Healthcare

Skolnik: Tracking COVID And More In Los Alamos’ Wastewater

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By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock

The tools for monitoring the presence of COVID in our communities have decreased dramatically over the last year or so. Thus, monitoring the virus that causes COVID in our wastewater has become even more important than earlier.

Los Alamos County has contracted for the monitoring of our wastewater in both Los Alamos and White Rock for:

          • SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
          • RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
          • Influenza A
          • Influenza B

In this manner, our wastewater surveillance can serve as a signal not only for the extent to which COVID is present in our community, but also the extent Read More

GetInsured Partners With Undue Medical Debt In New Mexico

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GetInsured News:

ALBUQUERQUE — GetInsured, a leading provider of state-based health insurance exchange (SBE) technology platforms, has launched an initiative to wipe out medical debt for hundreds of New Mexicans.

This effort is part of a long-standing partnership with the non-profit organization, Undue Medical Debt (formerly RIP Medical Debt), aimed at alleviating the financial burdens associated with health care.

Over the past five years, GetInsured has been working closely with Undue Medical Debt to eliminate medical debt across the country, retiring nearly $12 million in total. Read More

Skolnik: Getting Your ‘Fall Vaccines’

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By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock

The landscape for vaccines has evolved considerably in the last few years, with the advent of COVID vaccines and the development of the first vaccines and monoclonal antibodies against RSV.

There have also been recent changes in the guidelines concerning the RSV vaccine for older adults.

The chart below summarizes five matters concerning the “fall vaccines” against influenza, COVID, and RSV:

  • The disease the vaccine addresses
  • The options for each vaccine, if available
  • Who is eligible
  • How well the vaccine works
  • When to get the vaccines

The chart can be a useful aide Read More

SFCC Announces Free Fitness Education Center Access For Credit Students

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SFCC News:

SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) announces a new initiative providing free access to the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center (FEC) for all students enrolled in credit courses.

Starting this week and continuing throughout the fall semester, students registered in at least one credit class can use the fitness center at no additional cost during its regular operating hours.

President Becky Rowley said, “This initiative is designed to support our students’ health, wellness, and overall college experience. Research shows that regular physical activity can help Read More

State Offers Free Blood Tests For PFAS Around Cannon AFB

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NMED News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) said New Mexico is stepping up to help residents and workers surrounding Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis by offering free blood tests for PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals that can affect your health. 

These tests are available to anyone who has lived or worked in certain areas around the base, where PFAS contaminated the local water supply.  

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products, including food packaging, nonstick cookware, and certain types of fire-fighting Read More

Health Care Authority Taps Three New Division Directors

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HCA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) Monday announced a significant leadership overhaul with the appointment of three seasoned professionals as division directors. 

Jennifer Rodriguez, Dan Lanari and Colin Baillio are tasked with driving improvements in health outcomes and services for New Mexicans.

“We are fortunate to have three experienced and capable directors to lead at the Health Care Authority,” said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “Jennifer Rodriguez, Dan Lanari and Collin Baillio bring a wealth of knowledge Read More

NNSA Issues Update On US 84/285 Tractor-Trailer Rollover

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NNSA Los Alamos Field Office News:

At 11 p.m. local time on Aug. 19, 2024, members of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Radiological Assessment Program completed a survey of the incident site on U.S. 84/285 outside Santa Fe following that day’s truck accident. (The truck was carrying demolition debris from Los Alamos National Laboratory).

Based on swipes, air samples, and radiation detection tools, it was determined there was no radiological contamination at the scene. There was not and is no threat to the public.

The scene has been physically cleared and the highway has been Read More

Southern New Mexico Water Utility In Hot Water Again

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NMELC News:

SUNLAND PARK — The New Mexico Environmental Law Center, on behalf of community members in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, submitted a request to the New Mexico Department of Justice (DOJ) and the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor Friday, Aug. 2, to investigate the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) for violations of environmental protection laws; consumer protection laws; waste, fraud, or abuse of state and federal funds; and violations of the New Mexico Open Meetings Act.

Read the 24-page official request here.

This community-informed request comes months after Read More

DEA: National Fentanyl Prevention & Awareness Day Aug. 21

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DEA News:

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will recognize National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day by joining the many voices dedicated to educating the public on the serious dangers of fentanyl poisoning from fake pills and other illicit drugs.

Did you know that just 2mg of fentanyl, the amount on the tip of this pencil, can be enough to kill the average person? The 2024 DEA fentanyl seizures represent more than 216 million deadly doses.

Help DEA save lives by educating yourself and talking to others about the dangers of fentanyl. Join DEA in observance Read More

NNSA Addresses US 84/285 Tractor-Trailer Rollover

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NNSA Los Alamos Field Office News:

At 11:18 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, a flatbed tractor trailer truck carrying demolition debris from Los Alamos National Laboratory overturned on the southbound lanes on U.S. 84/285 north of Santa Fe. Our first concern is for the driver of the truck and the safety of the other drivers on the highway, and we are grateful for the response by emergency personnel. There is no danger to the public.

The truck, which is operated by a lab contractor, was traveling to Waste Control Specialists in Andrews, Texas, carrying four Super Sacks of demolition debris from the Laboratory’s Read More