Features

McQuiston: Would You Survive A Car Crash From The 1970s Vs. Today?

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

If you’ve ever looked at classic cars from the 1970s, it’s easy to admire the chrome bumpers, solid frames, and heavy steel doors. Many people assume those older cars were “built like tanks” and therefore safer. But when it comes to surviving a serious crash, the reality is the opposite. Modern vehicles give you a far better chance of walking away.

Here’s why:

The Myth of Heavy Steel vs. Real Safety

Back in the 1970s, vehicles were heavier, but weight doesn’t equal protection. Older designs were rigid, meaning the car absorbed

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New Mexico Health Care Authority Joins National Observance Of ‘988 Day’ To Raise Awareness Of Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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NMHA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority is joining the national observance of “988 Day” on Sept. 8, 2025, a day of action to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and its role in supporting mental health across the state. 

“Calling, texting or chatting 988 is available to every New Mexican in every moment of need,” said Nick Boukas, director of the Behavioral Health Services Division at the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “Every call, text and chat represents a moment of courage and a chance to connect people with the support they deserve.” 

988 Day promotes Read More

Dr. Abouda Reflects On 20 Years Of Care For Our Communities

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From LAMC:

Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) is proudly celebrating Mustapha Kamel Abouda, MD, of Espanola Family Care as he marks 20 years of service to our beautiful communities of Northern New Mexico.

A native of Algeria, Dr. Abouda came to the Southwest for a four-year Observership in Santa Fe. He then completed his Residency in Family Practice in Pueblo, Colo. He fell in love with the area and still calls it home.

We recently chatted with Dr. Abouda as he reflected on his inspiring career journey, making meaningful connections with patients and what he finds rewarding as a physician.

Question: Read More

FSN Infant Mental Health Workshop Sept. 10

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FSN News:

Los Alamos Early Childhood Collaboration (LAECC) Speaker Series: Infant Mental Health – “If A Brain Could Talk About Learning & Thriving in Early Life”, 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at Family Strengths Network in Los Alamos. Cost is free. 

Presenter: Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch, M.Ed., Ph.D. of 2E Consults ® LLC

Transform how you respond to children’s behavior with Dr. K’s dynamic workshop for parents, caregivers, and educators. Discover four of the brain’s neurological imperatives—flexibility, readiness, connection, and unmasking—and learn Read More

New Mexico Extends Flooding Disaster Food Assistance

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — Effective immediately, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in Lincoln, Chaves, De Baca, Guadalupe, Otero, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, Doña Ana and Luna counties can temporarily use their EBT cards to buy hot, ready-to-eat foods from deli departments at authorized retailers.

This emergency measure remains in effect through Sept. 30.

“Families affected by flooding are still navigating significant challenges,” said Niki Kozlowsi, director for the Income Support Division. “This temporary measure ensures they have access to warm and nutritious Read More

Governor Proclaims September Recovery Awareness Month

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) proudly announces a series of statewide events in September to mark Recovery Awareness Month and support everyone who is in recovery and those who support them. 

“In September and every day, we honor the courage of those in recovery and the dedication of the providers, peers, and advocates who support them,” said SecretaryKari Armijo, of the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “We are here to stand with communities across the state to promote healing, reduce stigma, and expand access to behavioral health services.”  

All New Mexicans Read More

Heinrich Introduces Legislation To Ensure Active-Duty Servicemembers & Their Families Receive Reimbursement For Medical Care Travel

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Senate markup, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the TRICARE Travel Improvement Act, legislation to ensure active-duty servicemembers and their families can be reimbursed for traveling for medical care.

Currently, families stationed at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base travel nearly 100 miles to El Paso, Texas, for medical care, but are denied reimbursement because they are just under the 100-mile threshold. Heinrich’s TRICARE Travel Read More

Los Alamos County Social Services Department Announces 2025 In-Person Evening Office Hours At Mesa Public Library

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COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Social Services Division is offering convenient evening hours at the Mesa Public Library to better assist people who may not be able to meet during regular business hours.

Community members in need of assistance with housing services, utility payments, food instability, or connections to other resources in the County are encouraged to stop by for a one-on-one meeting to learn how Social Services may be able to help.

No appointment is necessary.

The Social Services staff will be available monthly on Wednesday evening in a study room at the Mesa Public Library. Read More

Health Care Authority Recognizes SNAP’s 61st Anniversary

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NMHCA News:

SANTA FE — On the 61st anniversary of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham reaffirmed New Mexico’s commitment to protecting families despite deep cuts to the program under the Republican reconciliation law.  

“For sixty-one years, the SNAP program has been one of the most effective tools we have to fight hunger and poverty,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “It keeps children nourished so they can learn, helps older adults stay healthy and allows working families to focus on getting ahead instead of worrying about their next meal.  

“Sadly, Read More

UNM Center For Social Police Releases Groundbreaking Report Describing Health Care Billing Frustrations

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UNM News:

University of New Mexico’s Center for Social Policy has just released the final findings of focus group interviews with New Mexico health professionals and claims processors.

The report, authored by Dr. Melanie Sonntag and Dr. Gabriel Sanchez, describes their frustrations with the complex and time-consuming billing and claims processing system in New Mexico’s hospital and private medical practices.

While there have been many general studies describing the cost and complexity of health payment systems in the United States, this is the first time that a state has collected detailed Read More