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 first
You can say"I'm sorry. That is a lot to carry. Let's take it one step at a time."
You can ask"What did the doctor tell you? Do you have a next appointment?"
You can ask"Do you have Medicaid, Medicare or other insurance? Do you have a phone that works?"
2Get to a cancer doctor
Gila Regional Medical Center
Cancer Center (infusion, radiation, financial help)
575-538-4009
1313 E 32nd St, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm
UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cancer treatment and financial counseling
505-272-4946
1201 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque · Weekdays
Bring
- ID, insurance or Medicaid card, a list of all medicines, and any papers or test results they were given
3Rides and a place to stay near treatment
American Cancer Society
Cancer helpline, rides and lodging
800-227-2345
· 24/7
Presbyterian Health Plan
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (Presbyterian members)
855-774-7737
· Statewide phone/online; 24/7
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (BCBS members)
866-913-4342
· Statewide phone/online; booking Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Ride Assist 24/7 at 866-418-9829
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (UHC members)
877-236-0826
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico
Member services, including how to book Medicaid rides
844-862-4543
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Mercy Medical Angels
Gas cards, bus and train tickets and airfare to medical care
757-318-9174
· Business hours
4Help paying bills during treatment
Gila Regional Medical Center
Financial Assistance Program (charity care)
575-574-4989
1313 E 32nd St, Silver City · Patient Financial Services Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
CancerCare
Financial help for cancer patients (rides, home care, child care)
800-813-4673
· Mon-Fri 10am-4pm ET (summer hours)
Family Reach
Financial help and navigation for cancer patients and families (rent, utilities,
Patient Advocate Foundation
Free case management for serious or chronic illness
800-532-5274
· Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm ET
5Support groups and someone to talk to
Cancer Support Community
Cancer Support Helpline (free phone and chat counseling)
888-793-9355
· Mon-Thu 9:00am-6:00pm, Fri 9:00am-4:00pm Mountain time
CancerCare
Free online support groups and counseling by phone with oncology social workers
800-813-4673
· Call for hours
Desert Southwest Cancer Support Group
Monthly cancer support group for survivors and caregivers (Las Cruces)
505-453-1789
2450 S. Telshor Blvd. (Memorial Medical Center Annex, Room B; entrance on west side of hospital), Las Cruces · Fourth Saturday of each month, 10:00am-12:00pm (call to confirm)
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors are here to listen. Prayer is there if wanted, never required.
6Living through treatment without a home
At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch on weekdays, the food pantry, showers and laundry, and hygiene kits.
At the Gospel MissionWomen and children can ask Mission staff about space at Sierra House.
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.
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.
Suggest a change
📞 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.