMES WERNICKE
Los Alamos Parent
Since the dawn of humanity, all parents have shared the same experience—watching their children grow into raging balls of hormones as they enter adolescence—and all parents respond the same way—doing the best they can to guide them through it. In the past, there was the village. Generations lived under one roof with extended family biologically hardwired to step in and help.
Today, many of us live far from family in neighborhoods where everyone’s busy, help is a luxury, and community is aspirational. If we’re lucky, we find trusted friends. If not, we rely Read More
New Mexico Leaders To Convene For Timely Community Collaborative Forum On Public Health May 7
From Los Alamos Health Council:
New Mexico leaders will convene for a timely Community Collaborative Forum on public health. This serves as a timely convening designed for networking, fostering collaboration, and exploring strategic alignment in public health for improving population health and together navigate these unprecedented times.
This event will provide a unique platform for community leaders, policymakers, state agency partners, and public health professionals to engage in critical discussions concerning state legislation, federal policy changes, and their impact Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich & Rep. Chellie Pingree Lead Charge To Reach Net-Zero Emissions And Boost U.S. Agriculture
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In celebration of Earth Day, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) reintroduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), comprehensive legislation that sets a bold vision for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the American food and agriculture sector by 2040 by expanding climate and agriculture research, and improving Read More
Historic Legislative Funding Will Help Provide Food And Support To Hunger-Relief Organizations In New Mexico
FOOD DEPOT News:
SANTA FE — The close of the New Mexico legislative session resulted in historic bipartisan support for New Mexico’s hunger-relief network. With the legislature’s approval and the signature by the Governor of House Bill 2, this $30 million investment in food and capacity building over the next three years will help New Mexicans experiencing hunger across the state.
Funds can be used by regional food banks to procure food to provide to hundreds of food distribution partners in New Mexico. In addition, the funding can assist partner locations to upgrade older facilities or obtain Read More
New Mexico Honors Volunteers During Appreciation Week
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) has announced that during Volunteers Appreciation Week April 21-25, the state is recognizing and celebrating the dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time, energy and compassion to support older adults and adults with disabilities across the state.
From delivering meals and providing companionship, to advocating for the rights of residents in long-term care, volunteers are the heart of many state programs.
In the last fiscal year, more than 1,979 volunteers contributed more than 630,000 Read More
Lillian Montoya Appointed Senior Vice President For New Mexico Region Of CHRISTUS Health
CHRISTUS Health News:
- Continues As President And CEO Of CHRISTUS St. Vincent
SANTA FE – CHRISTUS Health announced today the appointment of Lillian Montoya as senior vice president for the New Mexico region, a newly created role that underscores the health system’s deep commitment to delivering exceptional, locally led care across the state.
Montoya will also continue in her current position as president and CEO of CHRISTUS St. Vincent Health System.
A native New Mexican, Montoya has been a part of the CHRISTUS Health ministry for more than 11 years, serving in progressive leadership roles Read More
Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center To Close Tuesday Due To Water Shut Off For Construction On Bathtub Row
LARSO News:
The Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center will be closed Tuesday, April 22 due to water shut off for the construction on Bathtub Row. White Rock Senior Activity Center is open for regular hours and programs.
Most programs and services are canceled. The Transportation Department will still offer rides; call 505.662.8922 to schedule a ride.
Gentle Yoga and Breathwork with Jacci will be held at 4:30 p.m. as usual and participants should enter through the lower level.
LARSO will still offer the Vaccine Clinic 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday with Nambe Drugs. For the Vaccine Clinic, enter Betty Read More
