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Dona Ana County outlines coordinated $7.3M initial plan for opioid‑settlement funds, emphasizing MOUD, prevention and Narcan distribution
Summary
Dona Ana County officials told the committee they expect nearly $14.5 million from opioid settlements through 2038, have $5.6 million on hand, and plan a coordinated city/county two‑year investment of roughly $7.3 million focused on MOUD, warm‑handoffs, prevention and data evaluation, including free Narcan vending machines.
Jamie Michael, representing Dona Ana County, presented the county and City of Las Cruces' coordinated plan to invest opioid‑settlement funds using an advisory council and outside technical assistance.
Michael said county and city leaders used needs assessments, asset mapping and community input to select four allowable core strategies under settlement agreements: expand access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), implement warm handoffs and recovery services, fund prevention programs (including work with schools and youth), and invest in data collection and evaluation. He said the county prioritized equity, evidence and transparent procurement.
On funding and timing, Michael told the committee the county expects almost $14.5 million through 2038 and has received $5.6 million to date; the county intends to spend about 30% of the expected total in the first two years (county share just over $4.3 million and the City of Las Cruces $2.9 million) for a combined initial investment of roughly $7.3 million.
Michael described plans for coordinated RFPs and a single contracted evaluator to measure outcomes and avoid duplication with Medicaid‑reimbursed services. He said pre‑proposal workshops will help providers prepare stronger system‑change proposals and that final contract awards are targeted for January.
The county has also deployed free naloxone vending machines (no money required) at the detention‑center lobby, an Income Support Division office in Anthony and an emergency department at Memorial Medical Center, and plans distribution to some public schools. Michael told the panel the vending machines ask for optional demographic input but dispense naloxone for free if nothing is entered.
Michael emphasized the need to align settlement spending with Medicaid opportunities and flagged workforce and capacity as potential bottlenecks for diversion and treatment programs. He said the county will contract a local evaluator and work with Johns Hopkins/Vital Strategies for technical assistance and data analysis.
