DVS Field Offices to Remain Open During the COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

By DVS

All fully-staffed New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS) field offices will remain open during the ongoing COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus outbreak until further notice.

DVS Veterans Service Officers (VSO’s) will be available to assist veterans in the following field offices Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm: Alamogordo, Albuquerque (downtown & NE Heights offices), Carlsbad, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Las Cruces, and Roswell. Veterans are strongly urged to call their nearest field office and make an appointment—to avoid having to wait in the office with others who may also stopped by on a drop-in basis.

“DVS realizes that, despite the outbreak of the COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus, veterans will continue to rely on their VA and state benefits—especially their health care benefits,” said DVS Secretary Judy Griego. “So DVS will do everything possible to continue helping New Mexico’s veterans and with their benefits needs. Please don’t hesitate to call us for help.”

Secretary Griego is also asking veterans to do their part in helping the fight against the spread of the virus.

“I urge veterans to observe the Governor’s directive of ‘social distancing.’ Please stay home as much as possible,” she said. “And please follow all of the recommended safety precautions, such as hand-washing, not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. “

She also asks veterans to be mindful of their fellow older veterans–many of whom do not have family or friends, and could be facing even more hardship during this virus outbreak.

“There are more than 90,000 veterans in New Mexico over the age of 60—the age-group most susceptible to COVID-19 and other influenza strains,” she said. “We’ve all seen the videos and pictures of empty supermarket shelves. So if you know a fellow veteran in this age group, make sure they’re OK…and that they have everything they need. Ask if you can get something for them at the store—or if you any extra food or supplies, please offer it to them. You could end up saving a life.”