County Health and Human Services outlines behavioral-health services, crisis response and a push for local psychiatric residency

Doña Ana County Health and Human Services staff briefed the commission on behavioral-health programs, crisis response and workforce initiatives, and asked for support coordinating state funding for supportive housing and for local endorsement of plans to host a psychiatric residency program with the University of New Mexico.

Jamie Michael, Director of Health and Human Services, said the department employs roughly 50–60 staff, many trained in Mental Health First Aid, and contracts with multiple community providers to deliver behavioral-health services. "One of the most impactful things that we are able to do is provide funding to providers in the community that provide direct care direct treatment services to people in the community," Michael said, noting the department’s Health Care…