Community News

On February 20th, the HMS Santa Clara Senior Center hosted Melissa Luna from the Aging and Disability and spoke about the different resources available for our seniors. We had an estimated 26 seniors in attendance. They learned from different Medicare options to how to obtain assistance for a house ramp. One of our seniors stated he never knew how many resources were available for them and he didn't know they could receive a ramp without paying out of pocket while on fixed income. The seniors appreciated all the time she spent answering all their questions and concerns.

Silver City, NM – The Gila Community Foundation (GCF) continues to be a driving force in supporting and empowering nonprofits across Southwest New Mexico. As a "Gateway for Giving," GCF provides essential funding, resources, and capacity-building opportunities to help nonprofits grow and serve their communities more effectively.

With a mission to build a stronger, more resilient region, GCF focuses on key impact areas, including Arts & Culture, Community Health & Wellbeing, Education & Youth Engagement, and Land & Nature. Through grant-making, nonprofit training, and fundraising initiatives, the foundation ensures that local organizations have the tools and funding they need to make a lasting difference.
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Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) proudly commemorates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of unwavering commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of residents in Hidalgo and Grant counties. Established in 1995, HMS has grown into a cornerstone of community health, providing comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, family support, and senior services. Hidalgo Medical Services is a nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to the residents of Hidalgo and Grant counties. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, HMS offers a wide range of services, including primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services, family support, and senior services. With a focus on accessible and affordable care, HMS strives to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

Silver City, NM – Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has received a new state-of-the-art ambulance to further improve Emergency Medical Services for the Grant County area. The new vehicle, valued at $330,000, was made possible through a partnership between the county and GRMC, with funding from the New Mexico EMS Fund Act.

The new ambulance will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including Starlink satellite communication and iPads, which will allow emergency medical responders to transmit patient information directly to the hospital before arrival. This will enable GRMC’s medical team to assess the situation in advance and prepare for the most effective course of treatment upon the ambulance’s arrival.

Courtesy of NM Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

March 25th is National Medal of Honor Day. The first Medals of Honor, a symbol of unparalleled bravery, were awarded on March 25, 1863. It is also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is important for American citizen families, children, and writers to recognize that the Medal of Honor is EARNED by exceptional acts, not "won," in all mentions, an important distinction. Many Medals of Honor have been awarded "posthumously," meaning, the individual soldier, sailor, or airman gave his life for fellow citizens in earning the award.

SILVER CITY—For the first time, the WNMU College of Education is hosting an International Research Scholar this year. In this new role, Egyptian scholar Eman Ahmed will be working closely with faculty in the Educational Leadership Program.

For Ahmed, this is not her first international experience. "I came to the United States in 2007 to get my PhD from Pennsylvania State University," she indicated. "I was there for five and a half years, and I worked there as well as a graduate lecturer for four years and as a lecturer for a year." Ahmed's PhD is in educational leadership.

Eventually, the terms of Ahmed's visa required her to return to Egypt. Her next experience abroad was as a faculty member in Saudi Arabia. "I worked there as an assistant professor and then was promoted to associate professor," said Ahmed. "It is not easy to be promoted there if you are not from Saudi Arabia," she added.

Silver City, NM – Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is delighted to announce the addition of Dr. Steffanie Leslie to its exceptional team of healthcare professionals. A graduate of the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Dr. Leslie brings nearly a decade of experience in Family Medicine to the Silver City community. Prior to joining GRMC, she practiced at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Alaska.

Dr. Leslie shared her excitement about joining GRMC, saying, "GRMC was incredibly responsive when I submitted my resume. Everyone I've met has been great, and I love the Silver City area."
Dr. Leslie is currently accepting new patients and is currently taking walk-ins at the Gila Regional Family Medicine Clinic, conveniently located at 3185 N. Leslie Road, Silver City, NM 88061. To schedule an appointment, call the clinic at (575) 534-0400.

Aldo Leopold High School Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) Trails Crew students recently built a switchback along the Silva Creek Nature Trail, immediately west of Western Bank's parking lot along Highway 180. The trail will ultimately connect the historic Waterworks Building and Penny Park.Trail Connects Historic Waterworks Building to Penny Park

Silver City -- Aldo Leopold High School Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) Trails Crew students - 16 10th to 12th graders - have been working since December to complete the Silva Creek Nature Trail from the historic Waterworks Building on Little Walnut Road to Penny Park.

The trail is part of the Town of Silver City's Trails and Open Space plan, and the restoration of the Waterworks property is a public-private partnership between the town and Southwest New Mexico ACT (swnmACT), a Grant County nonprofit organization, dedicated to cultural tourism and economic development in southwest New Mexico.

Bridgette Johns, swnmACT project coordinator, could barely contain the pride that she feels when talking about the youth and the great work they've completed to date.