AARP New Mexico

AARP New Mexico welcomes Christian Halstead, of Albuquerque, as its new state president. The state president, a volunteer position, works closely with the state director to lead AARP’s work in New Mexico. 

AARP New Mexico has relocated its office from Santa Fe to Albuquerque to help expand programming and reach more people. It will still have a presence in Santa Fe, Las Cruces and around the state.

AARP New Mexico and the AARP Las Cruces Chapter are proud sponsors of the 2023 Southern New Mexico Honor Guards Training Conference held April 21 in Las Cruces.

Voting in New Mexico’s primary election on Tuesday, June 4, may be easier for some, thanks to a 2023 state law.

“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.

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.