Rep. Gabe Vasquez Of New Mexico Introduces Bill To Ensure Medical Debt Relief And Protections For Patients
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) introduced H.R. 9129, the Patient Debt Relief Act, that provides relief and protections to millions of Americans burdened by medical debt.
The bill takes a fresh approach by establishing a grant program that enables non-profit organizations to purchase debt from hospitals while codifying protections for patients. Tuesday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus announced their support for the bill.
“Suffering from a medical emergency should not mean putting your home or family’s future at risk – but too Read More
U.S. Senators Heinrich, Luján Call On FDA To Rely On Scientific Evidence For MDMA-Assisted Therapy To Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Veterans
SENATE News:
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- MDMA-assisted therapy could help address the mental and behavioral crisis, especially among American veterans
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), alongside 17 of their Senate colleagues, urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner to rely on scientific evidence and data as the FDA considers approval of MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). MDMA-AT could help address the mental and behavioral crisis, especially among American veterans.
“Existing treatments Read More
Robinson: Cold Food, Cold Coffee … Senior Care Facilities Can Do Better
By SHERRY ROBINSON
All She Wrote
© 2024 New Mexico News Services
Two recent studies of New Mexico’s senior care facilities ring alarm bells.
In June the news organization ProPublica published a report that ranked New Mexico nursing homes fifth in serious deficiencies (Texas was first!); in the last three years, 28 of 68 homes had at least one deficiency causing “immediate jeopardy..
And recently the state Department of Health reported that after surprise inspections at one third of New Mexico’s senior care facilities, only 11 of 91 passed muster and about half scored 90%.
Given my family’s dismal Read More
Rep. Leger Fernández Introduces Bill To Maintain Vital Access To Audio-Only Telehealth For Tribal Communities
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) introduced the Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2024, crucial legislation designed to protect access to essential healthcare services through audio-only telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries in tribal communities.
The bill seeks to extend the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) provision that allows audio-only telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries receiving care through Indian health programs or urban Indian Read More
Los Alamos County Ranks Among Top In U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Healthiest Communities
U.S. News & World Report:
2024 Healthiest Communities
- U.S. News Announces 2024 Healthiest Communities Rankings Falls Church, Virginia, tops rankings that examine health outcomes, equity and mental health.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and civic journalism, today unveiled the 2024 Healthiest Communities rankings. Now in its sixth edition, the Healthiest Communities rankings serve as a tool to inform residents, community health leaders and elected officials about policies and best practices for better health outcomes.
For the Read More
LAMC To Host Sleep Lab Ribbon Cutting & Open House
LAMC News:
The community is invited to tour and learn about Los Alamos Medical Center’s (LAMC) new Sleep Center beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12. Refreshments will be served at the event, which also features a ribbon cutting with the Los Alamos Chamber Of Commerce.
Note: Attendees are asked to please park in the lot in the back of the hospital.
According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 70 million Americans have chronic sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy. These are conditions that make it hard for people to sleep at night or stay Read More
New Mexico Environment Dept. Cracks Down On 100 Plus Drinking Water Systems For Jeopardizing Customers Health
NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Tuesday sent 138 letters to drinking water systems across the state, informing their owners of impending civil penalties if they continue to serve consumers unsafe drinking water.
The 138 drinking water systems are jeopardizing the health of more than 160,000 consumers.
Those who receive a letter must submit a plan to resolve their violation within 15 calendar days or risk a penalty of up to $1,000 per day afterwards as well as other sanctions by NMED or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“While a number of government Read More
Governor Shares Results Of Unannounced Aging And Long-Term Care Facility Visits Across New Mexico
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE — July 31, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham shared the results of unannounced inspections of senior care facilities across New Mexico that found at least one violation in 88 percent of the facilities inspected.
The inspections, which took place from May 17 to May 19, included 91 visits and highlighted several areas needing improvement to ensure the health, safety and dignity of senior residents. The findings are outlined in this summary report.
Of the 91 facilities included in the report, just 11 of them rated a perfect score of 100 percent, while another Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Announces Committee Passage Of Over $79 Million For New Mexico
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
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- Investments Heinrich Championed Support Service Members, Defense Installations and National Labs, Clean Energy, Water Infrastructure, Economic Development, Education, Health Care and Workforce Development
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced the bipartisan Senate Appropriations Committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Defense, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Read More
Gruninger: Older Adults Take A Ride With Us Free Around Town
By JACCI GRUNINGER
Executive Director
LARSO
Note: This is the third column in a series written by Executive Director Jacci Gruninger to introduce Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization and its services to the community.
As we age, we often don’t feel comfortable driving any more or we get to a point where we can no longer safely drive ourselves. It can be challenging to rely on family and friends for this task.
The Los Alamos Retired and Older Adult Organization (LARSO), provides a free ride service catered to meet these transportation needs (a $4 per ride donation is always appreciated). The Read More
LAHS Graduate Kaya Loy Earns Girl Scouts Gold Award
Los Alamos High School 2024 graduate Kaya Loy earns USA Gold Award Scholarship for her project addressing youth mental health. Courtesy/NMGS
Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails announced Wednesday that Los Alamos High School 2024 graduate Kaya Loy has been awarded a Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship for her project addressing youth mental health.
Loy is a Girl Scout and created a database of mental health resources for her high school’s website. The project, titled “It’s Okay to Get Help” provides students with easy access to national, Read More
UNM Alums Donate $252,500 To Support Nurse Residency Scholarships; Strengthen New Mexico Rural Workforce
UNM News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The UNM Foundation has announced a significant donation of $252,500 from UNM alums and philanthropists Arishanda and Doug Campbell. This generous contribution will enhance nurse residency scholarships at Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) and support the nursing workforce in rural New Mexico through the UNM College of Nursing.
The Campbells’ donation includes a non-endowed gift of $126,250 to create a vital nurse residency scholarship fund. This fund aims to recruit and retain top nursing talent, recognizing nurses’ essential role in bridging health equity Read More
Glass: I Am So Grateful For Kind Attention By LAMC Staff
By GEORGE GLASS
Los Alamos
As a result of a near collapse trying to get from one part of Los Alamos Medical Center to another today (July 24, 2024), I found myself approached by a member of the radiological station offering assistance.
I immediately found myself very secure and in helpful hands. A wheelchair was immediately secured by another staff personnel who brought me to my car some distance into the parking lot.
This letter is to publicly express my very grateful appreciation for what these alert, professional and kind staff of LAMC did from me, including giving water and snacks to sustain Read More
National Federation Of The Blind Shares Courtesy Rules
By Janet Montoya
President At Large Chapter
National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico
I am a blind person. Please say hello and get to know me! I want people to feel comfortable around me.
Here are some simple tips:
- Cane – My cane (or guide dog) is my independent travel aid. If you think I might need help, please just ask me. (However, touching or talking to my guide dog is like taking the steering wheel from a driver. As cute as my dog is please ignore him/her.)
- Ordinary – Blind people are ordinary. It feels awkward if you think I am amazing when I accomplish ordinary tasks like walking or tying my shoes.
Rep. Leger Fernández Introduces Campus Prevention And Recovery Services For Students Act Of 2024
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), David Trone (MD-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Lucy McBath (GA-07) on Tuesday introduced the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act to help higher education institutions implement programs to prevent alcohol and substance misuse on campus and support those with substance use disorders.
If passed, the bill would fund college prevention and recovery services at $75 million over five years.
The bill is part of the Read More
Teens And Young Adults Invited To Compete In Local Snapchat Video Contest … Submission Deadline Is Aug. 16
Courtesy/LAC
Community Conversation Series News:
Representatives from Los Alamos County Social Services, Courts, Los Alamos Public Schools and JJAB invite teens and young adults to submit a 10-minute video explaining the “Ins and outs of Snapchat for parents”.
The video must be uploaded using Google forms at lacnm.com/Video-Contest by Aug. 16. The winner will receive a $100 gift card, and their video will be showcased and discussed in an educational workshop for parents and adults.
The video should be geared to educate parents and adults who are unfamiliar with Snapchat about the social Read More
Chamber Business Breakfast Featured Seminar On QPR Institute Programming By Bernadette Lauritzen At SALA
Bernadette Lauritzen teaches a seminar about the importance of recognizing signs of mental health struggles when interacting with coworkers, friends, family members and others during the July 18 Business Breakfast at SALA. Courtesy/Chamber
Incoming Chamber Director Sandy Jones speaks at the July 18 Business Breakfast at SALA. Courtesy/Chamber
CHAMBER News:
The Chamber of Commerce held a Business Breakfast Thursday, July 18 with QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Institute programming from Bernadette Lauritzen at SALA Event Center.
Lauritzen taught a 1-hour seminar about the importance Read More
Mini Terrain Ten Reviews & QEEG Brain Maps Available
Optimal Performance LLC News:
Through July and August, Debbie DeSimone, FNTP, RWP, business owner of Optimal Performance LLC, has announced a special offering of Mini Terrain Ten Reviews. Additionally, there is limited availability to schedule four QEEG brain maps this summer.
The Terrain Ten survey is a comprehensive set of questions designed to categorize an individual’s metabolic terrain priority areas, essential for those seeking body and life balance. The Mini Terrain Ten Review provides all the critical information from the survey, focusing on the top overloaded “bucket” area Read More
Gruninger: Embracing Life With LARSO’s Day Out Program
Courtesy/LARSO
By JACCI GRUNINGER
Executive Director
LARSO
- Note: This article is the 4th in a series written by Executive Director Jacci Gruninger to introduce the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization and its services to the community.
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization’s (LARSO) Day Out Program is a wonderful opportunity for older adults and their caregivers to embrace positive living in Los Alamos and White Rock. This program is designed for older adults who may not be ready for assisted living but can benefit from socialization, engaging activities, and a supportive Read More
Los Alamos Medical Center Honors Employee Milestones
LAMC team members are honored for important milestones ranging from 5 years to 52 years, during a special red carpet event and service awards dinner July 10 at Cottonwood on the Greens. Team members include Eliza Kersche, Joyce Richins, Christie Kelly, Rebecca Langenbrunner, Adam Trujillo, Rosie Montoya, Rachel Dunaway, Valerie Trujillo, Jessica Maassen, Dr. Kurt Lange and Dr. Justin Green. Courtesy/LAMC
LAMC People Services Director and Facility Recruiter Jacqui Carroll presents Adam Trujillo with a gift and flowers in appreciation for his 27 years of service in the pharmacy. Courtesy/LAMC Read More
