Features

NM To Open Five More Behavioral Health Clinics In 2026

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico will add five new agencies as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in 2026 to expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services across six counties. 

“For too many New Mexicans, getting behavioral health care has meant long waits or long drives,” Secretary Kari Armijo said. “This expansion is about meeting people where they are and making sure comprehensive care is available when and where it’s needed. By expanding Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in six counties, we are bringing services closer to home and removing barriers Read More

Public Safety Moment: Slow Down Especially In Ice & Snow!

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COUNTY News:

Despite Thursday morning’s weather and hazardous road conditions, Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) officers conducted 20 traffic stops and issued nearly 30 citations, most of them for speeding.

Several drivers were cited for traveling more than 26 miles per hour – or more – over the posted speed limit.

Excessive speeding on wet or icy roads is extremely dangerous. LAPD reminds all drivers to slow down and exercise caution during their commutes—no matter the weather or road conditions.

Also, when seeing emergency vehicle lights and hearing sirens, pull over!

Emergency crews Read More

Blood Donors Vital To Help Patients Through Holiday Season

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VITALANT News:

SANTA FE — This December, nonprofit Vitalant asks all those eligible, to schedule a blood donation appointment and help save lives.

Busy schedules and travel during the December holiday weeks typically lead to the lowest donor turnout of the year, but the need for lifesaving blood remains constant and critical for patients.

Jenn Dobson started 2025 with a cancer scare that turned out instead to be severe endometriosis, a painful condition. She endured surgeries and a stint in the ICU, where her heart stopped and it took 25 minutes to revive her. She also needed several units of Read More

LAMC Brings Back Shining Rooftop Christmas Tree!

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Since at least 1980, Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) has celebrated the holiday season in a special way — by placing a Christmas tree on the top roof. Over the years, that tree became more than just decoration; it became a symbol of hope and comfort for the entire community. This year, LAMC is proud to announce that the tradition is back! The tree is once again shining from the rooftop, bringing warmth and joy to our community, patients, team members, and neighbors. The hospital hopes this simple gesture rekindles the spirit of togetherness and comfort that has always defined our community. Here’s Read More

NMDOH: Rabid Coyote Bites Hiker In Southwest New Mexico

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NMDOH News:

SANTA FE — A coyote that bit a hiker in the Gila National Forest near Silver City has tested positive for rabies.

The hiker did not require hospitalization but is receiving routine treatment to prevent rabies infection. Testing by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division confirmed the diagnosis. This is the fourth rabid animal identified in southwest New Mexico this year, following a bobcat in Sierra County, a coyote in Catron County, and a dog in Grant County. 

“Rabies is preventable, but only if we take it seriously,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state Read More

LAVNS Appoints Ruben Vasquez As Its Executive Director

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LAVNS Executive Director Ruben Vasquez

LAVNS News:

Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service, Inc. (LAVNS), “the community’s trusted not-for-profit partner in home health and hospice care since 1973”, has announced the appointment of Ruben A. Vasquez as executive director.

This leadership transition marks the beginning of a revitalized strategic chapter for LAVNS as it heads into 2026, focused on strengthening its workforce, modernizing operations, and reaffirming its commitment to the community it has served for more than five decades.

A New Chapter for a Historic Institution

As the healthcare Read More

MANNM Announces New Nurse Practitioner Roberto Pardo

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Roberto Pardo, AGNP-C

MANNM News:

Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico (MANNM) announces that Roberto Pardo, AGNP-C has joined its provider team.

Pardo is an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with experience in gastroenterology and urology, bringing a thoughtful and patient-centered approach to adult and senior care. He is committed to helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported at every step of their health journey. 

With a background in specialty care, Pardo can assist patients with a wide range of concerns, while also focusing on preventive care and long-term Read More

County Library System Brings Back ‘De-Stress December’

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COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Library System invites the community to unwind this holiday season with the return of De-Stress December, a series of programs designed to promote relaxation, creativity, and connection.

As part of the WinterFest celebration, Mesa Public Library will host a variety of events for all ages, including crafting sessions, mindfulness workshops, Tabletop Game Day, and a popular puzzle competition.

Program highlights include:

  • Forest Bathing: An Introduction for Teens and Adults
    • Saturday, Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m., Mesa Public Library
      Led by Kristine Coblentz, this
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New Mexico Medicaid To Hold Public Meetings For Input On Behavioral Health Needs 

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority is hosting three public forums to gather input on how the state can better support individuals with serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, substance use disorder, or brain injuries. 

Public input will inform the Behavioral Health Assessment and Feasibility Study report, which will be published in January 2026.  

Medicaid members, providers, stakeholders, and interested parties are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming virtual public meetings to learn more about the study and share feedback. Zoom webinar login Read More

Tales Of Our Times: History Recalls The Wisdom In Clean Air Decisions

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Tales Of Our Times

By JOHN BARTLIT
New Mexico Citizens
for Clean Air & Water

History Recalls The Wisdom In Clean Air Decisions

A common theme is: “Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.” The history of cleaning polluted air gave us hard-won lessons learned that can spare us from repeating them. As ever, what we don’t know or remember will again cost the continuing effort. So, this column looks back at the early years of clean air rules (the 1970s), when rules were first shaped.

Those pioneer struggles for clean air showed us much more than merely the outcomes of lawsuits. To Read More