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.
1 Check for danger firstNew pain with a fever, weakness or numbness in the legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control? Call 911 or go to the ER.
Gila Regional Medical Center
Emergency room
575-538-4000 · 24/7:
911
1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City · 24/7
Using street pills or fentanyl for pain? Overdose risk is high. See the guide "Someone is overdosing, or wants to stop using drugs today".
2 Listen firstYou can ask "Where does it hurt, and how long has it been going on?"
You can ask "What helps and what makes it worse? What have you tried?"
You can ask "Do you have a doctor and Medicaid or other insurance?"
You can say "Your pain is real. There are ways to feel better and do more, even if the pain doesn't go away completely."
3 See a doctor about a pain planA regular doctor can find the cause and make a plan. It may include non-opioid medicine, physical therapy and other care.
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
Silver Health CARE
Primary care and urgent care
575-538-2981
1600 E. 32nd St., Silver City · Clinic Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Urgent Care Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm
Gila Regional Family Medicine Clinic
Family medicine clinic
575-534-0400
3185 N Leslie Rd, Silver City
Bring
photo ID Medicaid or insurance card list of medicines any X-rays or past records
4 Physical therapy and other carePhysical and occupational therapy teach exercises that build strength and ease pain. They need a doctor's referral. Medicaid usually pays.
Gila Regional Medical Center
Rehabilitation Center (physical, occupational and speech therapy)
575-538-4899
300 E. 16th St., Silver City · Call to check
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Community Health Center: Chiropractic care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope Street, Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm (clinic hours)
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
HMS patient transportation (rides to HMS appointments)
575-800-1467
Silver City · Mon-Fri; pick-up times vary by location. Closed weekends.
5 Classes and support groups
Paths to Health NM (NMDOH)
Free diabetes and chronic disease self-management classes
1-833-796-8773
· Varies
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis Helpline and Live Yes! Connect Groups
800-283-7800
· Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern (7:00am-3:00pm Mountain)
6 Pain, sleep and moodLong pain can bring stress, poor sleep and low mood. Treating those helps the pain too.
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Behavioral health counseling
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm (clinic hours)
At the Gospel Mission Our peer support counselors and case worker are here to talk. Prayer is available if wanted.
At the Gospel Mission Sleeping outside makes pain worse. Ask staff about a hygiene and survival kit.
More help like this
Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake up Use when someone falls down and won't respond, isn't breathing normally, is only gasping, or is found unconscious on the ground, in a doorway or in a car. Someone is bleeding badly Use when someone has a deep cut, stab or gunshot wound, or blood is spurting, pooling or soaking through clothes or bandages. Sick, out of medicine, or has no doctor or insurance Use when someone is sick or hurt, has run out of medicine, or has no doctor or health insurance. Someone is choking Use when someone can't breathe, talk or cough because food or something is stuck in their throat, or is holding their throat. Includes babies and children. Leaving the hospital with nowhere to go Use when someone is being discharged from the hospital or a treatment program and has no home or no one to care for them. Someone may be having a stroke or heart attack Use when someone suddenly has a drooping face, a weak arm, trouble speaking, or chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or cold sweat. See all guides in Health and recovery →
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
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
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.