Features

Op-Ed: Volunteer Firefighters Should Be Included Under New Mexico’s Cancer Presumption Legislation

By JONATHAN SHARP
Chief Financial Officer
Environmental Litigation Group, P.C.,

Firefighting remains one of the most hazardous professions. In addition to visible threats such as collapsing structures, poisonous smoke, and thermal injuries, these first responders face prolonged exposure to toxic substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Often dubbed “forever chemicals” – these synthetic compounds were once praised for their exceptional strength and chemical stability, making them integral to various firefighting products, such as turnout gear and Read More

Amerisleep Study: 364 Hours Spent ‘Bed Rotting’

HEALTH News:

A new nationwide survey from Amerisleep.com reveals that more than half of Americans have taken paid time off or called in sick specifically to engage in “bed rotting”—a viral trend that involves staying in bed for hours on end while watching TV, scrolling through social media, or simply doing nothing.

The study highlights a startling shift in how Americans are using their downtime—and what it may be doing to their health.

According to the findings, the average American now spends 364 hours a year bed rotting, the equivalent of 15 full days. Gen Z is driving the trend, with nearly Read More

NMED Offers Free Domestic Well Water Testing At Las Vegas Water Fair June 28

NMED News:

LAS VEGAS — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) will host a free domestic well water testing event in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 28.

Testing will be available 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in Las Vegas at the Contractor Connects + Event, located at the West Las Vegas High School, 179 Bridge Street in Las Vegas.

Well water tests typically cost about $150 but will be free to the first 100 participants or while supplies last. Participants must bring their own water sample to the event in order for it to be tested. Test results will be mailed to the households Read More

Love NM To Host Free One-Day Outreach To Serve New Mexico Families In Need June 27 At Tingley Coliseum

LOVENM News:

ALBUQUERQUE — In response to widespread need across New Mexico, Love NM will host Love Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, June 27, at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, in conjunction with OneABQ and several local churches.

This free event will connect individuals and families with a variety of goods, services, and targeted resources focused on health, wellness, and child development. Community members may register to attend at lovenm.org/#events.

Love Day is an outreach event designed to support New Mexicans with dignity by providing essential services and resources in a joyful Read More

A Day To Appreciate Veterinarians And Animal Shelters—Invaluable To Our Community

COMMUNITY News:

June 18 is Veterinary Appreciation Day and the Los Alamos Animal Shelter has a great safety net to help them accomplish their daily work. Paul Sena is the Manager of the local shelter and utilizes many community partners for the benefit of our furry friends.

“Veterinarians are essential to keeping our shelter animals healthy and thriving. Through established agreements, we’re fortunate to work with several veterinary providers,” Sena said. “The Animal Clinic of Los Alamos provides compassionate care for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to emergency Read More

Santa Fe Animal Shelter And Veterinarian Services—Caring People Watching Out For Animals

Maxxine came into the Santa Fe shelter with a broken femur and a broken spirit that almost required amputation. Community donations helped to pay for her surgery and rehabilitation and now she will go on to live a full life. Courtesy photo

Vet staff help an adorable puppy. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

All veterinarians and their staff work hard, but those that tend our furry friends at animal shelters have boundless compassion that some may never know and others could never comprehend. The Santa Fe Animal Shelter’s Animal Hospital is a full-service facility with two clinics (internal and external), Read More

State Issues Smoke Advisory For Southwestern New Mexico In Wake Of Trout And Buck Fires

NMHealth News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Departments of Health and Environment issued a smoke advisory for communities affected by the Trout Fire in the Silver City area and the Buck Fire near Aragon.

Pending further notice, the advisory is in effect in Grant and Catron counties.

Smoke from the Buck Fire may be visible from Highway 12 southeast of the community of Aragon and southwest of Highway 60. The Trout Fire, north of Silver City, is expected to continue moving north and east, depending on wind direction and other weather conditions. Smoke can travel long distances and may harm air quality Read More

Regional Information Meetings For Developmental Disabilities Waiver Renewal

UNM News:

Did you know that the Health Care Authority’s Developmental Disabilities Supports Division is renewing the Developmental Disabilities Waiver?

If you want more information, consider attending one of the in-person town hall meetings. 

  • Northeast Region/Santa Fe — 1–3 p.m., June 23, 2025
  • Southeast Region/Roswell   — 1–3 p.m., June 30, 2025
  • Northwest Region — 1–3 p.m., July 10, 2025
  • Metro Region/Albuquerque — 1–3 p.m., July 14, 2025
  • Southwest Region/Las Cruces — 1–3 p.m., July 22, 2025

Link for Virtual Attendance:  https://shorturl.at/tDON4

Questions? Contact Steven Fernandez Read More

June Is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

ALTSD News:

SANTA FE — Throughout the month of June, the state is urging all New Mexicans to recognize the signs of elder abuse and take steps to prevent it. 

“Our older adults deserve to live safely and with dignity and respect,” Emily Kaltenbach said, Cabinet Secretary for the Aging and Long-Term Services Department. “Preventing elder abuse is a shared responsibility; by staying informed and vigilant, we can safeguard our seniors from harm.”  

Elder abuse can encompass physical, emotional and financial harm. Some common signs that may indicate someone is experiencing harm: 

  • Unexplained
Read More

Stansbury Fights For Expanded Access To Healthcare

U.S. Congressional News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) fought for expanded access to healthcare in rural and Indigenous communities during an Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee hearing.  

Her bill, the IHS Provider Expansion Act, was reintroduced earlier in the month, and testimony about the legislation was heard during the subcommittee hearing.  

Watch the video of the hearing.  

The legislation would establish an Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs within the Indian Health Service (IHS). This legislation would expand the existing IHS Read More