Tag: Health

Anchorum Health Foundation Strengthens Native Nation Building in New Mexico

The Anchorum Health Foundation (the Foundation) provides leadership and support for advancing Indigenous nation building and improving the social determinants of health of Indigenous people living in New Mexico through its work with Indigenous-led organisations by moving from focusing on building partnerships with hospitals toward focusing on creating partnerships within the local communities. The Foundation will partner with Indigenous-led organisations to support funding for housing, assist with navigating Tribal laws, and assist in preserving and sharing indigenous knowledge systems. These efforts by the Foundation will build the ability of Tribes to self-govern, establish greater trust between the community and the provider, and create general equalities in housing and health care as well as overall well-being within the community.

Health Officials Calm Fears After Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak

New Mexico health officials moved quickly to calm fears after reports of a cruise ship hantavirus outbreak abroad. They emphasized that the local Sin Nombre strain does not spread person‑to‑person, unlike the Andes strain linked to the ship. Officials urged residents to follow prevention guidelines — wearing masks and gloves when cleaning rodent areas and disinfecting droppings with bleach — to reduce risk. They confirmed that no New Mexicans were aboard the ship and only one local case has been reported in 2026. By clarifying the difference between strains and reinforcing safe practices, officials reassured the public and prevented unnecessary alarm while keeping awareness high.

Santa Fe’s Planned Parenthood Reopens Monday After Being Closed Over a Year

After being closed for over a year, Planned Parenthood reopens its doors on Monday, May 11, with new staff.

Lobbyist’s Decades of Work Drive NM Healthcare Reform

The reforms made by the healthcare system in New Mexico were not the results of mere coincidences. The success is attributed to lobbying that changed the law as well as the recruitment processes. A long-time lobbyist has been actively involved in the work with legislators and healthcare organizations in order to deal with issues such as physicians shortage, urban-rural discrepancies, and high prices on healthcare services. This lobbying has improved the conditions of physicians, promoted more people to become physicians in New Mexico, increased the number of employees in the health sector, and provided access to quality medical assistance and helped hospitals overcome their financial difficulties.

New Mexico’s Health Outcomes Worsen Workforce Shortfall, Physician Says

Dr. Richard J. Zane, retired physician, points out that recruiting alone will not solve the problem of healthcare workers in New Mexico. With an obesity rate of almost 70% among adults and illnesses making people seek medical attention, preventive measures and changes in lifestyle are necessary to address the problem.

State Initiative Targets Rural Hospitals and Clinics

The New Mexico Department of Health unveiled plans for a center aimed at enhancing the stability of medical centers located in rural areas. The purpose of the initiative is to assist rural and tribal facilities with overcoming the obstacles associated with finances and lack of staff. The program includes technical support, services sharing, and training of health care workers in order to improve access to care for local residents.

Deadly Hantavirus Raises Alarm Following Cruise Ship Illnesses

Health officials suspect hantavirus caused a cruise ship outbreak that killed three passengers and left others seriously ill. The rodent‑borne virus, rare but deadly, has a fatality rate of up to 35% in severe cases. WHO continues its investigation, while experts stress rodent control and early medical attention as the best defenses against future outbreaks.

UNM Scientist Targets Hidden Brain Cancer Cells to Stop Recurrence

UNM scientist Sara Piccirillo is uncovering how hidden glioblastoma cells survive after treatment and trigger deadly recurrences. Her research focuses on the sub‑ventricular zone, where immune cells fuel tumor growth. By identifying genetic differences in these cells, Piccirillo aims to develop personalized therapies that stop regrowth and improve survival rates.

New SNAP Rules Threaten Food Security for Thousands in New Mexico

This explains that SNAP currently supports more than 440,000 residents, including 113,000 in Bernalillo County, and warns that families who cannot meet the documentation requirements may lose access to food. The piece highlights the anxiety among recipients, illustrated by a mother at a food bank unsure if her paperwork is sufficient.

UNM Health to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings in Albuquerque Metro

UNM Health is organizing free screenings for skin cancer on April 27, 2026, at its dermatology facility in Albuquerque and Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho. The skin cancer screenings will take place between 9:00 and 11:30 in the morning on a first come, first served basis, facilitated by medical students. This program emphasizes the significance of early detection since skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the country. Through the provision of free screenings, UNM Health becomes part of nationwide programs such as the “Destination Healthy Skin” campaign organized by the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology's screening drive.

New Mexico Health Care Authority Seeks Vendors to Strengthen Rural and Behavioral Health Programs

On April 27, 2026, the New Mexico Health Care Authority issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking vendors to...

FDA Plans Faster Review of Psychedelic Drugs for Mental Health Treatments

The US FDA plans to perform a faster review on psychedelic drugs for mental health treatments. This aims to...