This week on Let’s Talk New Mexico we'll discuss what’s driving pharmacy deserts across the country, and the particular issues we face closer to home.

New Mexico has made strides when it comes to protecting patients from surprise medical bills and aggressive debt collectors. But hospitals may still overcharge uninsured patients and those with insurance are still hit with massive bills. On this week’s Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss whether the new protections are working as intended and what steps could further reform medical billing.

New Mexico has a busy performing arts scene, including a renowned opera, a plethora of smaller theater companies, and a performance hall that attracts large touring companies with international hits. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss the state of theater after the pandemic. Have you gone back to the theater to perform or be entertained? What’s the best way to support the performing arts?

Waiting months for health care appointments is a common experience for New Mexicans, in part because of a lacking health care workforce. On this week’s Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss plans to recruit and retain workers to boost access to quality healthcare.

Last month, New Mexico experienced the hottest June it has ever had with more records expected to be broken going forward. On this episode we’ll discuss some of the extreme consequences heat has on public health in the Southwest.

What is the future of WIPP, which was supposed to be a pilot project, especially with more plutonium pit production planned at Los Alamos National Laboratory? How long will WIPP remain open and will it be expanded? Those are some of the questions advocates have for a town hall that will take place on July 22nd with top officials from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and its Office of Environmental Management.

What is the future of WIPP, which was supposed to be a pilot project, especially with more plutonium pit production planned at Los Alamos National Laboratory? How long will WIPP remain open and will it be expanded? Those are some of the questions advocates have for a town hall that will take place on July 22nd with top officials from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and its Office of Environmental Management.

It’s high season for the arts in New Mexico with the Folk Art, Spanish and Indian Markets coming to Santa Fe soon, and more statewide – like the Albuquerque area art festivals this fall. But on the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss how the creative industries are vibrant and an economic boon here year round. Are you an artist, performer or supporter of the creative industries?

Statistics show New Mexico is getting safer when it comes to road rage confrontations, however it might not feel like that to drivers. Forbes last year found the state was the third most dangerous for fatal crashes. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss dangerous and distracted driving. Have you seen more reckless or aggressive drivers lately? Has your phone taken your attention from the road? What measures could curb dangers and distractions?

Thursday morning on Let’s Talk New Mexico, we get the latest on the South Fork and Salt fires forcing evacuations around Ruidoso in southeast New Mexico. Reports Wednesday show the fire growing to 21,000 acres with 1,400 structures burned. Are you trying to connect with friends and family there? Are you looking for ways to help?