Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Members of the New Mexico House of Representatives voted unanimously 68-0 to adopt the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact, allowing nurses to practice in New Mexico and 27 other states without additional licensing requirements. Enactment of the compact means that nurses can still go to work this weekend to provide care for New Mexicans. In 2004, New Mexico signed onto the original Nursing Licensure Compact with 26 other states. The compact has been beneficial for traveling nurses on which many small hospitals and some state facilities depend on. The eNLC has revisions to the original compact that include uniform criminal background checks and the removal of barriers for other states to join. The bill to adopt the compact headed to the Governor’s office for her signature. The deadline to adopt the compact was today.
A special meeting hosted by Ray Davis, of American Legion Post 18, enabled residents to hear about updates and the construction project at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Guests included Jared Howard, the director of the Santa Fe and Fort Bayard national cemeteries, and Brad Phillips, director of the Pacific District of the National Cemetery Administration. It is estimated by the end of the summer, irrigation will be completed and workers will put in turf and in addition, hydroseed the older sections with Bermuda grass. In fiscal year 2019, the roads will be paved and other minor issues will reach completion. The mayor of Santa Clara, Richard Bauch was thanked for putting the flags on the road to the cemetery for each veteran’s event, whether Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day or for Wreaths Across America.
The first “Walmart Wellness Day” event of the year will take place tomorrow from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at all local Walmart stores. The free health screening event provides residents an opportunity to learn valuable health information including, blood glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, low-cost immunizations, and in some locations visions will be offered. New this year, Walmart is introducing a virtual reality experience in select stores to assist with smoking cessation. According to the CDC, approximately 16.6 percent of adults in New Mexico smoke cigarettes regularly. This free resource is intended to be a step toward quitting tobacco.
The U.S. Forest Service held an “active shooter” training session that included Silver City Police, Silver City firefighters, Grant County Sherriff’s Department, Homeland Security, Santa Clara and Bayard Police, the Grant County Dispatch Authority and Homeland Security. The drill took place at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center and included mock perpetrator and victims. EMS drilled by taking care of victims and an Air Med helicopter landed to “mock-load” a patient for takeoff. The drill was deemed a complete success for all those involved. The public is encouraged to be aware of their environment and make a safety plan for their family.
