Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
BeWellnm, the official state marketplace for New Mexicans to shop, buy, and compare health plans, will be hosting a free telephone town hall for residents of Grant County on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. The interactive call will provide an opportunity for New Mexicans to learn more about the changes in federal law affecting health insurance and health care, the various plans offered on the exchange, and subsidies or tax credits for which they may be eligible. The deadline to enroll in an exchange-based health plan for 2016 is January 31. The phone call is free and participants are invited to dial 1-877-228-2184 with passcode 113868 to take part. Enrollment counselors with beWellnm will be on the call to answer questions and to get Grant County residents on the right track to becoming insured.
The Grant County Board of Commissioners is in the process of appointing one (1) Board Member to Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. Please note that the position is a Regular Board Member Position and NOT Physician. Interested individuals must submit a letter of interest and resume to the Office of the Grant County Commissioners, care of Denisha Lucero, PO Box 898, Silver City, NM, 88062. The deadline for submissions is December 2nd at 5 pm. For more information on the duties and responsibilities of a trustee, call 538-4090.
The Santa Clara Action Committee and the Village of Santa Clara, will be holding its 2nd annual Lighted Parade on Dec. 5, 2015. The Parade starts at the Fort Bayard Hospital and travels through Santa Clara to end at the cemetery parking lot. Everyone is welcome to enter a float, car, bicycle, or walk as long as there are lights. The theme will be “A Winter Wonderland”. Register your entry with the Santa Clara City Hall at 537-2443.
The Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) Foundation recently received a donation of $1000 from the family of a patient that was cared for at GRMC. “The staff was so kind, helpful, thoughtful and personal; they felt like Guardian Angels” said the family in a thank you card to the hospital. Alfred Sedillo, president of the GRMC Foundation, stated that, “It is a testament of the quality care that the hospital gives to our patients every day. This donation will go to help the hospital continue that great care, a service the GRMC Foundation has facilitated since its founding. ” Since June of 1988, the GRMC Foundation has donated over $3 Million dollars to help support the hospital with needed equipment as well as assist patients with costs related to cancer treatment.
Governor Susana Martinez announced that the New Mexico Department of Health has been awarded national accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The New Mexico Department of Health is now one of the 12 state health departments in the country to receive PHAB accreditation. The Department of Health’s accredited status could make New Mexico more competitive for funding. In the future, health departments that are accredited could be favorably looked at when federal funding decisions are made.
