Here’s a look at some local news brought to you by Silver City Radio.
At the time of compiling this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total of 51,110 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases statewide. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County increased 3 more cases to 223 total with 74 recovered; Luna County increased 51 more cases to 1,301 total with 292 recovered; Hidalgo and Catron County remained the same. Yesterday the NMDOH reported a record high 23 additional COVID-19 related deaths and 862 new cases statewide.
In additional health news, the New Mexico Department of Health has reported that prescription opioid overdose deaths decreased last year but illicit substance overdose deaths went up. According to a release, the increase last year is attributed to the use of illicit substances including methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin. Methamphetamine was involved in 44% of all drug overdose deaths in 2019. The percentage of overdose deaths that involved fentanyl was 21% in 2019, up from 13% in 2018. In addition, the increased use of the Prescription Monitoring Program by prescribers and the adoption of prescription guidelines correlates with the decline in prescription opioid overdose deaths, other than fentanyl. It also reflects the push to use naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug.
The Economic Development Administration is supporting an investment in Grant County by establishing the Community Workforce Alliance, a non-profit organization. The funds will support redevelopment and revitalization in the region to address the economic development needs of communities adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The project will support partnerships with the Silver City Chamber of Commerce and Western New Mexico University with a total project cost of $626,552.
This has been a look at some local news. Have a great weekend and thank you for listening to Silver City Radio.
