County Commission supports psychiatric residency and medical education consortium with UNM

In a recent work session held by the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners, officials gathered to discuss critical initiatives aimed at addressing substance use and mental health challenges within the community. The meeting, which took place on April 1, 2025, highlighted the county's ongoing commitment to enhancing behavioral health services, particularly through the local DWI program.

The DWI program plays a pivotal role in funding various treatment and prevention efforts, with over a third of the department's employees dedicated to this cause. This includes a court compliance team that supervises individuals convicted of DWI offenses, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support. The county's focus on substance use prevention extends into schools, where revamped educational programs have shown remarkable success, increasing student knowledge by 40% following curriculum redesign.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the distribution of Narcan, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. In 2024 alone, nearly 2,000 Narcan kits were distributed, and around 400 individuals received training on its use. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the opioid crisis, which includes collaboration with various community organizations to streamline overdose prevention strategies.

The commissioners also explored the development of a psychiatric residency program in partnership with the University of New Mexico. This innovative program aims to address the shortage of mental health providers in the area by training residents locally after their initial year in Albuquerque. The proposal has garnered support from various stakeholders, and discussions are underway to formalize this partnership, potentially enhancing the county's healthcare landscape.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the importance of the 988 crisis hotline, which provides immediate support for individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies. The county is actively promoting this resource to ensure community members are aware of the help available to them.

As the session concluded, the commissioners expressed a desire to pass a resolution supporting not only the psychiatric residency program but also a broader initiative to create a graduate medical education consortium. This collaborative approach aims to unify local healthcare providers in training future medical professionals, ultimately improving access to care for residents.

The discussions at this work session reflect Doña Ana County's proactive stance on addressing pressing behavioral health issues, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts and community involvement in creating a healthier future for all residents.