By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Thousands of people booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center each year depend on medical care and addiction treatment behind bars. Bernalillo County plans to take over those services in 2027 when its current contract ends next summer. Commissioners will consider using $30 million in county reserves to help fund the transition.
The county’s contract with the University of New Mexico Hospital ends June 30. At their Oct. 14 meeting, Bernalillo County commissioners discussed four options for providing medical, dental and behavioral health care at the Metropolitan Detention Center. County staff recommended a hybrid model that keeps the county in charge of core health care operations while contractors handle specialized services, including pharmacy and addiction treatment. Transition documents estimate startup costs at $36.1 million for medical operations, staffing, facility upgrades and electronic health records. A separate option to hire one outside provider would cost an estimated $44.1 million annually during its first two years, according to consultant estimates.
Commissioners will consider authorizing County Manager Cindy Chavez to seek state approval to withdraw $30 million from county operating reserves to cover startup costs. The county says the transition aims to maintain medical care during incarceration and connect people with community treatment after release. The county also must plan for staffing, facility upgrades, pharmacy services and a new electronic health records system. Officials are exploring longer-term investments in intake facilities, reentry services and medication-assisted treatment while seeking additional funding, including state support.
During their Oct. 27 meeting, commissioners are expected to review updated cost estimates and choose a health care model. That decision will shape how the county delivers and pays for jail health care after UNM Hospital’s contract ends June 30, 2027.
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