Be A Lifesaver During National Blood Donor Month
VITALANT News:
ALBUQUERQUE — This January, nonprofit Vitalant is calling on all generous blood donors to be a lifesaver during National Blood Donor Month. Vitalant is grateful for all blood donors who are especially vital at the start of a new year, following the holiday weeks when office and school blood drives are scarce and busy schedules cause a dip in donations.
As a special thanks between Jan. 5-Feb. 8, Vitalant is giving donors 26 chances to win $500* to start off 2026.
Giving blood is just one way to make a lifesaving difference. Thomas Williams has long helped patients by donating blood Read More
Two New Businesses Open In Los Alamos: Los Alamos Mold Inspectors And Charisma Healing LLC
Partner and environmental health advocate Jessica Hoffland operates Charisma Healing LLC, and Los Alamos Mold Inspectors Co-owner and lead inspector Dennis Morrison. Courtesy photo
BUSINESS News:
Los Alamos Mold Inspectors — a medically-informed residential and commercial mold inspection service — is expanding education and support for residents who experience worsening symptoms in winter months or while spending extended time indoors.
Co-owner and lead inspector Dennis Morrison provides thorough, evidence-based mold inspections, moisture mapping, and environmental sampling Read More
County: Tips On Dressing For Safety In Cold Weather
COUNTY News:
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website, the best way to avoid hypothermia and frostbite is to stay warm and dry indoors and outdoors.
If you must go outside, dress for safety; wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you.
Remove layers to avoid sweating and chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded. Wear a hat because much of your body heat can be lost from your head.
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug Read More
DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities To Ensure Continued Access To Care Through Dec. 31, 2026
Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz
DEA Diversion Control Division
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has issued a Fourth Temporary Extension of the COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for the Prescription of Controlled Medications, extending the current telemedicine flexibilities .
Under these telemedicine flexibilities, DEA-registered practitioners are permitted to remotely prescribe Schedule II-V controlled medications via audio-video telemedicine encounters, Read More
DEA: Explore Drug Facts This Holiday Season
DEA News:
As 30 Days of Drug Facts comes to an end this December, the DEA encourages the community to take time to learn about drugs.
When you know the risks and effects, you can prevent misuse, avoid harmful interactions, and recognize warning signs early to help those in need.
Accurate information also protects against the danger of hearing incorrect information from your peers or through social media. Education strengthens both you and your community’s safety by lowering crime and health issues linked to drug abuse.
DEA.gov offers many drug fact sheets where you can find descriptions of a Read More
Los Alamos County Health Council To Meet Jan. 8
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Health Council is scheduled to meet at noon on Jan. 8 in Room 110 at the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.
This meeting is open to the public in person, and also via Zoom by pasting into the browser the following: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82011771382.
Agenda:
- CALL TO ORDER
- PUBLIC COMMENT
III. BOARDS/STAFF/MEMBERS COMMUNICATION
Approval of Minutes from the Los Alamos County Health Council Meeting on Dec. 4, 2025.
20610-25
Presenters: Lisa Hampton
Los_Alamos_County_Health_Council_25-12-04_BCC_Meeting_Minutes Attachments: Read More
New Mexico Medicaid Receives $211.5 Million To Strengthen Rural Health Care
HCA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) today received $211,484,741 in grant funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to support improvements in rural health care access and delivery across the state.
The funding is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program and will be used to expand rural health services, stabilize critical access facilities, bolster the health care workforce, and advance technology-enabled, community-based care models statewide.
“This $211.5 million federal investment recognizes New Mexico’s bold plan to transform Read More
Opportunities To Give During Blood Donor Month In January
The Vitalant mobile donation unit is often parked at Smith’s Marketplace. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos
If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community in 2026, how about becoming a blood donor?
Vitalant is the community hub that coordinates a variety of blood drives throughout Los Alamos and White Rock. You can find them at the senior centers, churches, the teen center and occasionally on their mobile unit in either town.
January is National Blood Donor Month and celebrated to honor blood donors and raise awareness about the critical Read More
NMDWS: Texas Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing $160,000 In New Mexico Pandemic Benefits
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Texas man pleaded guilty last week to stealing more than $160,000 in federal unemployment relief funds issued by New Mexico during the pandemic.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the guilty plea by Marc Long — the result of continued work by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) to prosecute pandemic-era fraud.
The case underscores the NMDWS’ continued commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting fraud involving unemployment benefit programs.
“The guilty plea in the Marc Long case sends a clear message: New Mexico has Read More
NM Primary Care Council To Hold Quarterly Meeting Jan. 8
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Inspired By Creating Community Through Youth Advocacy
CASA First’s Grace Korthuis and a child play with blocks. Courtesy/CASA First
By GRACE KORTHUIS
CASA First
As a 24-year-old living in Northern New Mexico, it can be difficult to create community. Working at the nonprofit CASA First, I’m inspired by the compassionate community I’m now part of. It includes my colleagues who uplift vulnerable children, and volunteers who inspire me with their care and steadfastness. I feel especially connected to the families and kids whom I get to see grow and heal over time.
Working within the child welfare system is often devastating, especially here in New