By Rodd Cayton
Albuquerque City Councilors Monday approved a contract to produce a database aimed at simplifying access to addiction treatment and support services.
Contractor Real Time Solutions will be paid $300,000 for creating the database, designed to help administer vouchers for the Providing Addiction Treatment and Healing (PATH) program. City officials say the Albuquerque-based company has completed similar projects for clients across government, nonprofit and commercial sectors.
The database will serve as a centralized platform where PATH providers can establish vouchers for treatment subsidies, track progress, and follow up with clients. The platform will also support the city in appropriately tracking spending within the PATH program.
“Accessing treatment and services should never be a process that adds to someone’s trauma,” city Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez said. “This new database isn’t just about technology; it’s about reducing the number of times people have to retell their stories and fill out paperwork. We are prioritizing people through our processes.”
The vouchers provide a subsidy to individuals seeking outpatient treatment, recovery support, or early intervention services. City officials say they’re aimed at low-income and uninsured residents, as well as those facing high deductibles for behavioral health services.
In response to a question from Councilor Renee Grout, Ellen Braden of the city’s Health, Housing & Homelessness Department (HHH) said the new database will be able to draw information from other databases, including information gathered from past service providers.
“This is a game-changer in connecting people to life-changing treatment and support,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “We are creating a more compassionate and connected system of care that meets people where they’re at.”