Healthcare

Local Mother And Daughter Need Community’s Support For Medical Treatment At Mayo Clinic And Barrows Neurology

by

Los Alamos resident Heather Burke shown here hospitalized last summer is seeking the community’s support to help her and her daughter obtain medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic and Barrows Neurology. Courtesy photo

By Carol A. Clark
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

Heather Burke of Los Alamos is self-employed and known for her tech support company here. She has supported her clients for the last 30 years.

Her heart issues are congenital but have worsened recently, yet she has continued working and has sought medical help in the state. There are very few specialists in New Mexico, Read More

All Shall Be Well: Sadly God Is Not Glorified And America Is Not Living Up To Her Promise

by

Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

By The Rev. Mary Ann Hill
Rector
Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church

What a difference two decades makes! At the very beginning of his first term in office, President George W. Bush issued two executive orders aimed at faith-based and community organizations in order to improve the delivery of social services:

“Faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) have a long tradition of helping Americans in need and together represent Read More

Kristin Kosiewicz Substance Abuse Awareness Scholarship Increases – Deadline For Students To Apply Is Feb. 21, 2025

by

Kristin Kosiewicz

By STAN KOSIEWICZ and AMY ANDERSON

In its fourth year, the Kristin Kosiewicz Substance Abuse Awareness Scholarship will provide three awards to graduating seniors. The value of the scholarships will be: one for $4,000 and two for $2,000 each. These local scholarships are administered by the LAPS Foundation and funded by donations.

The deadline for students to apply is Feb. 21, 2025. Link to online application.

This scholarship is in memory of Kristin Kosiewicz, a 1993 graduate of Los Alamos High School. Kristin died Sept. 25, 2021 from an accidental Fentanyl overdose. Link Read More

New Mexico Lawmakers Claim Intimidation, Bullying By Opponents Of Paid Family And Medical Leave

by

The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo

By Daniel J. Chacón
The Santa Fe New Mexican

The battle over a contentious paid family and medical leave proposal is heating up and getting personal, with two Democratic lawmakers accusing opponents of the measure of bullying and intimidation tactics to get them to vote against the bill.

The two lawmakers are both members of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, where House Bill 11 is scheduled to be considered next.

The committee chair, Rep. Doreen Gallegos, D-Las Cruces, and Rep. Art De La Cruz, D-Albuquerque, said they were targeted Read More

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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