Boost Your Health This April

Mar 31
4 min read

April Health Awareness: Community Resources for Lincoln County & Mescalero

As the seasons change in the high country, our focus shifts to the unique health needs and traditional values of our local communities. This April, Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation are hosting several initiatives that blend modern healthcare with cultural heritage.

Refresh your soul with cool H2O. Reminder, April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Alcohol Awareness: Supporting Our Families

In rural and tribal communities, the impact of alcohol can be felt across generations. April is a time to support one another in making healthy choices, particularly for expectant mothers.

Mescalero Tribal Human Services (MTHS): This program offers Substance Abuse Treatment and clinical support for both adults and adolescents. They can be reached at 575-464-4433.
FASD Prevention: Remember that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are 100% preventable. Local health representatives and the IHS Clinic are available for confidential consultations and support for those navigating recovery during pregnancy.

Organization	Specialization	Phone Number
IHS Mescalero Service Unit (Hospital)	Confidential Medical Consultations & Screenings	575-464-4441
Four Directions Treatment & Recovery (FDTRC)	Substance Abuse Treatment (Inpatient/Outpatient for Tribal Members)	575-464-4433
Mescalero Community Health Representative (CHR)	Client Advocacy, Referrals, and Transport	575-464-1614
Lincoln County Health Office (NMDOH)	Family Planning, Harm Reduction & Referrals	575-258-3252
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline	Immediate Emotional Support (24/7)	Dial 988
NMDOH Treatment Helpline	Help finding local treatment providers	1-833-SWNURSE
SAMHSA National Helpline	Confidential Treatment Referrals (24/7)	1-800-662-HELP

Autism Acceptance in the High Country

Acceptance means ensuring that our neighbors with autism have the support they need to thrive in our unique rural environment.

Mescalero System of Care (MSOC): Specializing in mental health services for children and youth (ages 5–21), MSOC offers individual counseling and equine therapy—a powerful, local way to engage with emotional and developmental growth. Mescalero Early Childhood Program, Mescalero Head Start
Early Intervention: Families in Lincoln County can access diagnostic and developmental support through the UNM Center for Development and Disability, which works closely with rural providers to ensure no one is left behind. UNM CDD Autism Programs
Early Childhood Evaluation Program (ECEP): The first step for developmental evaluations for children ages 0–3.

Appreciating Spring Without Stress

Enjoy your surroundings! Take part in community events with family and friends. Attend public workshops. Sign up for exercise classes. Discover new trails to walk for some de-stressing.

Local Spotlights: Mescalero & Lincoln County

In our region, health is often deeply tied to community and culture. Here are the specific local events and programs to look for this month:

10th Annual Mescal Roast (April 12–18, 2026): Hosted by the Mescalero Apache Historic Preservation Office, this week-long event is a cornerstone of cultural and physical well-being. It’s an opportunity for the community to connect with heritage and traditional foods. For details, contact 575-464-3005.
Behavioral Health Regional Planning (April 16, 2026): A regional stakeholder meeting focusing on the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (BHRIA) will be held to discuss priorities specifically for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
Community Fitness & Nutrition: The Mescalero Health Education Department offers ongoing fitness classes, including Zumba (Mondays/Wednesdays) and Step Aerobics (Tuesdays/Thursdays) at the Community Fitness Center. These are great ways to tackle Stress Awareness Month through movement. Please check our calendar of events for classes held at the Ruidoso Senior Center.
Maternal Health Transitions: For those in Ruidoso and surrounding areas, the Lincoln County Medical Center OB/GYN Clinic is moving to a new, updated space across their parking lot this April. This move is designed to enhance prenatal and women's care for local residents.

Other area events and things to do in April include:

An image of a young person holding plastic Easter eggs in front of their eyes, while other children are in the background and Easter eggs are on the grass.

Mescalero Easter Egg Hunt (April 3, 2026): A family-friendly event at 108 Central Ave in Mescalero starting at 11:00 AM—a great way to promote outdoor activity for kids.

Wingfield Park Easter Egg Hunt (April 3, 2026): Free family-friendly community event. Arrive early. Starts at 10:00 AM.

10th Annual Mescalero Mescal Roast (April 12–18): A cornerstone of cultural health and tradition in Mescalero. This week-long event connects the community through traditional food preparation and heritage.

Sierra Club Guided Hike: Bonito Lake Tour (April 11): A guided tour from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM that combines physical activity with environmental education.

Village-Wide Clean Up in Capitan (April 18): From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, residents can participate in improving their local environment—a key factor in National Public Health Week.

OSHA 30 Safety Training (April 2–3): Held at the Horton Complex in Ruidoso, this course focuses on workplace safety and accident prevention.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training (April 11–12 & 18–19): A two-weekend certification course at the Horton Complex for those 16 and older, promoting water safety and emergency preparedness.

Citizens Police Academy - Spring Session (Weekly on Thursdays): An evening program (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) in Ruidoso that builds community trust and safety awareness.

Time Turner History Book Club - typically meets at 12:30 PM at the Ruidoso Public Library on the 2nd Thursday of each month.