Healthcare

Senate Advances Paid Leave Bill Over GOP Objections

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By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The santa Fe New Mexican

A proposal to establish a paid family and medical leave program in New Mexico is heading to the House for consideration after winning approval Saturday in the Senate.

After more than three hours of debate and several failed amendments, Senate Bill 11 cleared the chamber 23-15. Two Democrats —George Muñoz of Gallup and Daniel Ivey-Soto of Albuquerque — joined Republicans in voting against the bill.

Republicans described the proposed Paid Family and Medical Leave Act as government overreach and a tax on businesses as well as employees, both of whom would Read More

LAPS On March Prevention Theme: Sleep Awareness

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LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) is addressing the March Prevention Theme: Sleep Awareness. Are you or someone you know struggling with irritability or feeling overwhelmed? Having trouble managing your emotions and staying focused? Feeling sluggish and unmotivated? It might be a good time to check in on the amount and quality of sleep you’re getting.

Sleep is a time for the body to rest and repair and for the brain to integrate and process the day’s information and events. Lack of sleep can have negative impacts on mental and physical health for children, youth and adults.

Adequate Read More

New Mexico To End COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

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Courtesy/CDC

From the Office of the Governor:

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced that today’s renewal of the COVID-19 executive order will be the final extension. It will remain in effect until March 31, 2023, and then will be allowed to expire.

“While we’re still seeing COVID cases, our preparedness and collaborative work have helped turn a once-in-a-century public health emergency into a manageable situation,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “We are working diligently across state agencies to make sure New Mexicans continue to be supported as federal COVID programs wind down.” Read More

New Women’s Health FNP Joins Los Alamos Medical Center

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Janet Sandy, FNP

LAMC News:

Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) has announced a new addition to its women’s health clinic. Janet Sandy, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner who came to the community a year ago to serve as a travel nurse and made the decision to stay as a permanent resident. She said that she is looking forward to seeing both new and existing patients.

“When I arrived in Los Alamos a year ago, I was brought together with a group of extraordinary people serving Los Alamos Medical Center as dedicated nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and locums providers on the OB unit. Strong friendships Read More

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Is It Your Time For A Colonoscopy? 

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By KURT LANGE, MD
LAMC

The 80s and 90s were a legendary time for cinema, with the release of some of the most well-known movies to date, including Thelma & Louise, Forrest Gump, Clueless, Space Jam, Titanic and the list goes on. But if these renowned pieces of pop culture were introduced to the big screen during your teenage years, it might be time to consider a different kind of screening – a colonoscopy. With March being National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, there’s no better time to schedule your appointment to get screened. 

A colonoscopy is a screening that can identify colorectal Read More

On Rare Disease Day, Luján And Heinrich Introduce Legislation To Increase Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Research And Education

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research and Education Act (CCM-CARE) which would expand National Institutes of Health (NIH) research related to cerebral cavernous malformations.

Nationwide, an estimated 600,000 Americans are affected by Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCM), and due to limited research, there is currently no treatment for CCM other Read More

PCNM No Longer Providing COVID Testing In Los Alamos

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COUNTY News:

Due to the decline in patients, Pathology Consultants of New Mexico (PCNM) will no longer provide COVID-19 testing service in White Rock effective immediately. Officials at Los Alamos County were informed that Monday, Feb. 27 was their last day.

“Over the last month, we have seen a continual decreased volume, on average less than three patients a day,” said PCNM Director of Business Development Patricia Ramirez. “It has been our pleasure to have serviced your community for over a year now. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Los Alamos County.

Residents are encouraged to use an Read More

Vitalant Blood Drive At Los Alamos Senior Center March 3

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LARSO News:

How do you become a superhero in your own neck of the woods? Come visit the “sandwich ladies” for the first ever blood drive held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, March 3 at the Betty Ehart Senior Center.

The best news is “the sandwich ladies are back”. The loving moniker of the lunch ladies was bestowed upon the Los Alamos Volunteer Association or RSVP volunteers many years ago. As the pandemic took over the relationship had to take a backseat.

Prior to COVID, the sandwich ladies were known for their egg salad and the original recipe will be strictly followed by LARSO staff to attempt a continuity Read More

New Mexico Lawmakers Have Many Ideas To Address Behavioral Health Crisis But Lack Coordination

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Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Piño

By ROBERT NOTT
The Santa Fe New Mexican

The initiatives look promising on paper.

One bill would create a $10 million fund to fill vacant behavioral health provider positions. Another calls for $20 million to provide substance abuse treatment for homeless people. A third would give law enforcement the right to take people displaying signs of a mental health crisis to a triage center rather than jail.

Lawmakers have introduced more than two dozen bills aimed at addressing behavioral health, mental health and substance abuse problems — initiatives advocates say would aid Read More