Here’s a look at some local news:

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the latest New Mexico Drug Overdose Prevention Quarterly Measures Reports indicates a year-to year improvement in key signs related to drug overdose prevention in the second Quarter of 2019 compared to the same time period the year before. The highlights include the following: the number of patients at higher risk of overdose death has declined by 13-to-20 percent between the second quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2019; and patients potentially beginning chronic opioid use (such as new opioid patients with 30 days or more of supply in the quarter) has declined by almost 25 percent. Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel, has stated, “The three main strategies used by the Department of Health in combatting the prescription drug overdose epidemic— improved prescribing, increased treatment availability, and provision of naloxone—are showing substantial positive results along with the efforts of other agencies.”

The Gila National Forest Wilderness Ranger District is looking for volunteer camp hosts who would be stationed at the Mesa Campground near the Lake Roberts Recreation area. Amenities provided include a pull-through campsite, water, electricity, a Forest Service radio, sewer and propane. Time commitment desired would be to arrive as soon as possible and be able to stay for three – twelve months. These individuals provide information to visitors, help keep facilities clean, and provide basic help in so many ways. Interested individuals are suggested to contact Amber Marshall at 575-536-2250.

The Knight of Columbus, St. Joseph’s Council 4256 in Deming, has recently made a $500 donation to the Mesilla Valley Christian School in Las Cruces in support of its annual Serve-a-thon event. The donation was made to acknowledge the work being achieved at the school and its interdenominational curriculum. The check was presented by John Zunich of the Knights of Columbus.