Santa Fe Osteopathic Medicine School Pitch Hits Snag Over State Support Request
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By GABRIELLE PORTER
The Santa Fe New Mexican
An embryonic proposal to launch a new osteopathic medical school in Santa Fe hit a snag this week over a request for state support.
The idea to create New Mexico’s third school of medicine came from an organization called Access Health Initiative, led by the same people behind the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, and is “really at the inception,” partner Phil Zaveri said in an interview Friday.
A key part of that plan was a bill sponsored by Rep. Tara Lujan, D-Santa Fe, calling for $40 million from New Mexico’s Read More
Fentanyl, Juvenile Crime Bills Shot Down In House Committee
HB 274 Sponsor Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez, R-Hobbs
By ESTEBAN CANDELARIA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
During debates on the crime package passed last month — which bundled together several tough-on-crime measures but which critics said was inadequate — lawmakers said they were just getting started.
But Thursday evening, a panel known for killing Republican-sponsored legislation shot down two bills held up by GOP lawmakers, prosecutors and Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as ways of tackling some of the state’s greatest public safety issues.
House Bills 134 and 274, which respectively would Read More
Lea County Resident Tests Positive For Measles After Death
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirms that a deceased resident of Lea County, who was unvaccinated, tested positive for measles.
The official cause of death is still under investigation by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. However, NMDOH Scientific Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the measles virus. The individual did not seek medical care before passing.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe complications. One in five cases requires hospitalization, and approximately three in every 1,000 Read More
Legislative Roundup: 16 Days Remaining In Session
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks to people assembled in the Rotunda at the state Capitol in honor of Women’s History Month Thursday, March 6, 2025. Photo by Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks to people assembled in the Rotunda at the state Capitol in honor of Women’s History Month Thursday, March 6, 2025. Photo by Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican Staff:
State’s court highest upholds most of governor’s emergency orders on guns, drug use: The New Mexico Supreme Court on Thursday ruled Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s emergency orders Read More
LAPD’s Victim Assistant On Domestic Violence & Gaslighting
By LAPD’s Victim Assistant:
The Los Alamos Police Department’s Victim Assistant shares the following information related to Domestic Violence and Gaslighting.
What is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a term that describes a type of emotional and psychological abuse in which an abuser convinces his or her victim that the abuse he or she is remembering didn’t occur, or wasn’t nearly as severe as the victim remembers. Gaslighting often makes the victims of abuse doubt their own memory, question themselves, and at times feel like they are going crazy.
Gaslighting can be hard to recognize, especially Read More
Bill To Allow Medical ‘Magic Mushrooms’ In New Mexico Gets Groovy Reception From Lawmakers
Co-Sponsor Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces
By DANIEL CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
First marijuana, now magic mushrooms.
A state known for ending up at the bottom of a long list of rankings could be among the first in the nation to roll out a program for medical use of psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms.
The Senate Judiciary Committee late Wednesday endorsed Senate Bill 219 on an 8-1 vote.
The lone holdout, Sen. Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque, praised psilocybin’s efficacy.
“I am very torn on this because I know that psilocybin has amazing potential for substance use Read More
Support Group For Those Taking/Considering Weight Loss Drugs Monthly On First Wednesdays At Unitarian Church
Dr. Elena McAtee and Certified Health Coach Kate Cleveland will tackle navigating life on weight loss drugs with a support group at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos. Courtesy photo
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos
Health means a lot of things to a lot of people, but sometimes when searching for the answers, the noise is too loud to hear them. The local duo of Dr. Elena McAtee and Certified Health Coach Kate Cleveland will tackle navigating life on weight loss drugs with a support group.
The meetings are 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos. Light refreshments Read More
New Mexicans Can Protect Themselves Against HPV
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — About 85% of people nationwide will get a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in their lifetime – often without even knowing it.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. High risk HPV can cause illness and several types of cancer. March 4, the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Immunization Program wants New Mexicans to know that vaccination of 11–12-year-olds can protect them long before they are ever exposed. HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers when given on time.
“You can get HPV from skin-to-skin sexual contact. Read More
Deep Dive Into Grief: A Community Event On Building Empathy And Connection
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos community is invited to a unique and powerful event designed to foster empathy, connection, and understanding through personal stories of grief.
Hosted in collaboration with Los Alamos Library, Los Alamos Community Services Department, Los Alamos Courts and JJAB, this event is 5:45-8 p.m. Friday, March 28, at Mesa Public Library in Los Alamos.
Grief is often associated with the loss of a loved one, but it extends far beyond that—touching experiences such as the loss of identity, marriage, religion, retirement, community, divorce, freedom, health and Read More
Bill To Increase Top Oil And Gas Royalty Rate Offered On New Mexico State Lands Passes House Committee
Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard
State Land Office News:
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- Offering market rate for premium tracts would generate over a billion dollars in additional value for public schools, universities and hospitals
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SANTA FE – Legislation pushed by New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard to increase the top royalty rate offered for new oil and gas development on the best state lands passed the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee today.
Senate Bill 23, sponsored by Sen. George Muñoz and co-sponsored by Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Read More
State Issues Rule To Amend Employee Abuse Registry
HCA News:
SANTA FE — The Health Care Authority has issued an emergency rule to amend the Employee Abuse Registry so older adults, people with disabilities, and others who need help with daily care are protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Under the revised rule, health care providers must check the Employee Abuse Registry before hiring staff and cannot employ individuals listed on it. The registry tracks individuals with substantiated cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, which will prevent them to work in the field.
“This emergency rule is a critical step in making sure Read More
Department Of Health Accepting Applications For Birthing Workforce Retention Fund
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is accepting applications for the Birthing Workforce Retention Fund now through Friday, April 18.
The fund provides grants to Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) and physicians (OB and Family Medicine) who provide full scope perinatal care, including birthing services, and need assistance to cover malpractice insurance premium costs.
Up to $10,000 is granted per provider from the fund, administered by the NMDOH Maternal Health Program.
“This financial support to offset the cost of malpractice insurance is just one way Read More
New Mexico Paid Family And Medical Leave Bill Passes House Of Representatives, Heads To Senate
Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, debates House Bill 11 on the House floor at the state Capitol Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Photo by Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A revamped but still highly controversial proposal to provide paid family and medical leave to New Mexicans is heading to the state Senate after winning approval Friday from the state House of Representatives.
The passage of House Bill 11 marks a major win for supporters of the measure after a yearslong effort to offer paid leave to working families in the state failed to pass the chamber Read More
Nationwide Recovery Of Radioactive Devices By Los Alamos National Laboratory Hits Major Milestone … 100th Shipment
Last October, the Lab’s Mobile Loading Source Recovery Team and Off-Site Source Recovery Program managed the removal and shipment of a high-activity radioactive device, from Philadelphia, pictured above. The truck departed the facility at 1:18 a.m. to minimize impacts to city roadways. Courtesy/LANL
LANL News:
- Partnership helps mitigate risk of terrorist attacks using a “dirty bomb”
Two Los Alamos National Laboratory teams that travel nationwide recovering potentially harmful radioactive material from devices at hospitals, universities, and research facilities completed a momentous Read More
New Mexico Governor Signs Landmark Public Safety And Behavioral Health Bills
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday signed legislation to improve public safety and behavioral health services across New Mexico. Courtesy photo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Thursday signed legislation to improve public safety and behavioral health services across New Mexico, marking the halfway point of the 60-day legislative session with a landmark accomplishment on behalf of New Mexicans.
“These bills represent a significant milestone for both behavioral health services and criminal justice reform in New Mexico,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham, who was joined Read More
Op-Ed: Reform The Medical Malpractice System To Address The Doctor Shortage
By FRED NATHAN
Executive Director
Think New Mexico
New Mexico’s lawyer-centered medical malpractice system, with no statutory caps on attorney’s fees or punitive damages and the lowest standard in the country for awarding punitive damages, is out of balance. It is driving up medical malpractice rates for New Mexico doctors to nearly twice what doctors pay in neighboring states.
That in turn is causing doctors to retire early or leave the state. In fact, New Mexico is the only state in the nation that experienced a loss of practicing physicians between 2019 and 2024. This is why so many New Mexicans Read More
LAMC’s 2025 Daisy Award Honoree Is Kathy Semelsburger
Los Alamos Medical Center’s Kathy Semelsburger, RN, left, is the 2025 Daisy Award Honoree shown here Wednesday morning receiving her award from LAMC’s Director of Surgical Services James Maxey, RN. She is honored, ‘In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.’ Semelsburger is the Charge Nurse in the Ambulatory Treatment Unit (ATU). She has worked in the ATU for 23 years and at LAMC for 24 years. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos Medical Center CEO Tracie Stratton, second from left, together with Read More
New Mexico Launches Comprehensive Measles Resource
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has launched a dedicated web resource to address the rising measles cases within state boundaries.
The comprehensive web resource hub at measles.doh.nm.gov features:
- Current New Mexico case counts (updated Tuesdays and Fridays).
- Detailed FAQ section addressing common questions.
- Prevention guidelines specific to New Mexico.
- Bilingual content in both English and Spanish.
“While measles outbreaks don’t respect state lines, our response is uniquely New Mexican—comprehensive, bilingual, and accessible Read More
Legislative Roundup: 22 Days Remaining In Session
The Santa Fe New Mexican Staff:
Senate demands new leaders for WNMU: Senators on Friday called on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to hasten her selection of new regents to govern the embattled Western New Mexico University.
During Friday’s floor session, senators criticized Lujan Grisham’s delay in appointing new regents after all but one resigned in recent months. The board stepped down amid significant political pressure — including from the governor — following allegations of improper university spending involving former president Joseph Shepard.
“One single student regent is writing Read More
Denish: Building A Barn
By DIANE DENISH
Corner To Corner
Building a Barn takes a carpenter or a legislature.
I was reminded recently of a quote by former U.S. House Speaker Sam Rayburn: “Any Jackass can tear down a barn. It takes a carpenter to build one.”
In a recent Senate Rules committee on Feb. 17, Senate Joint Resolution 6, sponsored by Sen. Michael Padilla (D-Bernalillo) had its first committee hearing. This is the Early Childhood Trust Fund Constitutional Amendment. If approved by voters in the next general election, SJR6 will mandate the fund be spent only on prenatal and early childhood programs and services Read More
