Bernalillo County has an opportunity to make a dent in its efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, County Commissioner Eric Olivas says.
He said the best chance of that happening is with input from all sectors of the community.
He and Albuquerque City Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn and Renee Grout are hosting a meeting Thursday, July 25, with the goal of gathering that input.
He said input from people who have experience with substance use, business owners, concerned community members and others will help make the results better.
“I really hope the community will come out and participate,” Olivas said. “There are no right and wrong answers. No matter what your life history is, you’re part of the conversation.”
Many local governments in New Mexico have joined the state’s settlements with drug manufacturers and pharmacy chains. Bernalillo County has received some $22.6 million so far.
Olivas said Albuquerque and the county could receive $150 million to $200 million over the next 10 years.
“That’s not infinite money, but it’s a lot of money,” he said. “If we do it right — if we get a coordinated plan in place — we’ll be able to spend that money to do something good.”
The city and county are working on complementary plans for their pieces of the settlement money, which could be presented to the council and commissioners later this year and implemented in 2025 and 2026.
Olivas said it’s important to stick with the timeline, given the urgent nature of the situation.
The county is working with Vital Strategies, a global public health organization that helps governments create policies and practices. Olivas said the planning process isn’t costing the county anything, as Vital Strategies is footing the bill.
Olivas said he sees the opportunity for short- and long-term strategies, and that a multifaceted approach will be necessary.
“It’s not a simple problem,” he said. “It’s not a simple solution.”
The immediate focus, Olivas said, should be on harm reduction for those currently in the grip of the crisis.
“Reducing deaths, and reducing the strain and devastation it’s causing families,” he said.
Down the road, Olivas said, the focus needs to be on prevention and intervention. He said treatment should be part of the plan throughout.
“We have to stop people from entering (substance abuse) and help them exit immediately if they get involved,” he said.
Get Involved:
5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, 501 Elizabeth St. SE, in Albuquerque.