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Has COPD or emphysema, or needs oxygen

Use when someone has COPD, emphysema or other long-term lung disease, uses oxygen, or is often short of breath and needs a doctor, supplies, a support group or help staying safe with oxygen.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
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.
In this guide
  1. Check for an emergency first
  2. Ask about their breathing
  3. Doctor, inhalers and oxygen
  4. Oxygen safety, with or without a home
  5. Quit smoking, protect the lungs
  6. Groups and help lines

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.

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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

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 →
Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
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.