Program Manager

Local news: tuesday, June 23, 2026. Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, in partnership with Presbyterian Turquoise Care, Molina Healthcare, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, will host a free Community Health Resource Fair on June 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center. The family-friendly event will feature no-cost health screenings provided by the BCBSNM Care Van, along with health resources, wellness information, and giveaways aimed at connecting community members with services that support healthier lives. The Bear Fire, located approximately 18 miles southeast of Quemado in the Gila National Forest, has reached 7,769 acres and is now 100% contained. Fire officials report that containment lines are holding and most repair work has been completed. Command of the incident is scheduled to transfer from the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team back to the Gila National Forest and a Type 4 Incident Commander on June 24. Officials credited the support of the New Mexico Forestry Division, local landowners and the Village of Quemado for helping firefighters successfully suppress the fire by providing access to private land and critical resources. Luna County's ¡Que (K) Linda (lean-da)! initiative will host a Litter Summit on June 24 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mimbres Event Center in Deming. The public event will bring together local and state leaders to discuss litter prevention, beautification efforts, and community partnerships aimed at keeping Luna County clean. A public question-and-answer session will follow the presentations, giving residents an opportunity to share ideas and learn how they can help continue local cleanup efforts. Last in its news: New Mexico officials are encouraging residents to recognize and report signs of elder abuse during Elder Abuse Awareness Month, noting that Adult Protective Services has received about 18,000 allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Elder abuse can include physical or emotional harm, neglect, financial exploitation and scams that often target older adults. Warning signs may include unexplained injuries, sudden behavioral changes, poor living conditions, social withdrawal, unusual financial activity and lack of access to medical care. Suspected abuse of vulnerable adults can be reported 24 hours a day to Adult Protective Services at 866-654-3219.

Advocates celebrates $75,000 grant from The MolinaCares Accord to expand the Friendship Project. * Jun 2, 2026 Updated 5 hrs ago Molina Healthcare ("Molina"), in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord ("MolinaCares"), awarded a $75,000 grant to Advocates,a human services nonprofit, to support the expansion of its Friendship Project. The program combats loneliness and social isolation among adults living with mental health challenges and disabilities. Research shows that individuals with serious mental illness experience loneliness at a rate 2.3 times greater than the general population, contributing to poorer health outcomes and increased emergency healthcare utilization. The Friendship Project connects adults with trained volunteers who provide companionship, emotional support, and practical assistance through regular visits, phone calls, outings, and other connections. Funding will support efforts to increase volunteer recruitment and community partnerships, as well as program coordination. "Loneliness and social isolation can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health," said Jeff Keilson, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships of Advocates. "We are deeply grateful to Molina and MolinaCares for investing in programs that create meaningful human connection and improve quality of life for people in our communities." Studies show perceived emotional support reduces the risk of common mental health disorders and severe mental health crises. The Friendship Project also provides a physical and mental respite for 24/7 caregivers who often experience stress from the demands of around-the-clock care. "Molina and MolinaCares are proud to support a program that addresses mental health, a key factor in overall wellness," said Bill Graham, plan president of Molina Healthcare. "This grant reflects a commitment to evidence-based solutions for traditionally underserved populations." About Advocates. Advocates partners with people navigating life challenges to support growth, learning, and connections to the community. Advocates, which serves more than 40,000 children, teens, adults, and families annually, provides a full continuum of culturally responsive services for individuals facing mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, autism, brain injuries, and other life challenges throughout Eastern and Central Massachusetts and in Rhode Island. About The MolinaCares Accord. Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. About Molina Healthcare. Senior Whole Health, LLC, dba Molina Healthcare provides government-funded, quality health care under the Senior Care Options (SCO) and One Care programs serving dual eligibles enrolled in Medicare and MassHealth. Senior Whole Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company that provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.