UpLifting Wellness: Measles & Mental Health
The May installment of UpLifting Wellness features news briefs about the ongoing measles outbreak in New Mexico and the history and purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Measles Cases Mount in New Mexico
Measles continues to spread in the southeastern corner of the state, with the New Mexico Department of Health (NM DOH) reporting measles in Chaves, Eddy, and Lea counties. As of May 1, the state health department’s 2025 Measles Outbreak Guidance hub reports 66 total measles cases in New Mexico. Of those 66 cases, 47 were entirely unvaccinated against measles, 8 received at least one MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, and the vaccination status of the remaining 11 cases is unknown.
Staying in the Know
Because of the print news cycle and the nature of the outbreak, it’s unlikely that the above-listed measles case information will still be accurate when you read this. To access updated measles outbreak info and best guidance for vaccination schedules and prevention, visit nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/mog, where the number of in-state measles infections will be updated by noon on Tuesdays and Fridays when new cases are identified.
Protecting Your Family
Vaccination remains the best defense against the public health threat posed by the current measles outbreak in New Mexico and throughout the greater Southwest. Until further notice, public health offices in Artesia, Carlsbad, Clovis, Ft. Sumner, Hobbs, Lovington, Portales, Roswell, Ruidoso, and Tucumcari will offer daily walk-in MMR vaccinations with no appointments needed. Find out how to protect yourself and your family from measles by scheduling two simple, safe, and effective MMR vaccinations at vaccine.doh.nm.gov.
Observing Mental Health Month in May
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated in the month of May. Established 76 years ago by the National Association for Mental Health, now known as Mental Health America (MHA), was established with the goal of expanding awareness of mental health and providing resources for individuals, orgs, and businesses to educate themselves and their stakeholders and communities about mental health issues.
Moving Beyond Awareness
MHA’s 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month theme is “Turning Awareness Into Action.” Every year, MHA provides a guide designed to serve as a “roadmap to creating impactful mental health initiatives.” To download MHA’s annual guide—which features Innovative Outreach Ideas, Actionable Activity Examples, Customizable Communication Templates, and Partnership Opportunities—visit bit.ly/mham25.
How to Take Action
According to MHA, “one in five [or 20 percent of] people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.” MHA’s 2025 toolkit provides an outline for taking ACTION: Assess your mental health needs and the resources available to you; Choose a course of action; Take steps toward care; Identify additional supports; Observe what's working … or not; and Nurture yourself. Learn more at mhanational.org.