NM's Behavioral Health Shortcomings, COVID-19 Boosters & Reaction to the End of the Prescribed Burn Ban

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Host Lou DiVizio runs through the top state headlines, including news that lawmakers plan to take up alcohol taxes in the upcoming 2023 session.

Then, Gene Grant talks through the U.S. Forest Service's decision to end a ban on prescribed burns. Gene and the Line Opinion Panel debate if this is the right time and if new precautions are enough to prevent another catastrophe like the Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon Fire.

Gene and the panel also discuss a report from the Legislative Finance Committee that shows New Mexico is lagging on behavioral health outcomes, despite having above-average access.

And, Gene talks with Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health about new COVID-19 boosters, flu shots & Monkey Pox's limited impact in New Mexico to this point.

Host: Lou DiVizio

Line Host: Gene Grant:

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dave Mulryan, president, Mulryan-Nash Advertising

Julie Ann Grimm, editor & publisher, Santa Fe Reporter

Edmund Perea, attorney and public safety consultant

Guest:

Dr. Laura Parajon, deputy secretary, New Mexico Department of Health

For More Information:

Lawmakers Say Alcohol on 2023 Agenda - New Mexico In Depth

Forest Service releases prescribed burn policy recommendations- Santa Fe New Mexican

USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore’s statement announcing actions-USDA Forest Service

Learning from NM mistakes, Forest Service to better heed drought factor before burns-Source NM

Behavioral health system a ‘weak chain’-Albuquerque Journal

2015 behavioral health tax benefits so far unrealized-Albuquerque Journal

Behavioral health crisis unit scheduled to open in 2024-Albuquerque Journal

Find a COVID-19 test here: https://findatestnm.org/

If you'd like a COVID-19 Booster:https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/

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