Social Services

The Social Services Division manages the Health Care Assistance Program, which supports access to health related programs and services. The Division also manages S ocial Services Contracts with half a dozen agencies who provide a wide range of programming for families, youth, and seniors throughout the community. Lastly, the Division coordinates the work of the Los Alamos Community Health Council and supports the work of the local DWI Planning Council, both of which hold monthly public meetings. For more information, please call 505-662-8068.

Health Care Assistance Program

As of July 1, 2014, New Mexico State has taken a direct role in funding local hospitals to cover medical services. As a result, the Los Alamos County Health Care Assistance Program (HCAP) no longer covers such services as surgeries, vision care or hospice; however, HCAP is funded by local gross receipts tax and administered by the Los Alamos County Council, and does cover behavioral health services that are not already covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or Affordable Care Act insurance under the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange. Click here to view the policy. HCAP reimburses contracted behavioral health providers for services rendered to county residents who meet low income guidelines, including mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment programs, as well as health related programs and services for detainees at Los Alamos County Jail.

Social Services staff may be able to assist you with navigating other health care programs, such as Medicaid and Affordable Care Act. Please contact 505-662-8068 for more information.

To qualify you must be a resident of Los Alamos County for at least 90 days and receive an income at or below 225% of HHS 2019 Poverty Guidelines. Single applicants may not have more than $5,000 in liquid assets, and family applicants may not have more than $10,000 in liquid assets. Click here for HCAP application forms.

Social Services Division Councils

The Social Services Division coordinates regular meetings of the Los Alamos Community Health Council (LACHC). LACHC membership includes local social services providers, business representatives, government agencies, and other interested parties. LACHC members focus on working together to help improve the lives of older adults, those in financial crisis, and resiliency for youth and families. The Los Alamos County Council informally recognizes LACHC as its community health planning body and designates a councilor each year to attend monthly meetings. For more information, please contact the Division at 505-662-8068.

LACHC typically holds public meetings on the first Thursday of each month, from 12:00-1:30 p.m., in Room 330 at the County Municipal Building, located at 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM 87544. For more information, please contact LACHC Coordinator, Deni Fell, at 505-663-1875.

The local DWI Planning Council conducts public meetings that are typically held on the second Thursday of each month, from 8:30-10:00 a.m., in Room 330 of the County Municipal Building, located at 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM 87544. For more information, please contact DWI PC Coordinator, Donna Casados, at 505-662-8312.

Oct16

Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority

10:00AM - 4:00PM @ 1505 15th Street, Suite A

Oct25

SF Food Depot Mobile Food Pantry

2:30PM - 3:30PM @ First United Methodist Church parking lot

Nov06

Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority

10:00AM - 4:00PM @ 1505 15th Street, Suite A

Nov07

Los Alamos Community Health Council Meeting

12:00PM - 1:30PM @ Room 330, Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave

Nov08

LA Cares Food Box Distribution

10:30AM - 12:00PM @ Bethlehem Lutheran Evangelical Church

Contact Info

505-662-8068

donna.casados@lacnm.us

1505 15th Street, Suite A

Public Walk-in Hours Tues - Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed 12-1)

DOH NEWS: Hepatitis A Outbreak-Associated Cases

Department of Health Reports Hepatitis A Outbreak-Associated

Cases in Rio Arriba County

Persons who use drugs and those who are experiencing homelessness are at the highest risk

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports two cases of hepatitis A infection have been confirmed in Rio Arriba County. Both are related to the ongoing hepatitis A outbreak centered in Bernalillo County since last November. The outbreak continues to primarily impact people who use injection or non-injection drugs and people experiencing homelessness.

In total, there have been 145 acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections with two associated deaths in adults ranging in age from 19-to-73 years old. Of those cases, 137 of them have been identified in Bernalillo County; six cases in Santa Fe County; and now the two in Rio Arriba County since the outbreak began.

Nationally, since the hepatitis A outbreaks associated with person to person transmission were first identified in 2016, more than 25,000 cases and 259 deaths resulting from hepatitis A infection have been reported.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person.

The risk of hepatitis A infection is associated with poor sanitation and hygiene and is primarily transmitted through close contact, including sexual contact, with an infectious person or sharing of contaminated food and drink.

Hepatitis A infection typically causes fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Those at increased risk for hepatitis A include:

· Persons who use injection and non-injection drugs

· Persons experiencing homelessness or transient housing

· Persons with direct contact with a person who has hepatitis A

· Men who have sex with men

"Vaccinating people at risk of exposure is the most effective tool we have to prevent the spread of hepatitis A infection during an outbreak," said New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel.

NMDOH has provided more than 5700 hepatitis A vaccinations to the at-risk populations throughout the state; and is working with community partners to increase awareness and education to help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food, plays an important role in preventing the spread of the virus.

Those at risk and their contacts should see their healthcare provider to obtain a hepatitis A vaccine, individuals can also be referred to their local public health office for vaccination. For Public Health Office phone numbers and locations please visit: https://nmhealth.org/location/public/.

Health Commons

Health Commons OPENING August 1, 2019!

The Health Commons is here to serve the community's health needs, under contract with Las Clinicas del Norte and the State Public Health Office . The Health Commons offers a multitude of services for all ages and schedules.
Located at: 1183 Diamond Drive, Suite D. Los Alamos, NM 87544 (across the street from the high school, behind the ATM Machine). For more information on the Health Commons, please click on the image below.

Mental Health Support

Los Alamos Mental Health Access Project

To assist the community of Los Alamos in accessing mental health care and connecting to emotional well being.

New Mexico Crisis & Access Line/Linea De Crisis Y Acceso

1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474)
1-855-466-7100 (WARM LINE)

Los Alamos Family Council
Affordable behavioral health services for individuals and families including, but not limited to substance abuse programs, DWI school, and employee assistance programs.

Veterans Crisis Line

1-800-273-8755

Mesa Vista Wellness
Holistic Health for New Mexico - personal growth through mind, body and spirit for individuals and families.

Health Care Programs

HCAP Policy

Full policy describing the Health Care Assistance Program (HCAP) as adopted by Los Alamos County Council on November 29, 2016.

HCAP Application Forms

Health Care Assistance Program application forms for behavioral health services.

Yes New Mexico Medicaid Program

YES is a quick and easy way for people in New Mexico to sign up for Centennial Care, the state's Medicaid Program.

New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange

The New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX) was created to help you access Affordable Care Act insurance if you do not qualify for Medicaid.

Housing Resources

Section 8 Housing

Los Alamos County partners with Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority - Espanola Office for Section 8 assistance. Housing specialist, Christine Archuleta, is in Los Alamos every other Wednesday, please call 505-753-3897 or the Social Services Division at 505-662-8068 for more information.

Local Area Apartment Rentals
A starting point for those seeking an apartment rental in Los Alamos or White Rock, as compiled by local area agencies and various property owners and managers. This list is subject to change without notice at any time, and vacancies cannot be guaranteed.

Financial Resources

2-1-1 of Northern New Mexico

Resources provided by the United Way of NNM and Self Help, Inc.

Self Help, Inc.
A non-profit organization dedicated to assisting those in need and developing self-reliance in Northern New Mexico.

LA Cares
Monthly food distribution, emergency food boxes, and emergency assistance with rent and utilities for Los Alamos County residents, call 661-8015.

Social Security

Food Stability

LA Cares

Monthly food distribution, emergency food boxes, and emergency assistance with rent and utilities for Los Alamos County residents, call 661-8015 for more information.

Mobile Food Pantry

Santa Fe Food Depot's Mobile Food Pantry is available to low-income residents on the 4th Friday of each month from 11:30-12:30, except holidays, in the parking lot at First United Methodist Church. Call 662-8068 for more information.