Laura Paskus, HIV Prevention and Treatment, New APD Cadet Requirements, PNM Rate Hike

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we hear how medical providers and advocates are working to prevent the spread of HIV in communities around the state. Two conferences in Albuquerque this month are addressing the latest research and trends in HIV prevention and treatment. NMiF producer Sarah Gustavus sits down with advocate Martin Walker, Dr. Bruce Williams from the Truman Health Services Clinic at UNMH and Ayn Whyte from the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board.

Gene Grant and this week’s line opinion panelists discuss news headlines in the past week, including an announcement that the city of Albuquerque will lower college requirements for potential new cadets in the Albuquerque Police Department. The line will also debate recent recommendations from a hearing officer for the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) on plans submitted by PNM for a rate hike and proposed shutdown of two units at the San Juan Generating Station in northwestern New Mexico.

Also this week, journalist Laura Paskus joins producer Sarah Gustavus to share stories, audio and photos from her reporting on new oil and gas development in northwestern New Mexico for the “Drilling Deep” series on KUNM.

GUESTS:
Laura Paskus, journalist
Martin Walker, advocate for HIV education and services
Ayn Whyte, STD HIV/AIDS Program Manager for the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board
Dr. Bruce Williams, medical director of Truman Health Services Clinic

LINE PANELISTS:
Dede Feldman, former state senator
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
Sophie Martin, DukeCityFix.com & attorney
Rob Nikolewski, Watchdog.org

CORRESPONDENT:
Sarah Gustavus, @SarahGustavus

HOST:
Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Sarah Gustavus. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Episode 841 for air April 24, 2015