There has been a lot of concern expressed recently about the numerous mental health and addiction problems that have magnified throughout the COVID-19 shutdown.
“Red Ribbon Week” begins on Oct. 23 and is the nation’s oldest and longest drug awareness program. Citizens are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to avoiding illegal drugs and not misusing legal drugs. Cindy Sharif and the Eddy County DWI Program are also encouraging parents to “Be The One” to talk to children about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. Their message is more important than ever.
COVID Update: On Wednesday, we were informed of 42 new positive COVID-19 cases for Eddy County. This is the highest single day total for Eddy County. Additionally, our hospital informed us that they currently have their highest number of COVID-19 patients at the facility. The hospital has also had to retighten its visitation rules to protect patients and employees. Please treat this fall uptick in positive cases very seriously.
We were also asked by one local resident to remind everyone that issues related to nutrition and avoiding obesity are extremely important to beating COVID-19 and many other illnesses. Lower blood pressure and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and blood clots are even more important now than ever. The usual health advice of eating carefully and getting exercise may not keep you from getting COVID, but it does help reduce the chance of a more serious version of the infection.
New Mexico’s Mortgage Finance Authority is now accepting applications for the new COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program. The program will provide qualifying New Mexicans with as much as $1,500 per month for up to three months to pay back rent or mortgage payments and other housing costs.
The COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program is available to New Mexico households earning 80 percent or less of the median income in their area, adjusted for family size. In order to qualify, applicants must prove that they have suffered a financial hardship that is directly related to the COVID-19 health crisis and documentation of delinquency. Applications are being accepted Nov. 2 through Nov. 13. For more information, please visit www.housingnm.org or call (505) 308-4206.
Ending on a positive note, New Mexico State University Carlsbad was recently awarded a $257,923 grant from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief fund to expand access and online learning and services to students. The program was written in collaboration with Loving School District. Congratulations again to Dr. Nwanne, Dr. Buckholz and everyone with NMSU-C on successfully completing this proposal.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway