Something I Spotted in Carlsbad

My personal reflection from around town by Hattie Quinn, excerpted from “Mid-Week Matters,” broadcast date: September 17, 2025

I had the privilege to volunteer at the SENMC table last week at the Nineth Annual Walk for Recovery at the Walter Gerrells Exhibition Center. It was quite the event! It’s inspiring to see the community come together to celebrate those in recovery, sharing their struggles and success stories. These heartfelt testimonials were expanded this year for the first time with the stories of their families and their own journeys as concerned family or caregiver.

We were there to showcase the resources available to residents of Southeast New Mexico, including our college’s programs, as well as those from state agencies, local, and regional businesses and services. We were pleased to discuss free or inexpensive workforce training in good-paying skills needed throughout our region, adult education for those who need to finish up or prepare to return for the next level, and community education in things like soft skills, time management, and essential business startup processes.

We were situated around the room with our tables of information and swag, and members of the community were enthusiastic about our work helping others. I was pleased to see health services, like Peak Behavioral Health, and allies from the Public Defender’s Office and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, as well as support groups, and the State of NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Carlsbad Mayor Rick Lopez addressed the attendees, congratulating them on their accomplishments and underlining the importance of community in the process of recovery. State Representative Cathrynn N. Brown appeared and read the proclamation of September 2025 as Recovery Month in Eddy County.

The House of Representatives of the State of New Mexico, in Recognition of National Recovery Month, September 2025.

Whereas, mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide, but with commitment and support, those impacted can embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness; and

Whereas, the focus of Recovery Month, acknowledged in September, is to celebrate all people who make the journey of recovery possible by embracing the tagline, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community”; and

Whereas, Recovery Month spreads the message that people can and do recover every day, and gives communities the opportunity to come together to share resources and to support those in recovery, their families, and everyone affected by the impact of mental health and substance use disorders; and

Whereas, the impact of mental health and substance use disorders is apparent in Eddy County, and ALL Eddy County residents are affected by these conditions; and

Whereas, through Recovery Month, people become more aware of and are able to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use disorders, and can therefore encourage people in need of services to seek help; and

Whereas, managing the effects of those conditions helps individuals achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally, and encourages individuals to “Live Their Best Life”; and

Whereas, Eddy County Recovery Month observance continues to work to improve the lives of those affected by mental health and substance use disorders by raising awareness and educating Eddy County residents about the beneficial and successful services available;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of New Mexico that the month of September 2025 be recognized as Recovery Month in Eddy County, and

Be it further resolved that the citizens of Eddy County observe this month with compelling programs, resources, and events that support a healthy community.

Under the Great Seal of the State of New Mexico

Signed by:

Javier Martinez, Speaker of the House

Lisa M. Ortiz McCutcheon, Chief Clerk

Representative Cathryn N. Brown

I was driven to reflect on what I often find in my personal volunteer work. I will extoll and exclaim to my peers, with the sentiment, “We are all in this together,” as we pitch in toward our mutual goals.

It has been a pleasant surprise to find a community that closely models this motto, as I have discovered here in Eddy County, whether it is an impromptu fundraiser for flood victims or the regular and recurring work of CARC, Inc., or Brittany’s Hope, or even a crowd-sourced day service like Thursday the 18th’s Day of Caring organized by the United Way of Eddy County. Through all, the thread remains, neighbors helping neighbors, the best they can, as often as they can, coming together as a community.

Have you spotted something interesting in Eddy County? Please send your observations through our contact form at KCCC930am.com, and we may share them on air.

Hattie Quinn, Host, “Mid-Week Matters,” Wednesdays at noon on KCCC 930 AM Radio, kccc930am.com, and YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.