Heinrich Delivers Floor Speech Opposing Nomination Of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. For Health Secretary
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor amplifying the voices of New Mexicans opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be the U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services.
“I hope all of my colleagues take seriously what it would mean to confirm this anti-vaccine, anti-science snake oil salesman as our next Secretary of Health and Human Services,” said Heinrich.
Heinrich began his remarks by recounting how Mr. Kennedy’s 2019 trip to the Pacific island of Samoa intensified vaccine skepticism Read More
State Department Of Health Scientific Laboratory Confirms First Measles Case Of 2025 In New Mexico
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is alerting Lea County residents of the days, times and locations where they may have been exposed to a person with measles.
The NMDOH Scientific Laboratory has confirmed a measles infection of an unvaccinated Lea County teenager. NMDOH is working with the patient’s family, Nor-Lea Hospital and the local school district to assure all contacts are up to date with their measles vaccinations. Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective against disease.
Anyone who visited these locations on these days/times may have been exposed Read More
‘Medicaid Forward’ Plan For NM Nabs Initial Approval
By Margaret O’Hara
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A proposal to dramatically expand state-administered health insurance coverage took a step forward Monday, after more than a year of research and public input.
The House Health and Human Services Committee voted to advance House Bill 186, which would establish “Medicaid Forward,” greatly extending eligibility for Medicaid while capping health care premiums at 5% of a household income.
The bill’s sponsor, House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, said the proposal is a “major affordability initiative” Read More
LAPS To Host Los Alamos High School 2023 Youth Risk & Resiliency Survey Findings Feb. 25 In Speech Theater
LAPS News:
Dr. Rebecca Kilburn, Research Professor at UNM’s Prevention Research Center and Dylan Pell, Mental Health Epidemiologist at the New Mexico Department of Health will present highlights from the Los Alamos High School 2023 Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS) findings Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The presentation is 6-7:30 p.m. in the Los Alamos High School Speech Theater. Light food and refreshments will be provided. Attendees can park either in front of the Auxiliary Gym or Duane Smith and follow signs to the location.
These discussions are designed for anyone interested in the health Read More
Paying Out-Of-Pocket: New Mexico’s Thorny Medical Malpractice System Explained
By MARGARET O’HARA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Dr. Debbie Vigil didn’t plan to retire in 2023.
Born and raised in Santa Fe, Vigil started practicing as an independent OB-GYN in the city in 1989, out of a desire to serve her home state.
“I was committed to the people of New Mexico,” she said. “I’m Hispanic. I speak the language. I know the culture. That was the whole reason I went into medicine.”
But Vigil said her choice to practice in New Mexico came at a cost, specifically the high cost of medical malpractice insurance in the state, which regularly runs OB-GYNs like Vigil more than $100,000 per year in Read More
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Strengthen Public Safety In Indian Country
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the bipartisan Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act to support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, bolster federal missing persons resources, and give Tribes and states tools to combat violence.
U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced Read More
Local Mother And Daughter Need Community’s Support For Medical Treatment At Mayo Clinic And Barrows Neurology
Los Alamos resident Heather Burke shown here hospitalized last summer is seeking the community’s support to help her and her daughter obtain medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic and Barrows Neurology. Courtesy photo
By Carol A. Clark
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Heather Burke of Los Alamos is self-employed and known for her tech support company here. She has supported her clients for the last 30 years.
Her heart issues are congenital but have worsened recently, yet she has continued working and has sought medical help in the state. There are very few specialists in New Mexico, Read More
All Shall Be Well: Sadly God Is Not Glorified And America Is Not Living Up To Her Promise
Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
By The Rev. Mary Ann Hill
Rector
Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church
What a difference two decades makes! At the very beginning of his first term in office, President George W. Bush issued two executive orders aimed at faith-based and community organizations in order to improve the delivery of social services:
“Faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) have a long tradition of helping Americans in need and together represent Read More
Kristin Kosiewicz Substance Abuse Awareness Scholarship Increases – Deadline For Students To Apply Is Feb. 21, 2025
Kristin Kosiewicz
By STAN KOSIEWICZ and AMY ANDERSON
In its fourth year, the Kristin Kosiewicz Substance Abuse Awareness Scholarship will provide three awards to graduating seniors. The value of the scholarships will be: one for $4,000 and two for $2,000 each. These local scholarships are administered by the LAPS Foundation and funded by donations.
The deadline for students to apply is Feb. 21, 2025. Link to online application.
This scholarship is in memory of Kristin Kosiewicz, a 1993 graduate of Los Alamos High School. Kristin died Sept. 25, 2021 from an accidental Fentanyl overdose. Link Read More
New Mexico Lawmakers Claim Intimidation, Bullying By Opponents Of Paid Family And Medical Leave
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By Daniel J. Chacón
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The battle over a contentious paid family and medical leave proposal is heating up and getting personal, with two Democratic lawmakers accusing opponents of the measure of bullying and intimidation tactics to get them to vote against the bill.
The two lawmakers are both members of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, where House Bill 11 is scheduled to be considered next.
The committee chair, Rep. Doreen Gallegos, D-Las Cruces, and Rep. Art De La Cruz, D-Albuquerque, said they were targeted Read More
Tough-On-Fentanyl Bills Move Forward At Roundhouse In Santa Fe And U.S. Capitol In Washington
Rep. Charlotte Little
By ESTEBAN CANDELARIA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Bills toughening penalties for fentanyl trafficking moved forward today in both the Roundhouse and the U.S. Capitol, dividing Democrats between tough-on-crime advocates and those who don’t think stiffer sentences address the root causes of the crisis.
In Santa Fe, House Bill 16, sponsored by state Rep. Charlotte Little, D-Albuquerque, passed the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee on a 6-3 vote. House Democrats who voted against the bill posed questions about the implications and efficacy of slapping Read More
Health Care Authority Urging Lawmakers To Support House Bill 131 To Protect Vulnerable New Mexicans
HCA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority is urging lawmakers to support House Bill 131 to strengthen background checks for caregivers and help ensure the safety of those under their supervision.
HB131, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson, Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil, Rep. Kathleen Cates and Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez scheduled for a hearing today in the House, Health and Human Services Committee at the Roundhouse.
The bill proposes additional criminal offenses that would disqualify an applicant from being hired as a caregiver.
These new crimes include:
- Animal cruelty
Rural New Mexico Behavioral Health Internship Program Receives National Accreditation
HCA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the New Mexico Psychology Internship Consortia announce full accreditation from the American Psychology Association for their psychology internship program, dedicated to training, recruiting, and retaining behavioral health providers in rural and underserved New Mexico.
“This is a major step toward addressing New Mexico’s behavioral health provider shortage,” Kari Armijo, HCA cabinet secretary said. “By investing in our future mental health professionals, we are ensuring that more New Mexicans, no matter where Read More
Trio Of Behavioral Health Bills Pass First Committee
New Mexico Legislature News:
SANTA FE — Monday, the second and third of a trio of behavioral health bills advanced in the senate after receiving bipartisan support and do-pass votes (both passed 8-1) in the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee.
Together this suite of legislation represents a critical component of the legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing the behavioral health and public safety crisis facing the state.
Senate Bill 1 sets to establish a billion-dollar trust fund for behavioral health initiatives throughout New Mexico. The Health Care Authority would then Read More
New Mexico Aging Dept. Seeks $74.3 Million To Boost Services For Seniors, Adults With Disabilities, Caregivers
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — This week, the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) will present its budget priorities before the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.
“New Mexico seniors and adults deserve the highest quality of care and support,” Emily Kaltenbach, ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Designate said. “This budget reaffirms our commitment to older and disabled adults, as well as their caregivers, by ensuring they have access to the resources they need to live with dignity and independence.”
ALTSD’s budget within the executive Read More
Celebrating 50 Years Of Child Support In New Mexico: Advancing A Modern Family-Centered Approach
HCA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority launches a yearlong series of statewide events this month to mark the 50th anniversary of its child support program and connect families with resources.
“Our free services help parents navigate the child support process and connect paying parents with employment services,” Betina Gonzales McCracken, director of CSSD said. “This family-centered approach ensures New Mexico’s children receive the support they need to thrive.”
The statewide outreach events will highlight the comprehensive services Read More
DEA ‘One Pill Can Kill’ Campaign With NFL Alumni Health
DEA News:
NEW ORLEANS — With so much attention ahead of Sunday’s big game, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is once again teaming up with NFL Alumni Health to encourage football fans to join us in the fight to save lives.
The need is critical and the game plan simple: understand the dangers of fentanyl and synthetic drugs and use your voice to help spread life-saving information.
DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz has thrown down the challenge to influencers, role models, celebrities and professional athletes to Step Up, Speak Out, and Fight Back.
“Our future generation Read More
LAVNS 2025 ‘Daffodils For Hospice’ Fundraiser Underway
Anchorum Health Foundation Announces New Scholarship For Nurses Seeking Master’s Degrees
From Anchorum Health Foundation:
- Scholarship Seeks to Help Fill Workforce Regional Workforce Shortage
SANTA FE — Applications are now open for a new scholarship, offered by Anchorum Health Foundation, that helps nurses achieve Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. Nurses with MSNs can help fill gaps in the northern New Mexico regional healthcare system, particularly in underserved and primary care settings.
“Scholarships like these are a win-win for our communities,” Anchorum President/CEO Jerry Jones said. “They empower nurses to advance their education without the burden Read More
Robinson: Dems Snub Medical Malpractice Reform
By SHERRY ROBINSON
All She Wrote
© 2024 New Mexico News Services
Long before the legislative session started, a full-page ad accosted readers with this headline: “Medical corporations & insurance companies blame patients harmed by medical malpractice for the healthcare crisis so they can distract us from the billions of dollars in profit that go to their out-of-state corporate headquarters.”
Whoa! Nobody is blaming patients who are victims of medical malpractice. And, looking at New Mexico’s ragged hospital network, there’s more red ink than black ink.
The New Mexico Medical Society Read More
