Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
PNM is warning customers to be on the alert after several reports of scams relating to the PNM Home Energy Checkup Program. Criminals are apparently trying several different approaches, including a person posing as a PNM employee showing up on a doorstep unannounced. PNM will not show up at your doorstep to complete a PNM Home Energy Checkup without a prescheduled appointment. Other customers have reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be with PNM and offering a checkup while also trying to gain personal data. While PNM may contact customers who showed interest in the PNM Home Energy Checkup, PNM will not request personal information like credit score. If you are unsure you are speaking with PNM, hang up and call the PNM Home Energy Checkup Program at 1-855-775-6491.
School of Nursing students facilitated the annual Well Child Check on September 2 at Western New Mexico University’s Early Childhood Programs Child Development Center. Each year, students in the nursing program provide a series of screenings to the children at the Child Development Center to insure a healthy start to the year. The second year nursing students practice their skills at the center and throughout the community providing screenings at the public schools and El Grito Headstart. The check up included measurements and heart beat monitoring.
James Marshall, former Mayor of the Town of Silver City, was recently hired as the new assistant Town Manager. Marshall served as Mayor for six years and, according to Town Manager Alex Brown, was the most qualified applicant for the position. He has worked for GRMC for 27 years, and is currently serving as the director of Emergency Medical Services until September 28th. He will begin as assistant Town Manager on October 6th.
National Chain CVS Caremark Corporation, which will open a store in Silver City soon, has become the first pharmacy chain to stop selling tobacco products. CVS, the biggest US seller of prescription drugs, is seeking to emphasize its health-care offerings. The effort to position itself as a preferred partner for US companies and insurers is expected to make up for the lost tobacco sales. CVS is “expanding on the basis of in-store clinics, deeper relationships with health plan customers and integrated health systems around the country.”
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services is one of few nationwide that will receive a $2 million federal grant as part of a pilot program aimed at better serving rural veterans. The grant will increase access to health care and benefits to veterans and their families who live in rural and underserved areas. During a field hearing of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in August, organizers and veterans were clear that they aren’t being provided with the services they need, and often face long travel times and a lack of health care options.
