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.
1Check for an emergency first
Can't speak in full sentences, blue or gray lips, or very confused? Call 911 now.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
2Ask about their breathing
You can ask"Do you have inhalers or oxygen? Do you have enough?"
You can ask"Who is your doctor? Who brings your oxygen?"
You can ask"Do you smoke now?"
You can say"Lung disease is hard. There are people and groups who can help you breathe easier."
3Doctor, inhalers and oxygen
A regular doctor can test their lungs, adjust inhalers and order oxygen if they need it.
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
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Medication Assistance Program
575-342-8900
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:00 pm (closed 12-12:30)
4Oxygen safety, with or without a home
No smoking, candles, lighters, campfires or gas stoves near oxygen. Oxygen makes fire spread fast.
At the Gospel MissionFree mail service gives them an address for oxygen company letters and bills.
5Quit smoking, protect the lungs
Quitting is the best thing anyone with COPD can do, at any age.
NM Department of Health
1-800-QUIT-NOW tobacco quit line
800-784-8669
· 24/7
6Groups and help lines
American Lung Association
Lung HelpLine and Better Breathers Club (free, by phone or Zoom)
800-586-4872
· Call to check hours
COPD Foundation
COPD360 Community Support Line (talk with someone who has COPD)
866-316-2673
· Weekdays (call to check hours)
Paths to Health NM (NMDOH)
Free diabetes and chronic disease self-management classes
1-833-796-8773
· Varies
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.
More help like this
Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake upUse 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 badlyUse 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 insuranceUse when someone is sick or hurt, has run out of medicine, or has no doctor or health insurance.Someone is chokingUse 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 goUse 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 attackUse when someone suddenly has a drooping face, a weak arm, trouble speaking, or chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or cold sweat.
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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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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.
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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.