Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update: Dr. Marie C. Weil

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Grant County Coronavirus Update

March 24th, 2021

On this week’s Coronavirus Update, Jamie Newton interviews Dr. Marie C. Weil, a bilingual clinical health psychologist, on mental health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic – and how people can maintain their resiliency and wellbeing. The program begins with an overview of major emotional, social, and family relationship effects of the pandemic, and moves on to focus on specific issues and ways of coping. Depression, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, and other pre-existing problems have intensified, along with heightened stress associated with practical issues – food and housing insecurity, diminished or interrupted income, expanded work requirements while children need to be educated at home, and much more.

Dr. Weil explains how the coronavirus has aggravated these mental health challenges, especially for some social groups such as people of color and seniors. She discusses how uncertainty, fear, and mixed messages from leaders have complicated our responses to this public health crisis. 

The program concludes with recommendations for mutual support within the community – people helping people – and resources for assistance from mental health professionals. 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


News

State News

The New Mexico Department of Health on Tuesday announced 174 new cases of coronavirus for a total of 190,064 cases, with 11 additional deaths for a total of 3,903 deaths in New Mexico. This is 1400 new cases and 43 deaths over the past week. 

127 individuals remain hospitalized in New Mexico, which is a decrease of 10 from last week.

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

As of Tuesday, 38.8% of New Mexicans have received their first dose of the two-shot vaccine for COVID-19, while 23.6% have been fully vaccinated, according to the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard. 

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

Grant County News

In Grant County, the Department of Health reported 14 new COVID cases since last week, for a total of 1590 cases.  

There are 187 active cases in the county as of Tuesday, which is a drop of 59.

No deaths have been reported in Grant County in the 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 40.2% of Grant County residents are partially vaccinated and 20.2% are fully vaccinated. 51.9% of the county is registered for the vaccine as of Tuesday.

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

State Announces COVID-19 Exposure Notification App

The New Mexico Department of Health on Tuesday announced the launch of a COVID-19 Exposure Notification System, called the NM Notify App. When activated on a Smartphone, the app alerts individuals when they have been exposed to someone who has verified that they are infected with COVID-19.

The app was designed in a first-of-its-kind partnership between Google and Apple. Once downloaded, the app uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with other phones that have activated the app. Then, if one of the users verifies an infection of COVID-19, all users that have been in contact with the infected person within a 14-day period will receive a notification of possible exposure. The app then directs users on next steps to prevent additional spread of COVID-19. 

The NM Notify app is completely safe and anonymous, and fully protects users’ privacy. No personal data is collected through the app. The app is in wide use in many states and around the globe. According to Google and Apple data, every two downloads of the app can prevent one infection. 

To learn more about the NM Notify Exposure Notification app, go to NMNotify.com.

Source: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/awareness/2021/3/?view=1418 

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. 

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.

The red to green framework was last updated March 10, and will be updated again today, March 24.  Grant County currently 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/


Vaccine Information

For those experiencing difficulties registering or getting a vaccination appointment:

The town of Silver City is now offering a hotline and email address to help Grant County residents register for the vaccine, identify people in our community who are homebound or have difficulty getting out to a vaccination site, and vaccine help in general. Call 575-597-7029 between the hours are 8AM and 5PM, Monday thru Friday or email grantcountynmcares@gmail.com

We encourage all NM residents to register for their COVID-19 Vaccine. New Mexico is distributing vaccines 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.  The Grant County Public Health Office can also assist you. Call 575-538-5318.

How to Talk to Family and Friends about COVID-19 Vaccines

Talking with family and friends about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine can be hard. You can help by listening without judgement and identifying the root of their concerns. Things to remember to help open the discussion include:

  • Listen to questions with empathy
  • Ask open-ended questions to explore concerns
  • Ask permission to share information
  • Help them find their own reason to get vaccinated
  • Help make their vaccination happen

Source: https://tinyurl.com/32z4thnh 

New Mexico Veterans Now Eligible for Vaccination

Effective immediately, the NM VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans in New Mexico enrolled with the VA—regardless of age or chronic health complications.

Any enrolled veteran is eligible to get the vaccine. However, you must register for an appointment with the NMVAHCS by calling (505) 265-1711 and using one of the following four extensions:

  • 3915
  • 3916
  • 2912
  • 2917

DVS strongly encourages all veterans to register for the vaccine.

If you are not enrolled with VA health care, then please register for a COVID-19 vaccine with the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) at: https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/

You can also call DOH toll free 1-(855) 600-3453. Press option 0 for vaccine questions, or option 4 for tech support. The call center is open every day from 8am to 5pm.

Source: NM Department of Veterans Services

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

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

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, with priority given to 60+ with severe conditions. 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.

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

 The Following Groups are Currently Eligible for Vaccine:

  • Frontline essential workers
  • Residents of congregate care facilities
  • New Mexicans age 60 and older
  • Other essential workers
  • 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 healthcare and hospice workers
  • Persons 75+
  • Persons 16+ at risk of COVID complications, with priority given to those 60+ with severe conditions.
  • K-12 educators

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

New Mexicans 60 years and older with a severe chronic condition will be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine

The New Mexico Department of Health announced last week that going forward, New Mexicans 60 years and older with a chronic condition that places them at severe risk of COVID-related health complications will be prioritized for vaccination appointments within the larger pool of New Mexicans with a chronic health condition.

Currently, four groups of New Mexicans are eligible for vaccine:

  • Phase 1A (primarily health care workers)
  • New Mexicans 75 years and older
  • Educators, early childhood professionals, and school staff
  • New Mexicans with a chronic health condition

The new prioritization affects New Mexicans in the last of these groups – New Mexicans with a chronic health condition. More than a quarter of New Mexico’s population falls into this category; in order to ensure that vaccine goes to those who are most at risk of COVID-related health complications, DOH will prioritize vaccine appointments for those who are 60 years and older with a health condition that places them at severe risk of COVID-related health complications.

Source: NM Department of Health

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 (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Refrain from staying away from others or getting tested unless symptoms appear.

However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:

  • Take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are:
  • Avoid medium or large-sized gatherings
  • Delay domestic and international travel. If you do travel, you’ll still need to follow CDC requirements and recommendations.
  • Watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
  • You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace.

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


Safe Ways to Have Fun

State Parks Now Open to Everyone

With New Mexico’s modified health order, 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 


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 all HMS locations — Animas, Cliff-Gila, Mimbres, Mining District, Lordsburg, Silver City, Bayard, and Santa Clara.  

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.

At-home, self-administered COVID-19 saliva tests

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.

Financial Resources

Tax Day for individuals extended to May 17: Treasury, IRS extend filing and payment deadline

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days.

Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This postponement applies to individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax. Penalties, interest and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of May 17, 2021. Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by May 17.

More information at IRS.gov

Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline 

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

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. today 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.

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 Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) starting Wed, March 10

Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) provides $100 in extra benefit to individuals with at least $5,000 in net income from self-employment in the tax year prior to their initial unemployment insurance claim.

Note: Under the American Rescue Plan Act, the deadline for MEUC applications has been extended to the first week of September.

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). 

The temporary suspension is in place until further notice and is expected to continue while the national COVID-19 disaster declaration is in place.

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/  


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

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.  

SBA is currently offering PPP loans until March 31, 2021

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.


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 Center for Food Security and Sustainability 

Open the first Saturday 10:00 – Noon OR Last Wednesday 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Users must choose one OR the other.  For residents in 88061, 88065, 88022, 88053

Please have your pantry card available or bring a picture ID and separate proof of physical address.

The next regular food pantry distribution for Silver City, Tyrone and Arenas Valley will be the last Wednesday of the month, March 31st from 4pm-6pm.  

The Commons is located at 501 East 13th Street, just off Swan Street behind the Knights of Columbus. For more information please contact The Commons at 575-388-2988 or visit the website https://thecommonsgrantcounty.org


Mental Health Resources

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

Written by: GMCR KURU 89.1 FM

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