AARP New Mexico

“One of AARP’s main priorities is finding more resources for our family caregivers, many of which are trying to balance work and caring for a loved one,” said Othiamba Umi, AARP New Mexico’s Advocacy Director. “Paid Family and Medical Leave could provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave to give working family caregivers the much-needed flexibility and resources to care for themselves or loved ones should a serious illness arise and traditional sick leave just isn’t enough,” Umi said.

AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its eighth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

AARP New Mexico’s top priority for the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session will be passing legislation that establishes paid family medical leave, but the state office will also focus on broadband expansion, lowering prescription drug costs and funding for senior programs, among others.

For the first time since AARP began publishing the Scorecard in 2011, more than half of Medicaid long-term care dollars nationwide for older adults and people with physical disabilities went to home- and community-based services instead of nursing homes and other institutions.

When the state Legislature returns to Santa Fe in January, supporters of paid family and medical leave for New Mexico workers are expected to renew a push for legislation that would help family caregivers.

Supporters of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act are already getting ready for the next Legislative Session, bringing attention back to the issue with a series of town halls over the next couple of months. The town hall listening sessions, being conducted by the Southwest Women’s Law Center, in partnership with the PFML Coalition, will hit every quarter of the state from now to early November.

AARP is excited to sponsor the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Come check out our Block Party to learn more about AARP’s programs for the 50+ while you enjoy our fun activities. Spin our prize wheel or strike your best pose at our photo wall. And AARP Members get more!

AARP New Mexico, together with the St. Bernard Project and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), are bringing together first responders, government officials and other responding organizations, for a one-day symposium, Wednesday, Aug. 23, in Las Vegas, NM, on how to improve disaster readiness and response.

AARP New Mexico is joining the scene – the Santa Fe Summer Scene that is. It will be sponsoring the concert by Cuarenta Y Cinco and Severo Y Grupo Fuego, Thursday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m., at the Santa Fe Plaza. The event is part of Lensic 360’s ongoing Summer Scene featuring a series of concerts, with a few movies mixed in, mostly centered in Santa Fe’s downtown area and the Santa Fe Railyards. All events are free.

AARP New Mexico is teaming up with the El Paso Chihuahuas this summer to share information on how to protect yourself from scams and fraud. You can learn some useful tips and AARP members and their guests can enjoy a baseball game at a special discounted rate.