Healthcare

NM Primary Care Council To Hold Quarterly Meeting Jan. 8

by

HCA News:

Notice is hereby given that the New Mexico Primary Care Council will convene for a regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 8. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

The public is welcome, and information about how to attend the meeting is below.

Copies of the agenda will be posted and available on the Health Care Authority’s website. Copies may also be obtained by contacting Stakeholder Engagement & Community Coordinator – MAD Zachary Larry at zachary.larry@hca.nm.gov.

An individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified Read More

New Mexico Aging And Long-Term Services Department Marks Year Of Expanded Services For Seniors In 2025

by

ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Emily Kaltenbach

ALTSD News:

SANTA FE — In 2025, the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) advanced a wide range of policies, programs, and partnerships to help older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across the state live with dignity and independence.

“This past year we focused on building systems that work better, reach farther, and put people first,” ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Emily Kaltenbach said. “Every one of these actions reflects what we hear directly from older adults and caregivers: people want support that is accessible, Read More

Federal Office Of Special Education Programs Finds New Mexico Maintains Top National Ranking For Infant Early Intervention

by

ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky

ECECD News:

SANTA FE — For the third consecutive year, New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) ranks first in the nation for identifying and enrolling babies from birth to 12 months with developmental delays and disabilities, according to the latest federal data released last month.

The rankings, determined by the federal Office of Special Education Programs for 2024, also show New Mexico ranks second in the nation for serving children ages 1-2, behind only Massachusetts.

ECECD’s Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program reaches families Read More

Op-Ed: Legislature Should Pass All 10 Health Care Worker Compacts In 2026

by

By KRISTINA FISHER
Associate Director
Think New Mexico

The most immediate way that New Mexico lawmakers can expand access to health care is by joining all the interstate compacts for health care workers, which would make it easier for health care professionals who are licensed in other states to care for patients here in New Mexico, including via telehealth.

States that join the doctor compact experience an increase of 10-15 percent in the number of doctors licensed every year.

This probably explains why states keep joining compacts and no state that has joined a compact has ever left. Forty-two Read More

American Medical Association: 10 Health Recommendations

by

AMA News:

CHICAGO — As the new year quickly approaches, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering 10 recommendations to help Americans make the most impactful, long-lasting improvements to their health in 2026 and beyond.

“With the holiday cookies eaten and those missed workouts officially last year’s worry, the new year is a great chance to refocus on the healthy choices you want to make in 2026,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “Even tiny changes now can snowball into major gains for your long-term health.”

The AMA’s 10 recommendations for a healthier new year, include the Read More

Sandra Salazar Brightens Spirits Of Seniors At Los Alamos Wellness & Rehab Through Adopt-A-Grandparent Program

by

Mary Kay Independent Consultant Sandra Salazar delivers gifts for residents at Los Alamos Wellness & Rehabilitation on Monday at 1011 Sombillo Court. She is shown here with the facility’s Activity Director Joshua Bloom. This is the 6th year that Salazar has shown this act of kindness to seniors under her ‘Adopt A Grandparent’ program.‘Many seniors don’t have anyone visiting during the holidays and may not receive a gift. This year, the Adopt A Grandparent stockings were filled with items sponsored or donated by customers and businesses, including Mary Kay Mint Bliss foot cream, hand Read More

Governor Awards $20 Million To Expand Rural Primary Care

by

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Thirty-two rural health care organizations will share $20 million in Rural Health Care Delivery Fund awards to expand primary care services across New Mexico.

The fiscal year 2026 awards support projects that strengthen local health care capacity and improve access to coordinated, person-centered care in underserved areas—from tribal communities in Cibola County to frontier clinics in Catron County.

“We created this fund because rural health care providers were struggling to keep their doors open, let alone expand,” Lujan Grisham said. “These awards will help Read More

New Mexico’s 988 Lifeline Open 24/7 During Holiday Season

by

New Mexico Health Care Authority News:

  • Mental health support is always available

SANTA FE — The 988 New Mexico Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available around the clock throughout the holiday season, offering free support for mental health, emotional, and substance use crises. 

“During the holidays, many people are carrying more than usual, and no one should have to go through that alone,” said Kari Armijo, secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “If you need someone to listen, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to connect you with trained counselors and Read More

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Convenes More Than 55 Experts To Create Roadmap For Native Maternal Health Solutions

by

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, convened more than 55 American Indian, Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Native Hawaiian (NH) maternal health experts and organizations to create a landmark set of five reports outlining the current state of Native maternal health.

The five reports synthesize national findings on maternal mortality, workforce equity, access to health care services, data sovereignty, and funding inequities.

AI/AN people face pregnancy-related Read More

Low-Sensory ‘Noon’ Year’s Eve At White Rock Library

by

COUNTY News:

The community is invited to chill out midday on New Year’s Eve, removing the need to stay up until midnight. Lean into a low-sensory “Noon” Year’s Eve experience.

At White Rock Branch Library, the County will provide a low-key, self-paced gathering for those of who don’t enjoy loud noises and things falling from the ceiling.

Library staff will have crafts and game stations available for kids who prefer to party at their own pace. 

No balloon drop, no loud music; just good vibes celebrating the turning of the calendar year from 2025 to 2026. This event is best for kids ages 4-10 and their Read More