Opioid remediation group urges regionwide outpatient push, files SB3 mobile-crisis application for Grant County
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Summary
Shauna Hartley, executive director of the Opioid Remediation Collaborative, told the Grant County Commission a crisis triage center is not feasible now and recommended investing in outpatient services, a 24/7 navigation system and a mobile crisis team; Hartley said she submitted an early SB3 application for $1,000,000 for a mobile crisis unit.
Shauna Hartley, executive director of the Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORC), presented a Tri-County assessment to the Grant County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 10, outlining a regional plan that prioritizes outpatient services, a 24/7 navigation system and mobile crisis response over reopening an inpatient crisis triage center (CTC).
Hartley said a CTC “doesn't really have legs” in rural New Mexico because of licensing and staffing requirements, and recommended a different mix of services. “A CTC is a very, very challenging program to operate,” she said, urging investment in intensive outpatient programs, peer-navigation, and a system that ensures someone answers a crisis call any time of day.
Hartley tied the proposal to Senate Bill 3 (SB3) implementation and said she submitted two early funding applications for the region—one for mobile crisis in Grant County and one for social rehabilitation in Hidalgo County—each for $1,000,000. She said the applications were accepted and that an amendment to the staffing pattern was under review.
The ORC, which Grant County has joined, also is supplying training and clinical consultation. Hartley highlighted two addiction-medicine physicians on the ORC team and a training library being developed for providers; she said the group is pursuing Continuing Medical Education (CME) certification for training videos.
Hartley described a recovery and navigation app built with vendor Chess Health that includes a 24/7 certified peer specialist and an automated triage path that routes safety concerns to 988. She presented recent 988 call data for Grant County: October — 49 interactions (42 clinical escalations, 1 EMS dispatch, 12 self-identified substance-use cases); November — 44 calls (16 escalations, 1 EMS dispatch, 6 substance-use cases); December — 38 calls (6 escalations, 0 EMS dispatches, 6 substance-use cases).
Commissioners asked how providers and residents can participate in the SB3 process. Hartley and County Manager Webb confirmed regional SB3 listening sessions and agreed to coordinate a local public forum and provider outreach specific to Tu Casa and potential shared-service models. The commission expressed support for scheduling public input meetings so residents and local providers can review proposals and ask questions directly.
Next steps: staff and Hartley will coordinate local engagement tied to SB3 listening sessions and provide further data and a recommended implementation timeline for a mobile crisis unit and navigation services.
