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 learn what they need
You can ask"What did the doctor tell you? Do you see a doctor now?"
You can ask"What is hardest right now: walking, falling, shaking, eating, talking, medicine costs or getting help at home?"
You can say"These diseases are hard. There are free help lines and groups just for people with what you have."
Sudden weakness on one side, a drooping face or slurred speech may be a stroke. Call 911.
2Get or keep a regular doctor
A regular doctor can treat symptoms and refer them to a neurologist (nerve doctor).
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
Gila Regional Family Medicine Clinic
Family medicine clinic
575-534-0400
3185 N Leslie Rd, Silver City
3Free help lines for each disease
Parkinson's Foundation
Parkinson's Helpline (1-800-4PD-INFO)
800-473-4636
· Mon-Fri 7:00 am-5:00 pm Mountain (9-7 Eastern)
Parkinson's Support Group of New Mexico
Monthly Parkinson's support group and exercise class (Las Cruces)
575-997-8828
2142 Telshor Ct. (Holiday Inn Express), Las Cruces · 3rd Tuesday of each month, 9:00-11:45am
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
MS Navigator help line (free MS help by phone)
800-344-4867
· Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Mountain (9am-7pm Eastern); chat Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Mountain
ALS New Mexico
ALS care services, free equipment loan closet and grants
505-323-6348
2309 Renard Place SE, Suite 105, Albuquerque · Mon-Fri office hours (call)
Epilepsy Foundation
24/7 Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline
800-332-1000
· Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Eastern (6am-6pm Mountain), except holidays; Spanish 1-866-748-8008
4Paying for medicine and therapy
Gila Regional Medical Center
Rehabilitation Center (physical, occupational and speech therapy)
575-538-4899
300 E. 16th St., Silver City · Call to check
HealthWell Foundation
Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums
800-675-8416
P.O. Box 489, Buckeystown · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm ET
Patient Advocate Foundation - TotalAssist (includes former PAN Foundation)
Grants for medicine copays, deductibles and insurance premiums
866-512-3861
· Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm ET
5Equipment and help at home
NM Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) - SW Region at WNMU
Free assistive technology device loans and demos (Silver City)
(575) 538-6622
PO Box 680 (WNMU), Silver City · By appointment
See the guide "Needs a wheelchair, walker or other medical equipment".
See the guide "Needs help at home with bathing, dressing or meals".
At the Gospel MissionThe case worker can help with forms, rides and follow-ups.
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.
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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.