New Mexico Department of Health announces COVID-19 vaccine equity plan

The state announced a new component to its vaccine registration to ensure more equitable distribution. The New Mexico Department of Health says they want to make sure vaccines are going to the “most exposed” and vulnerable New Mexicans. “New Mexico is using its doses more efficiently than any state in the country – and we’re ensuring that while supplies are limited, those doses go to the places where they can save the most lives and stop the spread of this virus most effectively,” said DOH Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins in a news release. NMDOH says it’s adding a component to the allocation system based on a person’s social vulnerability index which is determined by socioeconomic status, household composition, and minority status. They’ll also work to develop alternative registration options including walk-in or locally scheduled clinics even mobile vaccination teams.
KRQE-TV CBS 13 Albuquerque

Kirtland AFB Fire Department selected as AFGSC Large FD of the year

For the third time in four years, the 377th Air Base Wing’s Fire Emergency Services Branch at Kirtland AFB has been selected as Air Force Global Strike Command’s Large Fire Department of the Year. The department will now compete against all other major command recipients in the large department category. If selected there, it will then compete at the Department of Defense level. Kirtland AFB Installation Fire Chief Jaime Jimenez put the AFGSC award in perspective. “I like to think we were selected because we have incredible firefighters who are dedicated to our unique mission. Being a retired chief master sergeant, and having worked in fire protection all over the world for the past 44 years, Kirtland Fire & Emergency Services is the best department I have ever been associated with. COVID-19 has been a tremendous challenge for us, as it has been for everyone, and the firefighters assigned here have made all the difference in the success of our mission.”
Kirtland Air Force Base