New Mexico Department of Health

New Mexico’s kids face a high risk of PFAS exposure, harming development, immunity & even vaccine effectiveness. The PFAS Protection Act (HB212) bans PFAS in toys, diapers, feeding supplies and more — keeping kids safe. Learn more: https://bit.ly/43xlQlN

Today the New Mexico Senate unanimously confirmed Gina DeBlassie as the cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “I'm deeply honored by the Senate's unanimous confirmation and grateful to Gov. Lujan Grisham for her trust and for this opportunity to serve New Mexico,” said DeBlassie. “The dedicated team at NMDOH has built a strong foundation, and I'm committed to advancing our work. I look forward to collaborating with partners statewide to ensure all New Mexicans receive the quality care they deserve.” DeBlassie, who previously worked as the governor’s health policy advisor, has had more than 30 years of health care experience and long supported legislation to improve healthcare access across the state. Her leadership efforts include helping to establish the Health Care Authority and the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund. “Gina DeBlassie is the architect behind billions of dollars in healthcare investments across New Mexico, particularly in rural healthcare delivery,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “As Secretary of Health, she's positioned to continue this exceptional work, advancing our goal of making New Mexico number one in the nation for healthcare access, quality, and affordability. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gQkRjyfZ

#ICYMI: The New Mexico Department of Health confirms that a deceased resident of Lea County, who was unvaccinated, tested positive for #measles. The official cause of death is still under investigation by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. However, NMDOH Scientific Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the measles virus. With ongoing exposures in Lea County, vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. 2 measles vaccine clinics are scheduled in Lea County for Tuesday, March 11: · 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso · 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Lovington Public Health Office, 302 N. 5th Street If you have symptoms, call before visiting: Hobbs Office (575)397-2463 | Lovington Office (575) 396-2853. Staff will provide guidance based on symptom severity. Anyone with measles-related questions (such as about symptoms or vaccination information) is asked to call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773. The Helpline is staffed by nurses able to provide guidance in English and Spanish. Stay up to date on measles in New Mexico at https://measles.doh.nm.gov

A warm welcome to our new team members! ?? Last week, 41 new employees from across the state came together at the Santa Fe Runnels Auditorium for NMDOH’s New Employee Orientation. It was a great opportunity for networking, collaboration, and shared learning, as participants connected over their roles, challenges, and successes. Discussions highlighted the importance of teamwork, self-care, and the collective impact of our employees making New Mexico healthier. A huge shoutout to our Workforce Development Team for organizing and facilitating this event. ?? Explore New Mexico Department of Health career opportunities under our Jobs tab.

Our Injury and Violence Prevention Program just launched the New Mexico Violent Death Reporting System (NMVDRS) Data Dashboard, on nmhealth.org. A statewide, population and incident-based surveillance system, the NMVDRS reports on violent deaths of NM residents and attempts to assess why the death occurred from Office of the Medical Investigator and law enforcement reports. The dashboard is designed to enhance our understanding of violent deaths in our communities, providing vital insights to inform prevention efforts and improve public safety. Together, we can work towards a safer future for everyone. Explore the data at https://lnkd.in/gK62iFRz

We've launched a dedicated web resource to address the rising measles cases within state boundaries. The comprehensive web resource hub at measles.doh.nm.gov features: ? Current New Mexico case counts (updated Tuesdays and Fridays). ? Detailed FAQ section addressing common questions. ? Prevention guidelines specific to New Mexico. ? Bilingual content in both English and Spanish. The NMDOH Helpline (1-833-796-8773) is staffed by nurses who can help you find local pharmacies with vaccine in stock, coordinate with public health offices to get you vaccinated and answer medical questions.

Tune into today’s Public Health Review Morning Edition! ASTHO member Dr. Robert Kruse, state medical director of the?Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, discusses his team’s response to a recent case of Lassa fever and efforts to monitor the current flu season. Also,?Clarie Miller, lead suicide prevention coordinator for the?New Mexico Department of Health, highlights New Mexico’s success in suicide prevention initiatives among women and Indigenous peoples. Listen now, access resources, and subscribe to the daily?#PHRME?newscast:? https://lnkd.in/eGVf_CTZ. #LassaFever #InfectiousDisease #EmergencyResponse #SuicidePrevention #WomensHealth #TribalHealth

The NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division has confirmed 2 adult Lea County residents tested positive for measles Thursday, for a total of 3 measles cases in the county and state this week. The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more cases. To date, there have been no cases outside of Lea County. The adults were not connected to each other nor to the teenager with measles reported by NMDOH earlier this week. NMDOH is contacting people who may have been exposed and providing guidance to prevent further spread. If you visited these locations during specified times, you may have been exposed: ? Stone Elementary School, Hobbs, NM on Thursday, Feb 6. ? Albertsons grocery store 2402 N. Grimes St., Hobbs, NM on Thursday Feb. 6 between 1:00 p.m. and11:30 p.m. ? Albertsons grocery store 2402 N. Grimes St., Hobbs, NM on Saturday Feb. 8 between 1:00 p.m. and11:30 p.m. ? Crosswinds Community Church, 1701 N Jefferson St., Hobbs, NM on Sunday, Feb. 9 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. ? Walgreens 801 Joe Harvey Blvd, Hobbs, NM on Sunday, Feb. 9 between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. ? Nor-Lea Hospital Emergency Department on Monday, Feb. 10 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. ? Nor-Lea Extended Hours Clinic, 1923 N Dal Paso, Hobbs, NM on Monday, Feb. 10 between 8:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. ? Nor-Lea Hospital Emergency Department on Tuesday, Feb. 11 between 1:00 p.m. and 3 p.m. There are 5 measles vaccination clinics scheduled over the next two weeks in Lea County public health offices with no appointment necessary: ? Feb 15 Hobbs: https://lnkd.in/g4sQzsB5 ? Feb 19 Hobbs: https://lnkd.in/grnXKN24 ? Feb 20 Lovington: https://lnkd.in/gYFZa2WW ? Feb 26 Hobbs: https://lnkd.in/gwEWyzFQ ? Feb 27 Hobbs: https://lnkd.in/gcaZJDzh *If you are experiencing symptoms, call before entering the Hobbs Public Health Office at 575-397-2463 or the Lovington Public Health Office at 575-396-2893 for guidance on where to go, depending on the severity of your symptoms. When in doubt, call the nurse-staffed NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for assistance. Full news release at https://lnkd.in/gzbnDecF

The NMDOH Scientific Laboratory has confirmed a measles infection of an unvaccinated Lea County teenager. NMDOH is working with the patient’s family, Nor-Lea Hospital and the local school district to assure all contacts are up to date on their measles vaccinations. Anyone who visited the following locations during these days and times may have been exposed to measles: ? 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, Nor-Lea Hospital Emergency Department at 1600 Main Street, Lovington, NM ? 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. Sixth Grade Academy gymnasium at 310 N 5th Street, Lovington, NM NMDOH is hosting a vaccination clinic in Lea County (no appointment necessary) at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso at the following days and times: ? Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 19 and 20, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) ? Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26 and 27, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) Measles cases can emerge anywhere. New Mexicans are strongly encouraged to confirm shot records and get their essential vaccinations. To check your vaccination status visit https://lnkd.in/gt2KFAD4 or call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). Read the full news release at https://lnkd.in/g-B4nsMd

We’re showing off our red in support of heart health! This #WearRedDay, we’re celebrating the importance of taking care of our hearts. High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease and nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. In New Mexico, 31.8% of the population had high blood pressure in 2021. New Mexicans can take the following steps to lower their risk of high blood pressure and heart disease: ?? Eat healthy ?? Keep yourself at a healthy weight ?? Be physically active ?? No smoking ?? Limit alcohol intake ?? Get enough sleep Read the full news release at https://lnkd.in/gr_48JKB #HeartMonth