Features

Paid Family And Medical Leave Narrowly Fails House Vote

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Rep. Tara Lujan, D-Santa Fe, reacts after the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act failed to pass the house Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Photo by Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican

Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, one of the sponsors of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, speaks on behalf of her bill on the House Floor Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Photo by Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican

By ROBERT NOTT
The Santa Fe New Mexican

Advocates for a state-run paid family leave program came closer than ever this year to getting something passed in the Legislature, but at the end of the day they were Read More

Heinrich Issues Statement On Vote To Strengthen National Security, Deliver Support To Democratic Allies

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement after voting to support an aid package that would strengthen America’s national security by delivering aid to U.S. allies in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific and humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

“I am pleased the Senate has finally passed bipartisan legislation that will support Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend their democracy against Vladimir Putin’s war and deliver aid to Israel and innocent civilians in Gaza. Supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom and standing Read More

Life After 50: 10 Years And Counting…

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The CCO of Pet Pangaea (Crescent) gives Vets With Pets program 2 paws up! Courtesy photo

Village Arts has Taylor Swift coloring books to purchase while dropping off pet supplies. Courtesy photo

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Champions of Youth Ambitions

Our non-profit, Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) will celebrate 10 years in June of 2024.

This year our non-profit will have several new additions to our programs in an attempt to give back. Our goals are to educate community members and provide resources for them to help someone they know who they believe is struggling.

This spring we will start Read More

HHS Approves New Mexico’s Request To Expand Access To Critical Behavioral Health Services Through Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams

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HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra

CMS News:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), approved a proposal from New Mexico for community-based mobile crisis intervention teams to provide Medicaid crisis services.

Wednesday’s announcement is the latest in HHS’ ongoing efforts to support President Biden’s whole-of-government strategy to transform mental health services for all Americans — a key part of the President’s Unity Agenda.

New Mexico is the 15th state to expand access to community-based mental health and Read More

Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill Passes New Mexico House

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The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo

STATE News:

  • New program would raise awareness for healthcare resources and programs
    available to veterans and service members

SANTA FE – The New Mexico House of Representatives on Saturday passed House Bill 298, which would establish the Service Members and Veterans Suicide Prevention Program. 

This new program would aim to reduce suicide deaths among New Mexico’s service members and veterans by raising awareness of the issue and improving access to suicide prevention, behavioral health, and mental health resources.

“New Mexico tragically Read More

Health Of New Mexicans To Be Center Stage At Roundhouse

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NMDOH News:

SANTA FE — Efficient and innovative ways to improve the health of all New Mexicans will be highlighted at the New Mexico Legislature at the 9th Annual Public Health Day at the State Capitol 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 12. 

Threads of Wellness: A Tapestry of Public Health is this year’s theme to highlight the intricate fabric of public health, enriched by the wisdom of the Indigenous perspective. Public Health Day will showcase DOH’s programs and services and the efforts of community organizations statewide to better provide broad health care opportunities for all people statewide. Read More

Heinrich Leads Bipartisan Letter To FDA Urging Agency To Take Necessary Steps To Tackle Opioid Epidemic

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Friday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, along with Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Angus King (I-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), led a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to include Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), specifically buprenorphine and methadone, in its List of Essential Medicines, an action that would significantly help health care providers Read More

House Passes Bill To Stabilize Healthcare Affordability Fund

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House Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski

NMDP News:

SANTA FE — The House of Representatives approved important legislation Thursday to ensure affordable health insurance plans remain available for tens of thousands of New Mexicans by a bipartisan vote of 51-14.

House Bill 7 would allow for ongoing, stable distributions to the Healthcare Affordability Fund, so the important programs it funds can continue.

The Affordability Fund, which was created in 2021, has helped tens of thousands of New Mexicans afford quality health insurance coverage on the Exchange and created an avenue for thousands Read More

LAMC Announces Next Quarter Of Employee Champions!

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Los Alamos Medical Center congratulates Cassandra Robinson, left, and Lana Vigil on being named Employee Champions. Courtesy/LAMC

LAMC News:

Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) is congratulating Cassandra Robinson and Lana Vigil on being named Employee Champions of the Quarter for the final two quarters of 2023. The pair was recently honored at a beautiful celebratory breakfast. This program is the hospital’s way to recognize exceptional employees who uphold their core values.

Robinson is a highly knowledgeable IT Support Tech who is kind, patient and always willing to follow up to ensure Read More

NM House Passes Prescription Drug Transparency Act

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Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque)

NMDP News:

SANTA FE — Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass House Bill 33, the Prescription Drug Transparency Act, which would increase price transparency within the prescription drug supply chain. 

HB 33 would require manufacturers, health insurers, pharmacy benefits managers, and pharmacy services administrative organizations to report prescription drug prices and trends to the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) annually. 

OSI would then compile an annual report on its findings, present it Read More