These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Listen and find out what is hardest
You can ask"What is your child's health problem? Who is their doctor?"
You can ask"What is hardest right now: getting care, paying, getting to appointments, or a place to stay?"
You can say"You are doing a hard job. You do not have to do it alone."
If the child is very sick right now, use the guide "A high fever, or a child is very sick at night" or call 911.
2Get care and a care coordinator
NM Department of Health - Children's Medical Services (Grant County Public Health Office)
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program
575-538-5318
2610 N. Silver St., Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1)
Children's Medical Services can help with care coordination, specialty clinics and some costs for children with chronic health problems.
UNM Center for Development and Disability - Medically Fragile Case Management Program
Nurse case management and Medically Fragile Waiver (children and young adults)
505-272-2910
2300 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Primary medical care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
3Family support from other parents
Parents Reaching Out (PRO)
Help for families of children and youth with disabilities or special health need
800-524-5176
5130 Masthead St NE, Suite C, Albuquerque
PRO is New Mexico's Family-to-Family Health Information Center. Parents there help with insurance, benefits and finding care.
Grant Amplified Therapies
Early intervention (FIT program)
575-956-6370
208 Hwy 180 West, Silver City
Silver Consolidated Schools - Special Education Department
Child Find developmental screening (ages 3-5) and special education referrals
575-956-2041
2810 N. Swan St. (Stout Elementary parking lot), Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
4Travel and a place to stay near the hospital
Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico
Lodging for families of sick children treated in Albuquerque
505-842-8960
1011 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Open 24/7; call ahead to check in
5Money help and something special
Make-A-Wish New Mexico
Wishes for children with a critical illness (parents can refer online)
505-888-9474
7400 Tiburon Dr NE, Suite A1, Albuquerque
At the Gospel MissionFood boxes, weekend snack bags, clothing and a case worker can ease the load at home.
More help like this
A child needs school meals, supplies, or help staying in schoolUse when a child is hungry at school or on weekends, needs supplies, or is having trouble staying in school.A child is being hurt, abused or neglectedUse when you see or hear that a child is being hurt, abused, neglected, or left without care.A young person under 18 is on their ownUse when a child or teen under 18 comes in without a parent or guardian, has run away, was kicked out, or has nowhere safe to stay.Pregnant or has a new baby and needs helpUse when someone is pregnant or has a baby and needs a doctor, food, baby supplies, or support.Needs child care or preschoolUse when a parent needs child care to work or go to school, or wants free preschool for a young child.A grandparent or relative is raising someone else's childrenUse when grandparents, aunts, uncles or friends are caring for children whose parents can't, and need legal help, money or support.
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This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.