Las Cruces reviews opioid settlement advisory council's recommendations for fund allocation

The Las Cruces City Council convened on June 23, 2025, for a work session focused on the opioid settlement advisory council's recommendations regarding the allocation of funds from opioid settlements. The meeting began with a presentation by Barbara Bancomo, who outlined the progress made by the advisory council and the proposed strategies for utilizing the nearly $10 million expected from the settlements through 2038.

Bancomo highlighted that the city has already received over $3.6 million, which is earmarked for addressing the opioid crisis. She emphasized the importance of transparency, noting that all information regarding the settlement funds is available on the city’s website. The council has conducted several public meetings and workshops to gather input from stakeholders, including first responders and community health workers, to inform their recommendations.

The advisory council has identified four core strategies for fund allocation: medication-assisted treatment, warm handoff and recovery services, prevention programs, and data collection and reporting. Bancomo presented eight specific goals aimed at improving access to treatment, enhancing early identification of opioid use disorders, and preventing the development of such disorders, particularly among youth.

The council recommended focusing on five key settings for these initiatives: emergency departments, residential treatment facilities, primary care clinics, and child welfare systems. Additionally, input from the police and fire chiefs suggested the inclusion of schools as a setting for prevention programs targeting at-risk youth.

The meeting concluded with a call for guidance from the council on the proposed goals and settings, with plans to return in August for further discussions on funding allocations and the establishment of a trust for managing the funds. The council aims to implement a two-year funding cycle, ensuring ongoing monitoring and reporting of outcomes related to the expenditures.