Community News

Silver City, NM - HMS is proud to announce the installation of two new Blessing Boxes / Community Food Pantry Boxes located outside its Lordsburg and Silver City Med Square clinic locations. These boxes are available to anyone, at any time, no questions asked, and are stocked with essential items including non-perishable food, hygiene products, and other basic necessities.

The goal is simple but powerful: "Take what you need. Leave what you can." Whether someone is facing food insecurity, housing instability, or simply going through a tough time, the Blessing Boxes offer a safe, judgment-free way to get support, 24/7, completely anonymous.

"We understand that asking for help isn't always easy," said Dr. Dan Otero, CEO. "That's why these Blessing Boxes are about dignity and discretion. There are no forms, and no barriers, just compassion."

What's Inside?

Non-perishable food items (canned goods, snacks, boxed meals) Hygiene products (toothbrushes, soap, feminine care items) Seasonal necessities (socks, gloves, hand warmers, etc.)

While HMS clinic staff will maintain the boxes, community involvement is key. Donations can be placed directly into either box at any time. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.

Items especially needed include:

Silver City, NM – Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is proud to welcome Dr. Stanley Swierzewski, MD, a highly respected and board-certified urologist, to its medical team. Dr. Swierzewski brings over 30 years of clinical experience, research, and leadership in urologic care. 

Dr. Swierzewski most recently practiced at Harrington Hospital in Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he served the community with dedication and expertise. He earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Urology at the University of Michigan Medical Center. 

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Swierzewski," said Robert Whitaker, CEO of Gila Regional Medical Center. "His experience and dedication will be a valuable addition to our medical team and the patients we serve." 

Dr. Swierzewski will be located at Gila Regional Urology, 1302 E 32nd Street, Silver City, NM 88061, and he will be accepting new patients. His arrival strengthens GRMC's commitment to providing high-quality specialty care, ensuring patients in Grant County and surrounding areas have access to urologic services close to home. He will begin seeing patients this fall. 

More information will be shared on GRMC's Facebook page as Dr. Swierzewski's start date approaches. 

Silver City, NM – Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is pleased to announce that El Refugio, Inc. has been selected as the recipient of its Q3 donation, funded through a portion of cafeteria sales. This initiative is part of the ongoing Gila Regional CARES program, GRMC's community outreach effort. 

El Refugio (ERI) provides comprehensive support to individuals impacted by domestic violence through advocacy, education, and direct services. The organization operates Casa Carmel Shelter, a 24/7 emergency facility that offers 32 bed spaces for women, men, and children, providing a safe and welcoming environment for up to 90 days. 

Photos by Meredith Phillips

A professional skater Jud Heald , pictured in an orange shirt,  performed at the Silver City Skate Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. The Beat didn't know about it, but this photographer shared her photos

In October of 2024, Crooked Forest Institute purchased 52 acres on Highway 35 in the Mimbres Valley to become our education campus.

Our strategy is a suite of interlocking solutions that will become a local, sustainable economic engine for the Mimbres Valley and Grant County over the next 10 years.

We are pairing a Vocational Education program with a nonprofit housing developer program to build clusters of small adobe homes on district utilities and on a community land trust.

Bear Mountain Lodge gave a big thank you to all who helped make the cookbook a reality! All the testers, proofreaders (Ann, Pamela, and John), Felicia, our staff, Marvel, Jay, Miriam, and of course to all theirr guests, who do make it possible! The cook book won the New Mexico Book Association Award for cookbook of the year.

See the cover below:

Who:      Preparing adventurers and professionals for the unexpected, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Outdoor Programs announces the opening of registration for its Spring 2026 suite of Wilderness Medicine Courses. Registration is now open.   

What:    These essential wilderness medical courses are open to the public and offer specialized training designed to equip outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, and students with the critical skills needed to provide medical care in remote and challenging environments. Advanced registration is required, and spaces are expected to fill quickly.

When: 

Three Courses to Meet Diverse Needs