Features

Tough-On-Fentanyl Bills Move Forward At Roundhouse In Santa Fe And U.S. Capitol In Washington

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Rep. Charlotte Little

By ESTEBAN CANDELARIA
The Santa Fe New Mexican

Bills toughening penalties for fentanyl trafficking moved forward today in both the Roundhouse and the U.S. Capitol, dividing Democrats between tough-on-crime advocates and those who don’t think stiffer sentences address the root causes of the crisis.

In Santa Fe, House Bill 16, sponsored by state Rep. Charlotte Little, D-Albuquerque, passed the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee on a 6-3 vote. House Democrats who voted against the bill posed questions about the implications and efficacy of slapping Read More

Health Care Authority Urging Lawmakers To Support House Bill 131 To Protect Vulnerable New Mexicans

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority is urging lawmakers to support House Bill 131 to strengthen background checks for caregivers and help ensure the safety of those under their supervision. 

HB131, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson, Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil, Rep. Kathleen Cates and Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez scheduled for a hearing today in the House, Health and Human Services Committee at the Roundhouse.

The bill proposes additional criminal offenses that would disqualify an applicant from being hired as a caregiver.

These new crimes include:

  • Animal cruelty 
Read More

Rural New Mexico Behavioral Health Internship Program Receives National Accreditation

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the New Mexico Psychology Internship Consortia announce full accreditation from the American Psychology Association for their psychology internship program, dedicated to training, recruiting, and retaining behavioral health providers in rural and underserved New Mexico.

“This is a major step toward addressing New Mexico’s behavioral health provider shortage,” Kari Armijo, HCA cabinet secretary said. “By investing in our future mental health professionals, we are ensuring that more New Mexicans, no matter where Read More

Trio Of Behavioral Health Bills Pass First Committee

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New Mexico Legislature News:

SANTA FE — Monday, the second and third of a trio of behavioral health bills advanced in the senate after receiving bipartisan support and do-pass votes (both passed 8-1) in the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee.

Together this suite of legislation represents a critical component of the legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing the behavioral health and public safety crisis facing the state.

Senate Bill 1 sets to establish a billion-dollar trust fund for behavioral health initiatives throughout New Mexico. The Health Care Authority would then Read More

New Mexico Aging Dept. Seeks $74.3 Million To Boost Services For Seniors, Adults With Disabilities, Caregivers

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ALTSD News:

SANTA FE — This week, the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) will present its budget priorities before the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.

“New Mexico seniors and adults deserve the highest quality of care and support,” Emily Kaltenbach, ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Designate said. “This budget reaffirms our commitment to older and disabled adults, as well as their caregivers, by ensuring they have access to the resources they need to live with dignity and independence.” 

ALTSD’s budget within the executive Read More

Celebrating 50 Years Of Child Support In New Mexico: Advancing A Modern Family-Centered Approach

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority launches a yearlong series of statewide events this month to mark the 50th anniversary of its child support program and connect families with resources. 

“Our free services help parents navigate the child support process and connect paying parents with employment services,” Betina Gonzales McCracken, director of CSSD said. “This family-centered approach ensures New Mexico’s children receive the support they need to thrive.”  

The statewide outreach events will highlight the comprehensive services Read More

DEA ‘One Pill Can Kill’ Campaign With NFL Alumni Health

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DEA News:

NEW ORLEANS — With so much attention ahead of Sunday’s big game, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is once again teaming up with NFL Alumni Health to encourage football fans to join us in the fight to save lives.

The need is critical and the game plan simple: understand the dangers of fentanyl and synthetic drugs and use your voice to help spread life-saving information.       

DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz has thrown down the challenge to influencers, role models, celebrities and professional athletes to Step Up, Speak Out, and Fight Back.

“Our future generation Read More

Anchorum Health Foundation Announces New Scholarship For Nurses Seeking Master’s Degrees

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From Anchorum Health Foundation:

  • Scholarship Seeks to Help Fill Workforce Regional Workforce Shortage

SANTA FE — Applications are now open for a new scholarship, offered by Anchorum Health Foundation, that helps nurses achieve Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. Nurses with MSNs can help fill gaps in the northern New Mexico regional healthcare system, particularly in underserved and primary care settings.

“Scholarships like these are a win-win for our communities,” Anchorum President/CEO Jerry Jones said. “They empower nurses to advance their education without the burden Read More

Robinson: Dems Snub Medical Malpractice Reform

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By SHERRY ROBINSON
All She Wrote
© 2024 New Mexico News Services

Long before the legislative session started, a full-page ad accosted readers with this headline: “Medical corporations & insurance companies blame patients harmed by medical malpractice for the healthcare crisis so they can distract us from the billions of dollars in profit that go to their out-of-state corporate headquarters.”

Whoa! Nobody is blaming patients who are victims of medical malpractice. And, looking at New Mexico’s ragged hospital network, there’s more red ink than black ink.

The New Mexico Medical Society Read More