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Has a spinal cord injury or is paralyzed

Use when someone has a spinal cord injury or paralysis (from an accident, illness or stroke) and needs supplies, care, equipment, a peer to talk to, or help living with it.

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 health and safety first
  2. Get a doctor and therapy
  3. Talk to people who understand
  4. Supplies, equipment and help at home
  5. Money and a place to live

1Check health and safety first

You can ask"Do you have any sores, fever, or a bad headache right now? Are you able to empty your bladder?"
A pounding headache, red face and sweating above the injury can be autonomic dysreflexia. It is an emergency. Call 911.
Fever, chills, or a deep sore with a bad smell needs care today. See the guide "Has a sore, wound or foot problem that won't heal".
You can say"Many people live full lives with paralysis. Let's find the help you need."

2Get a doctor and therapy

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 Medical Center
Rehabilitation Center (physical, occupational and speech therapy)
575-538-4899
300 E. 16th St., Silver City · Call to check
Horizon Home Health
Medicare/Medicaid home health
575-388-1801
1250 E 32nd St, Silver City · Weekdays

3Talk to people who understand

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Paralysis Resource Center information specialists and peer mentors
800-539-7309
They answer questions free and can match the person with a peer mentor who lives with paralysis.
United Spinal Association
Spinal Cord Resource Center help line (free membership)
800-962-9629
· 9am-5pm Eastern
The Ability Center for Independent Living (TACIL)
Independent living services and rep payee
575-526-5016
715 E Idaho Ave, Bldg 3E, Las Cruces · Weekdays; food pantry Mon-Thu (call first)

4Supplies, equipment and help at home

NM Health Care Authority
Turquoise Care Community Benefit (in-home care instead of a nursing home)
800-283-4465
NM Governor's Commission on Disability - RAMP
Residential Accessibility Modification Program (free ramps and bathroom changes)
505-476-0419
491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe

5Money and a place to live

At the Gospel MissionThe case worker can help apply for SSI, Medicaid and accessible housing.

More help like this

See all guides in Family, seniors and veterans →

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.