Grant County Coronavirus Update

March 10th, 2021

This week we’ll be joined by Silver City Consolidated Schools Associate Superintendent Curtis Clough to discuss the recent changes to the states school reopening plan, how the district adapted to the shutdowns a year ago, student fatigue and more. Listen below

Right click and select “Save Link As” to download

Coronavirus Update is broadcast live on Gila/Mimbres Community Radio KURU 89.1 FM in Silver City every Wednesday at 10 AM.

Coronavirus Update is a local radio show that provides the latest information you need to know on local community strategies to slow the spread of the Coronavirus and protect yourself, your family and our community during this public health crisis. Brought to you by Gila/Mimbres Community Radio, Gila Resources Information Project, Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Grant County and National Center for Frontier Communities.

Send us your updates to info@grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org

Resources

NM Dept of Health COVID-19 Hotline 1-855-600-3453 or visit cv.nmhealth.org

Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-833-551-0518 or visit newmexico.gov

NM Crisis & Access Line, 24/7, 1-855-662-7474; nmcrisisline.com

Donations to Community COVID-19 Response – Grant County Community Foundation

Grant County Coronavirus Update website – grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org

Grant County, We Need You.  COVID-19 Video Message – link

Grant County Commissioner Alicia Edwards COVID-19 Video Message – link

State News

The New Mexico Department of Health on Tuesday announced 209 new cases of coronavirus for a total of 187,238 cases, with 19 additional deaths reported for a total of 3,830 deaths in New Mexico.

128 individuals remain hospitalized in New Mexico, which is a drop of 71 from last week.

Source: https://cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html 

As of Monday, 25.4% of New Mexicans have received their first dose of the two-shot vaccine for COVID-19, while 14.5% have been fully vaccinated, according to the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard. 707,898 people throughout the state have registered for the vaccine so far. 

Source: https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html 

Grant County News

In Grant County, the Department of Health reported 24 new COVID cases since last week, for a total of 1523 cases.  

There are 344 active cases in the county as of Tuesday.

No deaths have been reported in Grant County since last week. 35 people in  Grant County have lost their lives due to COVID since the pandemic began a year ago.

Source: cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html

The Department of Health also reports that 26.6% of Grant County residents are partially vaccinated and 15% are fully vaccinated. As of Monday, 47.5% of Grant County residents have registered to receive the vaccine.

Source: https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html 

Vaccine Information

For those experiencing difficulties registering or getting a vaccination appointment:

We encourage all NM residents to register for their COVID-19 Vaccine

New Mexico is distributing vaccine as swiftly, efficiently, and equitably as possible.  

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED at www.vaccineNM.org

If you do not have access to the internet you can call 1-855-600-3453.  We are able to assist at the Grant County Public Health Office also, 575-538-5318.

New Mexicans with Disabilities Encouraged to Register for COVID-19 Vaccine

The Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) and Department of Health (DOH) have announced that individuals 16 years or older with intellectual and developmental disabilities are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. This group is at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and includes individuals who utilize the DD Waiver, Mi Via Waiver, Medically Fragile Waiver, Supports Waiver, as well as any New Mexican on the waitlist for these services.

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may register at VaccineNM.org or by calling 1 (800) 432-2080

State reiterates COVID-19 vaccine phase criteria

The New Mexico Department of Health continues to implement its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.

New Mexico is currently in the first portion of Phase 1B – people 75 years and older and persons 16+ years of age with risk of COVID-19 complications. Health care professionals and other workers in Phase 1A remain eligible for vaccination. 

“New Mexico has two goals: to distribute vaccine as quickly as possible, and to ensure that vaccine goes to those who are most exposed – and most vulnerable – to COVID-19,” said DOH Secretary-Designate Dr. Tracie Collins.

New Mexicans who wish to follow the progress of the state’s vaccination campaign – or who wish to view a map of available provider locations – can visit the state’s vaccination dashboard at cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html, which is updated Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

Source: https://www.newmexico.gov/2021/01/16/state-reiterates-covid-19-vaccine-phase-criteria/ 

 The Following Groups are Currently Eligible for Vaccine:

• Hospital personnel
• Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
• Medical first responders
• Congregate setting workers
• Persons providing direct medical care and other in-person services
• Home-based health care and hospice workers
• People 75+
• People 16+ at risk of COVID complications

Source: https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-vaccine/ 

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

All New Mexicans are encouraged to register for the COVID-19 vaccine at vaccinenm.org 

There are 4 steps:

• Register at vaccinenm.org
• Complete your profile

——-> Wait for DMDOH to contact you ←——–

• Schedule your appointment
• Receive the Covid-19 vaccine

There’s also call center support for vaccine registration using the Department of Health hotline

The New Mexico Department of Health announced that the DOH hotline now offers support for questions surrounding vaccine registration.

Users who have questions or would like support with the registration process – including New Mexicans who do not have internet access – can dial 1-855-600-3453, press option 0 for vaccine questions, and then option 4 for tech support.

Users who have other vaccine-related questions can call 1-855-600-3453 and simply press option 0 for vaccine questions.

Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine helps your body learn how to defend itself from the disease.  You may feel uncomfortable for two or three days after you receive the vaccine. After being vaccinated, you may feel some side effects such as:

•         Muscle pain
•         Soreness in your arm
•         Body aches
•         Chills
•         Feeling tired
•         Fever

Side effects are a sign that your body is building up protection from COVID-19. They may be uncomfortable, but they are much less harmful than having COVID-19.

Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

People are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19  two weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen ).

The following recommendations apply to non-healthcare settings.

Fully vaccinated people can:

• Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic

For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:

• Take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing
• Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease
• Wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households
• Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings
• Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• Follow guidance issued by individual employers
• Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html 

Red to Green Reopening Plan

The state’s red-to-green public health order in which counties are evaluated over a two-week period for daily cases and test positivity rate will be updated today. Counties not meeting daily case thresholds of eight or fewer cases per 100,000 population and test positivity rates below 5% follow the strictest Red guidelines; those meeting one of these benchmarks have some expanded capacity at Yellow; Green counties—those meeting both requirements —have fewer restrictions.  And the new color of turquoise indicates counties that have reached the Green Level for two consecutive biweekly updates.

Until the red to green framework is updated today, Grant County remains in the yellow category.  Applicable restrictions include:

• Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but operations must be limited to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions
• Essential retail spaces: 33% of maximum capacity
• Food and drink establishments: 25% of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75% of maximum capacity for outdoors dining; any establishment serving alcohol must close by 10 p.m. each night
• Close-contact businesses: 25% of maximum capacity or 20 customers at one time, whichever is smaller
• Outdoor recreational facilities: 25% of maximum capacity (unless required to have less capacity under the state’s COVID-Safe Practices)
• Close-contact recreational facilities: Remain closed
• All other businesses: 25% of maximum capacity or 125 customers at one time, whichever is smaller
• Houses of worship: May hold religious services, indoors or outdoors, or provide services through audiovisual means, but may not exceed 33% of the maximum capacity of any enclosed space on the premises
• Places of lodging: 60% of maximum occupancy for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 25% of maximum occupancy for all others; 5 guests maximum for vacation rentals
• Mass gatherings limit: 10 persons, 80 vehicles

Source: https://cv.nmhealth.org/public-health-orders-and-executive-orders/red-to-green/

Safe Ways to Have Fun

State Parks Now Open to Everyone

With New Mexico’s modified health order announced last week, state parks, previously only open for day use to New Mexico residents, will reopen for everyone to use immediately, and reopen for camping, by reservation, on Feb. 27. Please check the guidelines listed at the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to stay safe.

Source: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us 

Penny Park, other Silver playgrounds are now open

According to the Silver City Daily Press,  Penny Park and all playgrounds in town are now open to the public as of February 8. People using any of the town’s parks must abide by the state’s public health orders and the town’s local ordinance. Face coverings and social distancing are required.

Source: Silver City Daily Press, February 8, 2021 

Friends of the Library Book Sale

The Silver City Friends of the Library (FOL) is very pleased to announce that, weather permitting, it will hold a revamped Book Sale on Saturday, March 13, from 10:00am-2:00pm, in the Town of Silver City’s maintenance yard parking lot at 1510 Market Street across from Cheyenne Street.  For more information, visit silvercitypubliclibrary.org [ library event.]

Resources

Please consider getting tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Testing Sites and Times

Grant County Public Health Office, 2610 N. Silver Street Silver City, NM

Provides free testing every Tuesday from 8:00-10:00a.m., and from 2-4pm. Testing is free, but insurance will be requested upon registration at https://cvtestreg.nmhealth.org/  

Once registered, you will receive a code. Please save this code and arrive during the designated times. Please remain in your vehicle and wear a mask.

Testing may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather. 

Hidalgo County Public Health Office, 530 DeMoss Street, Lordsburg, NM

Testing will be conducted every Thursday from 9:00-11:00a.m. Please remain in your vehicles. Testing is free, but insurance will be requested upon registration at at https://cvtestreg.nmhealth.org/

Once registered, you will receive a code. Please save this code and arrive during the designated times. Please remain in your vehicle and wear a mask.

Testing may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather. 

CVS Pharmacy Drive-thru in Silver City, 610 Silver Heights Blvd., Silver City, NM.  

Patients will be required to stay in their cars and will be directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window.  Testing is available every day.

Patients must register in advance at CVS.com Self-swab tests will be made available to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines. Testing is free, but those who have insurance should bring their card with them.

Albertsons – Silver City, New Mexico

Saliva Test- Cost $120.00 (not covered by insurance). Procedure: Recipients register online via the Albertson’s website, then receive a tube for saliva collection. The specimen is then mailed to a lab and results are sent back within three to five days.

Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS)

Testing is now available  Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 2:30pm (closed 12-1pm for lunch) in both Silver City  at 1007 Pope Street, and at their Lordsburg clinic on 530 De Moss Street.  

Testing expanded to everyone at both sites via a drive-up testing approach. Testing is free, but those who have insurance should bring their card with them. Call 575-388-1511 for an appointment in Silver City, 1-888-271-3596 for an appointment in Lordsburg.

HMS Mobile Testing Clinic 

Thursday, March 11th, 2021

Buckhorn US Post Office – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
7658 Hwy 180 W., Buckhorn

Please note that after March 11th, the mobile health unit van is moving onto other operations.  Testing continues at main sites in Silver City and Lordsburg.

At-home, self-administered COVID-19 saliva test opportunities

At-home, self-administered COVID-19 saliva tests offer accurate laboratory-confirmed results returned within 24-48 hours of receipt of the sample.

The free tests are available to New Mexico residents regardless of exposure risk– whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic, and whether they have come into close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive individual or not.

To order a test, and for more information, visit learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/.

The State Department of Health reminds New Mexicans of the following

• Please be patient after receiving your COVID-19 test. As cases rise, so do testing demands. After receiving your COVID-19 test, monitor yourself for symptoms. If you are having symptoms or if you tested because of an exposure, assume that you are infectious and self-isolate even if your symptoms resolve. You can spread the virus without knowing you are positive and without having symptoms.
• If you test positive for COVID-19, even if you are asymptomatic do not leave your home to do errands, work, or to see friends. If infected with COVID-19, you must not leave your home unless you are seeking out emergency medical care. Find more information regarging testing positive at https://cv.nmhealth.org/how-to-isolate-when-positive/ 
• Finally, if you need emergency medical care, call 9-1-1, not the Department of Health information hotline.

Resources

Tax Assistance

It’s tax season. 

If you qualify for a 2020 Economic Stimulus Payment (EIP), also known as the individual payment from the COVID relief bill, but have not received it yet, make sure to claim your Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return. Visit irs.gov for more information

Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit 

More Tax Assistance

Printed copies of the federal Form 1040, instruction books, and New Mexico tax forms are available outside the Silver City Public Library’s Cooper Street doors during curbside pickup hours. We also have the AARP free tax assistance program packets in a box by the doors. You can also get online tax help from AARP by clicking here. The local AARP tax help number is 575-342-1892.

You can download tax forms here: https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions

New Mexico tax forms can be found here: https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/forms-publications/

Consider filing your federal taxes online at https://www.irs.gov/filing . For income below $72,000, you can use their Free File offer, available here: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free . Go to https://tap.state.nm.us/tap/_/ for New Mexico online tax filing. The United Way offers free tax filing with expert assistance at myfreetaxes.com.

Western New Mexico University is also offering tax help free of charge to faculty, staff, students, and community members through their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. 

FOOD ASSISTANCE

Double your SNAP Benefits at Silver City Farmers Market 

Silver City Farmers’ Market accepts EBT and Pandemic-EBT cards and offers Double Up Food Bucks to double your SNAP benefits. Use your EBT card and get half off all purchases. 

Winter Farmers’ Market is held weekly every Saturday 9 am — 12 pm,  at the corner of Pope St. and College Avenue in the old Life Quest parking lot.

Food Pantry Schedules

As a reminder the Food Pantries at the Gospel Mission and St. Francis Newman Center are open every week

The Gospel Mission, 111 South Texas Street, Silver City, NM

Open for drive thru only on Wednesdays 8:30 am – 9:30 am. Emergency  Dry Food Boxes are available once a month to individuals upon request.   There is also a Daily soup kitchen: Breakfast takes place from 9:00-10:00 Mon-Fri and Lunch occurs every day from 12-1 pm. Showers and clothes are also made available to those in need.  Call 575 388-5071 for more information.

St. Francis Newman Center Food Pantry, 914 W. 13th St. Silver City, NM

Open every Monday at 4 pm. Cash assistance for rent, utilities, bus passes and prescription drugs is also provided.  Call 575-388-4933 for more information.

The Commons Mining District Mobile Food Pantry, Bataan Memorial Park, Santa Clara

Held the 3rd Tuesday of the month, the next Mining District Mobile Food Pantry is March 16th  1 – 3 pm at Bataan Memorial Park in Santa Clara, for Santa Clara, Bayard, Hanover & Hurley residents. For more information on the Commons Food Pantries please contact The Commons  at (575) 388-2988 or visit their website at thecommonsgrantcounty.org   

Senior Citizens Mobile Food Pantry, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3755 N. Swan Street, Silver City

Held on the third  Wednesday of the month, the next Senior Citizens Mobile Food Pantry will be on March 17th from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Silver City , for any senior in Grant County (55 and older). 

Gila Valley Mobile Food Pantry, Fairgrounds in Cliff

Held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.  The next Gila Valley Mobile Food Pantry is Tuesday March 16, 10:00am – 1:30pm at the Cliff Fairgrounds, for Buckhorn, Cliff, Gila & Redrock residents.  Line up between 10:00 to 12:00 to sign-up, pick-up is scheduled from 12:30 to 1:30.

Please Note: If the truck is late, the pantry will end when boxes are fully distributed.  If the truck is early or on time at 12:00 pm and people are waiting, the pantry will start a little earlier.

Mimbres Valley Health Action League Mobile Food Pantry, Roundup Lodge, 94 Acklin Hill Rd

Held the 3rd Wednesday of the month, the next Mimbres Valley Health Action League Mobile food Pantry will be held Wednesday, March 17, 12pm – 2pm at the Roundup Lodge. Call 575-574-7674 for more information.

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Seeking Substitute Teachers!

Silver Consolidated Schools is looking for qualified individuals to serve as substitute teachers for the district.  Individuals will have flexibility in areas to substitute and buildings to serve. Pay is based on educational background and experience.  Those who are interested should contact Samantha Madrid at smadrid@silverschools.org or by calling 575-956-2000. 

CARES Act Provider Relief Fund

The Provider Relief Fund supports families, workers, and the heroic healthcare providers in the battle against COVID-19. Health and Human Services (HHS) is distributing $178 billion to hospitals and healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response.

Check out this website for more information: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/index.html

Consumer Debt/Bankruptcy Workshop

The New Mexico State Bar is holding a consumer debt/bankruptcy workshop from 6-8 p.m. March 24, via video and teleconference.

At the workshop, an attorney will give a group presentation on bankruptcy, according to a news release. After the presentation, a one-on-one free consultation will be given by phone to people who register in advance. Call 505-797-6094 to register. 

COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program

The COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program provides emergency housing grants to income-eligible households and residents of tribal lands experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

These grants are housing assistance payments made on behalf of income-eligible applicants and residents of tribal lands, up to $1,500 per month for a period of up to three (3) consecutive months, to maintain housing and/or to reduce housing cost delinquency due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

The NM Mortgage Finance Authority will pay your past-due housing payments directly to your landlord, mortgage or loan servicer, escrow company or other housing provider. The assistance does not have to be repaid.

Applications will be accepted beginning March 4, 2021. Click here to apply. To request that a paper application be mailed to you, call 505.308.4206 or 866.488.0498.

Restoration and Resilience COVID Recovery Fund

The Restoration and Resilience COVID Recovery Fund is providing grants to support public lands, including parks, nature areas, and other green spaces, that have been impacted by increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded. Nonprofit organizations, state or federal government agencies, federally recognized tribes and local governments, and educational institutions are eligible to apply. Upcoming deadlines: April 1 and June 1.

Source: https://www.neefusa.org/grants/2021/restoration-resilience-fund 

Historic Small Restaurants Grant

Members of the general public may suggest a restaurant for consideration or restaurant owners may submit an application. Each historic and culturally significant restaurant will be awarded a $40,000 grant and additional support.

Source: https://savingplaces.org/historicrestaurants#

Webinar Series: Pandemic Relief Options for Small Businesses

This presentation provides a general overview of the programs the SBA is administering related to provisions in the economic aid to hard-hit small businesses, nonprofits, and venues. There are four webinars to choose from.

Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSBA/bulletins/2c4ae72

Covid-19 Local Food Supply Chain Response Fund Infrastructure Grant Program Application for NM Farmers & Ranchers

Financial support for infrastructure to support goals such as: growing or improving the economic viability of agricultural operations, increasing soil and ecosystem health, increasing access to healthy and culturally important food, and supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Deadline: March 17.

Source: https://newmexicofma.org/

Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) Update

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is assistance available to those who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits.  As relates to that need, the NM Dept of Workforce Solutions will open applications for MEUC starting Wed, March 10 to provide an additional $100/week to eligible claimants. 

Source: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/COVID-19-Info

USDA Temporarily Suspends Debt Collections, Foreclosures and Other Activities on Farm Loans for Several Thousand Distressed Borrowers Due to Coronavirus

Due to the national public health emergency caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). 

Source: https://www.usda.gov/

PNM COVID Relief Program for Individuals, Small Businesses and Nonprofits

PNM is extending help for families, small businesses and nonprofits struggling to pay their electric bill. The PNM COVID Customer Relief Fund helps eligible customers pay down, or even pay off, their past-due PNM bill.

The funding has been extended to March 31, 2021, due to the number of customers that are still experiencing financial hardship from the pandemic. Access the application while funds are still available by calling PNM at 855-364-2950 between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or go to https://pnmcovd.powerclerk.com/  

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Business Assistance

Economic Injury Disaster Loan

The deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan for the COVID-19 disaster declaration has been extended to Dec. 31.

For application and eligibility information: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/covid-19-economic-injury-disaster-loans

Silver City MainStreet district  COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program

The COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program is a forgivable loan program. If you are a business in the Silver City MainStreet district, please call 575-534-1700 or email Charmeine@silvercitymainstreet.com for more information.  Deadline is this Friday March 12, 2021.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)

SVOG is a federal economic assistance program for arts organizations, administered through the Small Business Administration. If you are a theatrical producer, talent rep, venue promoter, operate a live venue, live performing arts organization, movie house, or cultural institution you may be eligible to apply.

View the SBA Webinar

View the EDD Webinar

Pivotal NM has uploaded a webinar to help businesses prepare for SVOG.

View the webinar

Source: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant 

New Mexico Safe Certified Training Programs

New Mexico businesses in all sectors are encouraged to receive training in COVID-safe practices to help ensure everyone’s safety as New Mexico reopens for business and recreation.

Source: https://nmsafecertified.org/

Paycheck Protection Program

If you need assistance in navigating the process for the Paycheck Protection Program or PPP or any other relief programs, please contact the Las Cruces office of Senator Martin Heinrich at (575) 523-6561 for assistance. You can also visit his Covid-19 Resource Center at www.heinrich.senate.gov/coronavirus

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.

The next round of new PPP funds  is open for applications.

This latest round will be much easier for small businesses to access, with some necessary flexibility to allow businesses to address their specific needs and still get their loans forgiven. That includes new provisions that allow restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in related services to calculate a higher PPP forgivable loan amount in order to aid industries that have been severely impacted by state and local restrictions. Also eligible for this round of PPP are housing cooperatives, local newspapers and TV and radio broadcasters, and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, including local chambers of commerce and tourism organizations.

>>>You can find more information about how to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program at sba.gov 

Additional program changes have been announced to make access to PPP loans more equitable, allowing sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support.  For more information, click here.

COVID disaster loan extended through 2021

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for the COVID-19 pandemic disaster declaration has been extended to Dec. 31, 2021.

If you are a small business, nonprofit organization of any size, or a U.S. agricultural business with 500 or fewer employees that have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, you can apply for the COVID-19 EIDL.

EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021 pending the availability of funds. Loans are offered at a 3.75 percent interest rate for small businesses and a 2.75 percent interest rate for nonprofit organizations, with a 30-year maturity and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin.

Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for the program at sba.gov/disaster.

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Mental Health Resources

Funding for Projects Addressing Social Isolation

The COVID-19: Addressing Social Isolation grant opportunity is designed to address social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of enhancing connectedness of people living with paralysis and their caregivers. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. Deadline: March 16.

Source: https://www.christopherreeve.org/

Places to Call for Help

In New Mexico, you can talk to trained staff if you have mental health or substance abuse concerns: call the NM Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474) 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You are not alone and it is normal to feel anxious and worried! You can confidentially reach out to talk to someone anytime and anyplace.  

If you want to hurt yourself, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. 

Call 911 if you are in an EMERGENCY SITUATION.  If you feel like you’re going to hurt yourself, it is an emergency!

If You Just Want Someone to Hear You Out…

Call the Peer-to-Peer Warmline at (855) 466-7100.  They are available to talk every day from 3:30p – 11:30p MT.  They are available by text from 6:00p – 11:00p MT