Here’s a look at some of today’s headlines:
A bill that addresses the chronic problem of long wait lists for the developmental disabilities waiver services in New Mexico, has passed the House Health and Human Services Committee. House Bill 68 requires the Department of Health to move a total of 3,000 individuals off the waiting list and into the waiver program over the next five years. The legislation includes $25 million to the Department of Health to pay for this mandate. According to a release, the New Mexico waiting list for developmental disabilities waiver services exceeds 4,600 people who are eligible for these services. Statistically, 47% of individuals on the waiting list are minors, and 73% are under 26 years of age. The Developmental Disabilities Waiver program is designed to provide services and supports that assist eligible children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate as active members of their communities.
During a special meeting last week, Luna County Commissioners have decided to re-advertise the vacant County Manager position. Unanimously, all three Commissioners agreed to post the manager’s position again after Sierra County Manager, Bruce Swingle, declined to accept the position after being hired earlier this month.
Several healthcare facilities and government agencies attended a meeting hosted by Gila Regional Medical Center. The first “Southwest New Mexico Regional Consortium”, addressed medical facility issues emerging from the recent encounters with Border Patrol detainees. The meeting was attended by representatives from the following entities: the New Mexico Department of Health; Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo; Mimbres Memorial Hospital in Deming; Hidalgo Medical Services in Lordsburg; Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces; and BorderRAC out of El Paso. Topic that were discussed included infection prevention, immunization status, communication and the monitoring of care.
Andres Padilla, a graduate of Silver High School, has been named the featured chef at the 2nd Annual Guest Chef Dinner and Silent Auction, a benefit for the School of Hotel, and Restaurant Management at New Mexico State University. Andres currently lives in Chicago and serves as the culinary director of restaurants owned by celebrity chef, Rick Bayless. Congratulation, Andres!
