New Mexico and Southeast Arizona news releases

This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

Governor announces Rural Health Care Delivery Fund

: Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases; Published: 01 August 2023 01 August 2023

Governor announces Rural Health Care Delivery Fund applications open
$80 million in funding available for rural providers

SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that providers may apply for the $80 million from the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund created earlier this year as part of the governor’s commitment to expanding health care in New Mexico.

"New Mexicans living in rural parts of our state should have the same access to high-quality and affordable health care, period," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "This fund is a crucial part of our overarching strategy to strengthen our state's rural health care systems, improve access to care, and advance health equity across New Mexico."

NMSU to launch program to train high school teachers on agriculture, sustainability

: Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases; Published: 01 August 2023 01 August 2023

New Mexico State University’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and Arrowhead Center’s Innoventure Program have teamed up to establish an online professional development program to train high school culinary and hospitality teachers in the agricultural sciences and sustainability.

   The program – funded by a $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture – aims to increase participants’ knowledge of agricultural systems and sustainability over five courses and an immersive, in-person summer workshop.

In-Person Car Seat Inspection - Deming, NM

: Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases; Published: 01 August 2023 01 August 2023

DEMING – The New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT TSD) and Safer New Mexico Now will host an in-person event.

Car Seat Fitting Station

from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the Sisbarro of Deming,

4210 New Mexico Hwy 549.

This free educational event provides parents and caregivers instruction on the proper selection, installation, and use of their car seats from nationally certified child passenger safety technicians.

Technicians will spend approximately 30 minutes per seat educating parents on the proper selection, installation, and use of their car and booster seats. Parents and caregivers will also learn important information regarding common errors in car seat safety and be able to ask questions. If a technician determines a car seat to be recalled, expired, or otherwise unsafe, replacement seats will be available. Car Seat replacement fee of $25 may apply.

Trust of Teachers and Favorability of Public Education Slips Post-COVID

: Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases; Published: 31 July 2023 31 July 2023

Garrity Perception Survey Shows 64% of New Mexico Residents Trust Teachers
and 39% Favor Public Education

Albuquerque, NM – Post-pandemic, New Mexico residents lost favor with the education system. According to the 2023 Garrity Perception Survey (GPS), 64 percent of residents trust teachers (a five percent decline from 2020) and 39 percent of residents have a favorable opinion of public education (a two percent decline from 2020). The 2023 scientific survey of 408 New Mexico residents has a 95 percent level of confidence.

“The pandemic challenged both public education and the teaching profession; we anticipated a bit of a dip in favorability and trust,” said Tom Garrity; President and CEO of The Garrity Group Public Relations. “Trust of teachers dropped five points and favorability of public education slipped two points, when compared to the 2020 survey.”

I-10 to I-25 ramp closure

: Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases; Published: 31 July 2023 31 July 2023

LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Department of Transportation will keep the I-10 eastbound to I-25 northbound ramp closed until repairs can be made.

On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at approximately 8:45 p.m. a commercial motor vehicle loaded with diesel fuel overturned on the I-10 to I-25 ramp catching fire. The driver was able to free himself before the truck and trailer were fully engulfed, burning for several hours. Due to the high heat the bridge deck and other bridge components were severely damaged. Engineers have since determined the structural integrity of the bridge is still intact.

Aging and Long-Term Services Department Secretary Hotrum-Lopez to retire

: Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases; Published: 31 July 2023 31 July 2023

SANTA FE - Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that Secretary of Aging and Long-Term Services (ALTSD) Katrina Hotrum-Lopez will retire after more than two decades in public service.

“I want to thank Secretary Hotrum-Lopez for her work on behalf of New Mexico seniors,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Her dedication to improving services and care for our seniors has impacted countless lives. I wish her the very best in her retirement.”

“It has been the great privilege of my life to work with the incredible team at Aging and Long-Term Services, as well as all the incredible state workers throughout New Mexico. During my tenure, our department navigated an unprecedented global pandemic, historic wildfires, and all the everyday challenges of providing services throughout New Mexico,” said Sec. Hotrum-Lopez. “I want to thank Gov. Lujan Grisham for her trust in me, as well as her mentorship and example through the years.”

DOH addresses data security incident with transparency and vigilance   

: Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases; Published: 31 July 2023 31 July 2023

SANTA FE – The Department of Health is committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of our residents’ sensitive information. This news release is to inform the public about a recent data security incident that was discovered and promptly addressed to protect the information of those we serve.

On July 15, 2023, DOH became aware that a file cabinet donated to Habitat for Humanity contained files, potentially exposing certain personal information of a specific group of individuals. Our privacy team acted quickly to contain the breach and prevent any unauthorized access. We also immediately initiated a thorough investigation to understand the full scope of the impact of the incident.

“We want to reassure the public that protecting your personal data is our top priority,” said Patrick Allen, secretary for DOH. “As part of our response to this incident, we have taken several steps to strengthen our security protocols and enhance our monitoring systems.”