I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Albuquerque-area residents should not be alarmed by emergency responders in moon suits Wednesday; state agencies and local governments will be conducting a major public health emergency exercise to see how well they can deploy medical supplies such as antibiotics, antitoxins and surgical supplies during a real crisis.
“These exercises strengthen our ability to respond to any public health issue because we have the opportunity to work with other agencies and coordinate resources,” Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil said in a press release. “It is important for us to practice our ability to quickly distribute needed medical supplies to New Mexicans so we can respond effectively during a public health emergency.”
The Strategic National Stockpile contains large quantities of medicine and medical supplies for responses to public health emergency responses like flu outbreaks, that could deplete local medical supplies.
In a real emergency, the Health Department would distribute medical supplies to 81 distribution locations, where people would be directed to receive them, according to the press release. Wednesday’s exercise will involve only four of those locations.
The Albuquerque-area exercise is part of the Cities Readiness Initiative is a federal effort designed to increase bioterrorism preparedness in 72 U.S. cities.
“We must constantly remain vigilant not only in our ability to respond to a major terrorist attack but also prepare for any public health emergency that has the potential to effect the citizens of Bernalillo County,” said Albuquerque Emergency Management Director Sal Baragiola. “This exercise helps prepare first responders and government officials for that eventuality.”
Among other agencies, the exercise will involve Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia and Torrance counties, the cities of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, the state departments of health, transportation and homeland security, the San Felipe, Isleta, Santa Ana, Cochiti, Jemez, Kewa and Zia pueblos, New Mexico National Guard units, State Police, U.S. Air Force, Sandia National Lab and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
