Features

Falls Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 22-26: Falls Main Cause Of Injury-Related Deaths For Elderly 

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DOH News:

SANTA FE — Unintentional falls were the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older New Mexicans from 2019-2023, according to New Mexico Department of Health data. 

A recent New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) report on Unintentional Fall-Related Injuries Among Older Adults in New Mexico includes some key points on fall-related deaths and hospitalizations among New Mexicans aged 65 and older.

Among the findings include:

  • The age-adjusted death rate from falls among older adults (65+) in New Mexico dropped 41% from 2019 to 2023.  
  • The age-adjusted hospitalization
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New Mexico Office Of The Superintendent Of Insurance Approves 2026 Health Insurance Premium Rates For Small Group Health Insurance Market

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OSI News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) has approved 2026 health insurance premium rates for the small group health insurance market.

The average increase across all plans is 16.8 percent. The new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2026, when health insurance small group consumers in New Mexico will have 137 plan options available. Currently, almost 36,000 New Mexicans are enrolled in a small group plan.

Carriers offering health insurance plans and coverage in New Mexico in 2026:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (HealthCare Service Corporation)
  • Presbyterian
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Rise In Overdose Deaths, ER Visits In Three NM Counties 

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NMDOH News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health reports an increase in overdose deaths and overdose-related emergency department visits during the first half of 2025 in three Northeast counties: Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos.  

Drug overdose deaths increased in Rio Arriba County by 48%, in Santa Fe County by 104% and in Taos County by 340% compared to the same time last year. Drug overdose related emergency department visits also increased by 81% in Rio Arriba County, 131% in Santa Fe County, and 206% in Taos County. 

Fentanyl use is linked to the majority of fatalities. The New Mexico Read More

Nathan: Why The Health Care Worker Compacts Belong In The Special Session

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By FRED NATHAN
Executive Director
Think New Mexico

When the legislature convenes for a special session starting Oct. 1, it should enact a straightforward reform that will immediately increase access to health care providers in New Mexico: join all the interstate compacts for health care workers.

These interstate compacts are agreements among states to recognize professional licenses issued by the other states participating in the compact. So, for example, a doctor licensed in Colorado could provide their license information to the New Mexico Medical Board and quickly become licensed Read More

At Awareness Walk Today In Española, Deb Haaland Vows To Address Fentanyl Crisis And Support Paths To Recovery

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New Mexico Gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland speaking today in Española to families impacted by fentanyl addiction, vows to address the crisis. Courtesy photo

ESPAÑOLA – At the Walk For Our Lives fentanyl awareness event today in Española, Deb Haaland, candidate for governor of New Mexico, stood alongside families impacted by fentanyl addiction and vowed to address the fentanyl crisis.

She committed to investing in addiction recovery services, family support programs, and tools for law enforcement to get illegal drugs out of New Mexico. The walk was led by Española native Alicia Pauline Read More

NNSA/LANL Resume Depressurization Of Waste Containers

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Flanged Tritium Waste Container at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Courtesy/LANL

NNSA/LANL News:

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) will resume the depressurization of small amounts of built-up gas in three waste containers that have been in temporary storage at the lab since 2007. 

A fourth waste container was safely and successfully depressurized earlier this week.

The lab’s webpage on the project details the status of operations, includes answers to common questions, and provides numerous project-related Read More

Raffin: Sleep Apnea, Underdiagnosed And Dangerous

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By CELESTE RAFFIN
Member
Los Alamos County Health Council

What do poorly controlled hypertension, palpitations, morning headaches and sore throats, brain fog, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality and mood changes, depression and anxiety, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, night sweats, and insomnia all have in common? They are all signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is very common; it is estimated that up to 9% of Americans suffer from it. Yet sleep apnea is frequently not considered by healthcare providers with one estimate stating that 80% of patients suffering Read More

Try Out Slip, Trip, & Fall Simulator During Falls Prevention Awareness Week Sept. 22-26

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KIAH McCONNELL
Marketing & Program Coordinator

It’s time for Falls Awareness Prevention Week 2025! Falls are an important issue for older adults, with one out of four Americans age 65+ experiencing a fall each year.

The good news is, falls are preventable. That’s why the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization is bringing the mobile falls training classroom from American Safety & Health to the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center.

The Slip, Trip, and Fall Simulator has appointment slots available 9:00am-4:00pm September 22-26, plus evening hours on Thursday, September 25 from Read More

Luján, Grassley Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Access To Medical Services For Older Americans In Underserved Areas

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced bipartisan legislation bolstering pharmacists’ ability to serve older Americans in communities that lack easy access to doctors or where pharmacists can provide certain basic medical services. 

The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act encourages pharmacists to offer health care services (like health and wellness screenings), immunizations and diabetes management by authorizing Medicare payments for those services where pharmacists are already Read More

State Celebrates Role Of Senior Centers In Healthy Aging

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ALTSD News:

SANTA FE — Senior centers are cornerstones of healthy aging, providing older New Mexicans with opportunities for connection, learning, and essential services that help them live independently and with dignity. 

The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) recognizes September as National Senior Center Month and National Healthy Aging Month. 

“Across the state, senior centers enrich the lives of New Mexicans every day by providing essential services, like meals, transportation, joy, purpose and connection,” Emily Kaltenbach ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Read More