During a special meeting held Tuesday, Judge George Moreno was sworn in by the Hurley Town Clerk where afterwards he administered the oath of office to the newly elected and appointed councilor and mayor. Appointed and sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem was Reynaldo Maynes and Robert Candelaria was selected to fill the vacant council seat. The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. at the Hurley Community Center.
The New Mexico Office of Housing has distributed more than $820,000 to shelters and service providers statewide, including in Deming, to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the winter months. The funding is being used to supply new or existing warming centers with essential items such as cots, portable heating units, blankets, pillows, sleeping mats, and mattresses. Additional support includes kitchen appliances, food storage improvements, winter clothing, hygiene supplies, and baby care products. All funded activities are intended to enhance winter service delivery and assist those experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness.
Several updates were presented during the recent Grant County Commission work session, including a quarterly report from the Grant County Community Health Council. The Director reported on a new initiative underway at the local hospital and announced that two certifications were obtained to begin community training, including adult mental health first aid. There will also be a three-day workshop in Deming focused on regional behavioral health planning, prompted by state incentives. The workshop will emphasize a public health strategy designed to identify individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders and connect them with appropriate support services.
In New Mexico news:
New Mexico’s Health Care Affordability Fund will help prevent significant premium increases for residents enrolled in the BeWell health insurance marketplace following the expiration of federal Affordable Care Act tax credits on Dec. 31. Established in 2021, the Health Care Affordability Fund is designed to lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs for eligible New Mexicans purchasing coverage through BeWell. During a special legislative session in October, state leaders approved $17.3 million from the fund, in addition to $21.5 million appropriated earlier, to reduce premiums and cost sharing through June 30. For more information regarding BeWell health insurance, visit website.
