Features

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Jan. 27

JJAB News:
 
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training-openings available to the community!
 
The Los Alamos JJAB has space available in the Youth Mental Health First Aid training taking place Saturday, Jan. 27.
 
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence based, nationally recognized and accredited course that teaches adults who work with youth how to identify symptoms of different types of mental illness. As with any first aid class, there is an action plan to help a youth in crisis. Trainees learn how to assess the person for risk of harm or suicide, listen non-judgmentally,
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Kathy Schoonover Retires From Sage Health

Sage Health practitioners celebrate the retirement of Kathy Schoonover with dinner at the Blue Window. From left, Leslie Pfaff, Dennis Schoonover, Kathy Schoonover, Nancy Savoia, Sandra West, Shawn West and Aimee Price say, ‘We appreciate your service and wish you the best on your future adventures.’ Sage Health offers chiropractic, acupuncture, posture therapy and massage services at 2610 Trinity Dr., Suite 14. Courtesy photo Read More

Evolent Health Completes Acquisition Of Assets From New Mexico Health Connections

NMHC News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Health Connections (NMHC) and Evolent Health, Inc. (NYSE: EVH) (“Evolent”) announced Tuesday the completion of Evolent’s acquisition of certain assets from New Mexico Health Connections (NMHC).
 
First announced Sept. 27, 2017, this strategic acquisition brings together two innovative companies that will operate a new health plan and managed services organization called True Health New Mexico.
 
The transaction closed on the originally announced terms, with Evolent acquiring assets related to the commercial business
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House Health Committee Chair: Dept. Of Aging Violated Federal Law In Canceling Major Elder-Care Contract

STATE News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE  Rep. Debbie Armstrong (D-Bernalillo), chair of the New Mexico House of Representatives Health and Human Services Committee, Thursday denounced the Department of Aging and Long-Term Services Department’s decision to arbitrarily cancel a critical elder-care program as a violation of federal law, as well as the Department’s own regulations, and a threat to the health and well-being of thousands of New Mexico seniors.
 
“Disrupting services to vulnerable seniors in rural communities in the middle of winter is an outrage on multiple levels,”
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New Mexicans With Disabilities Able To Take Advantage Of Investment Program Jan. 18

ABLENM News:
 
An opportunity for New Mexicans with disabilities to save is coming Jan. 18.
 
ABLE New Mexico will allow people with disabilities to contribute to an investment account without jeopardizing other benefits such as Social Security or Medicare. The program – administered by the State Treasurer’s Office – is launching Jan. 18.
 
ABLE New Mexico gives people with disabilities a path to financial independence by increasing their ability to save. All the earnings through the program are tax free.
 
Participants will be able to contribute up to $15,000 per year
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Pearce On UNM Suspending Lead Physician In Fetal Tissue Research While Investigation Moves Forward

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

From the Office of U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce:

Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce issued the following statement regarding the recent suspension of Dr. Robin Ohls, lead physician in fetal tissue research at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Health Sciences Center”

“For years, this issue has divided the University of New Mexico, board of regents, and the community. The University and Health Sciences Center has been in an incredibly difficult position working through a number of allegations and potential questions relating to research being conducted. Read More

Sleep Better In 2018

CDC News:

People will often cut back on their sleep for work, for family demands, or even to watch a good show on television. But if not getting enough sleep is a regular part of your routine, you may be at an increased risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke, poor mental health, and even early death.

Even one night of short sleep can affect you the next day. Not surprisingly, you’re more likely to feel sleepy. On top of that, you’re more likely to be in a bad mood, be less productive at work, and to be involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Habits to improve your sleep Read More

DEA: China Announces Scheduling Controls On Two Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals

Acting DEA Administrator Robert W. Patterson
 
DEA News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C.  China’s Ministry of Public Security last week announced scheduling controls on two fentanyl precursor chemicals – NPP and 4ANPP, substances that can be used to make illicit drugs.
 
The scheduling controls will take effect Feb. 1, 2018 and is the result of the ongoing collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Government of China and their shared commitment to countering illicit fentanyl-class substances.
 
“Fentanyl compounds significantly contribute
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