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Needs a TB test, or has a cough that won't go away

Use when someone needs a TB test for a job, school, shelter or program, or has a cough for 3 weeks or more, coughs blood, or has night sweats, fever or weight loss.

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 how sick they are
  2. Cough that won't go away: see a doctor this week
  3. TB test for a job, school or program
  4. If the test is positive
  5. Help them stay on track

1Check how sick they are

You can ask"How long have you had the cough? Any blood, fever, night sweats or weight loss?"
Coughing up a lot of blood, trouble breathing or chest pain: call 911.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
You can say"A cough that lasts 3 weeks or more needs a doctor. It could be many things, including TB."

2Cough that won't go away: see a doctor this week

Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Tranquil Skies Community Health Center: Same-day medical appointments
575-388-4412
1318 E 32nd St, Silver City · Medical Tue-Fri 7am-5pm; BH Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1)
Website ↗
NM Department of Health - Grant County Public Health Office
Free vaccines for uninsured adults and tuberculosis (TB) services
(575) 538-5318
2610 N Silver St Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1)
Website ↗
Bring
  • photo ID
  • Medicaid card
  • list of medicines

3TB test for a job, school or program

There are two kinds of TB test.
A skin test needs two visits. It is read 2 or 3 days later. If they miss the second visit, it must be done again.
A blood test needs only one visit.
NM Department of Health - Grant County Public Health Office
Free vaccines for uninsured adults and tuberculosis (TB) services
(575) 538-5318
2610 N Silver St Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1)
Website ↗
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
(HMS): HMS main appointment line (all Silver City clinics)
575-800-1467
1007 N Pope St (Community Health Center), Silver City · CHC Mon-Fri 7am-6pm
Website ↗
NM Department of Health - Luna County Public Health Office
Public health clinic (harm reduction, family planning, STD, WIC, MOUD)
575-546-2771
1510 S Slate St, Deming · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed noon-1pm)
Website ↗

4If the test is positive

A positive test does not always mean they are sick or can spread it. A chest X-ray and a doctor visit come next.
The state health department treats every case of active TB in New Mexico. A nurse helps them finish the medicine.
At the Gospel MissionIf they are homeless, the case worker can help them keep appointments and get mail at the Mission.

5Help them stay on track

You can ask"Do you have a phone that works?"
At the Gospel MissionIf not, ask staff about a Lifeline phone from the stuff drawer.
Smokers can get help quitting. See the guide "Wants to quit smoking, chewing or vaping".
COPD or oxygen? See the guide "Has COPD or emphysema, or needs oxygen".

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

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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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.