New Mexico Announces Funding for Behavioral Health Planning

Strategic Insights -

The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has announced funding opportunities for local, tribal, or quasi-government organizations to support regional planning efforts in the state's 13 behavioral health regions. The funding, which can reach up to $45,000 per region, aims to support the implementation of the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act, a law designed to rebuild and strengthen behavioral health services across the state. The law divides the state into behavioral health regions, each tasked with identifying five key behavioral health priorities over the next four years. The planning funds will enable regions to engage stakeholders, assess available resources, and develop implementation strategies tailored to community needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New Mexico AOC has announced funding opportunities for local, tribal, or quasi-government organizations to support regional planning efforts in the state's 13 behavioral health regions.
  • The funding, which can reach up to $45,000 per region, aims to support the implementation of the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act, a law designed to rebuild and strengthen behavioral health services across the state.
  • Each region must co-host at least one community listening session to gather input from residents, as directed by the AOC.
  • Requests for planning funds are due by September 30, with informational sessions scheduled for late August and early September.
  • The initiative encourages collaboration, with applicants required to secure letters of support from county managers within their region.
  • The planning funds will be used for activities such as forming committees, organizing community meetings, and hosting workshops.
  • The initiative is expected to create a more coordinated and sustainable behavioral health system statewide.
  • The law divides the state into behavioral health regions, each tasked with identifying five key behavioral health priorities over the next four years.
  • The funding will help regions determine their priorities and ensure that community voices are included in the planning process.
  • Karl Reifsteck, AOC Director and Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act Executive Committee member, emphasized the importance of community engagement in the planning process.
  • Esperanza Lucero, Behavioral Health Investment and Reform Administrator at the AOC, highlighted the initiative's potential to lay the groundwork for a sustainable regional network of behavioral health services.

Statistics:

  • 13 behavioral health regions in New Mexico are eligible to receive funding.
  • Funding can reach up to $45,000 per region.
  • Requests for planning funds are due by September 30.
  • Five key behavioral health priorities must be identified for each region over the next four years.

Sources:

  • Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in New Mexico.
  • Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act.