Healthcare

Op/Ed: Excluding Volunteer Firefighters From New Mexico’s Cancer Presumptive Law Poses Serious Health Risks

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

Without a doubt, firefighting is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Firefighters are susceptible to smoke inhalation, burns, and crush injuries from collapsing structures. However, a more insidious health threat they regularly face is toxic exposure, which is often responsible for cancer.

When extinguishing blazes, firefighters can breathe in formaldehyde, asbestos, benzene, carbon monoxide, as well as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Often dubbed PFAS or “forever Read More

NMSP: Peñasco Couple Arrested For Abuse Of Newborn

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NMSP News:

PEÑASCO — Jan. 11, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was called to a home in Peñasco to investigate child abuse involving a newborn baby.

Agents learned that officers responded to a home in Peñasco after receiving an anonymous report that a child may be in danger. At the house, officers spoke with the mother, Darlene Gonzales, 35, and her husband, Ronald Gonzales, 40.

Darlene told officers she had given birth to a baby boy Jan. 10 in the living room of the home. A doctor had not examined the baby, and the baby had not received any medical care. Officers noticed the baby Read More

New Mexico State Police Ofc. Joe Sierra Prevents Overdose

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NMSP News:

SANTA CLARA — At approximately 2:30 a.m., Jan. 16, 2024, New Mexico State Police Ofc. Joe Sierra was dispatched to an address on Fort Bayard Street in Santa Clara in reference to an apparent drug overdose.

Once on scene, Ofc. Sierra immediately recognized a male subject on the ground who was unresponsive but with a pulse. Ofc. Sierra rolled the male on his side and administered one dose of Naloxone (Narcan). The male remained unconscious and a second dose of Narcan was given. 

Ofc. Sierra began giving sternum rubs but they were unsuccessful. EMS arrived on scene and gave two more additional Read More

Key Clubbers To Describe ‘How To Save A Life’ Project At Kiwanis Meeting Monday Evening In Kelly Hall At TOTH

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Scene from LAHS Key Club hosting their ‘How to Save a Life’  educational program highlighting the dangers of  Fentanyl held Nov. 14 at SALA. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Scene from LAFD Capt. Robert Fuselier speaking to students about the dangers of Fentanyl during LAHS Key Club’s ‘How to Save a Life’  program held Nov. 14 at SALA. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
KIWANIS News:
Los Alamos High School Key Club leaders will attend a Kiwanis Club meeting next week to describe their “How to Save a Life” educational program, which they presented Nov. 14 at SALA Event Center (link).
The
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State Lawmakers To Join Postcard-Signing Event To Rouse Support For Autism Legislation Jan. 20

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STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Several state legislators – including Representatives Joshua Hernandez, Kathleen Cates, Liz Thompson and Sen. Linda Lopez – will join the Garza owned McDonald’s and Elevate the Spectrum to host a postcard signing-event on Saturday, Jan. 20 in an effort to impact change for those with autism.

The public is strongly encouraged to participate. The event will take place 2-4 p.m. at McDonald’s on 5700 McMahon Blvd.

Pre-filled postcards will be made available where the public need only add their address.

Volunteers will then send the postcards to the appropriate Read More

New Mexico Community Experts Urge Lawmakers To Rethink Approach To Crime Amid Renewed Calls For Harsh Penalties

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ACLU Public Policy Director Nayomi Valdez

NM SAFE News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Leading experts and advocates associated with the NM SAFE coalition held a press conference Wednesday urging legislators to rethink their approach to crime ahead of the 2024 legislative session.

Amid renewed calls for punitive policies, professionals working to address addiction, homelessness, and youth violence, called on lawmakers to focus on proven solutions that tackle the root causes of crime and invest in families and the future of New Mexico.

“It is our hope that the legislature will commit to bolstering investments Read More

Los Alamos Medical Center Recognized For Excellence With ACC Chest Pain Center Reaccreditation

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LAMC News:

  • LAMC provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. The hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Reaccreditation in November 2023 based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

As an accredited Chest Pain Center, LAMC has committed to a higher standard of care for emergency cardiac services, Read More

State Releases Results For LAPS Waste Water Drug Testing

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Courtesy image

STATE News:

The Governor’s Office and New Mexico Environment Department, to ensure the health and safety of school communities, launched an innovative wastewater testing program in public schools across the state. This program is intended to serve as a proactive measure to detect and address drug use among the school population.

The results for Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) waste water testing for drugs was released Tuesday. 

“­We cooperated with the state in this initiative voluntarily. We know that it is important to gather information on drug use in our community from Read More

NM Environment Department To Offer Voluntary Testing For PFAS For Clovis Residents, Cannon AFB Personnel

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Environment Secretary James Kenney

NMED News:

Contractor sought to administer testing program this spring

CLOVIS — This spring, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) will offer Clovis residents living near Cannon Air Force Base and Base personnel the opportunity to have their blood tested for specified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) free of charge.

NMED issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a contractor to administer the PFAS blood testing program and is seeking to host two events where up to 500 adult volunteers residing within four miles of Cannon Air Force Base Read More

Los Alamos Medical Center Welcomes First Baby Of 2024!

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Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) rang in the new year with its first bundle of joy, Adrina! Weighing 7 pounds and 6.5 ounces, she was born to very proud parents Elena and Joshua Wright at 8:59 p.m. on Jan. 2. The LAMC team, including CEO Tracie Stratton, center, and Chief Nursing Officer Don Hislop, right, sent the happy family home with a special gift basket. Courtesy photo

LAMC rang in the new year with its first bundle of joy, Adrina, born at 8:59 p.m. on Jan. 2. Note: The lights are not hot and were used momentarily to enhance the festive occasion. Courtesy photo Read More