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Bernalillo County’s Mental Health Business Plan

401(K)2013 via Wikimedia
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CREATIVE COMMONS

The James Boyd killing two years ago spurred voters to increase taxes and spend additional millions every year on behavioral health in Bernalillo County. Now, there's a new roadmap for those funds.

Mental health treatment in Bernalillo County often happens in jail, because there’s a shortage of services elsewhere. An Arizona company spent much of the last year gathering input about what needs to happen to fill the gaps. And the list is a long one, according to County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins.

"Seventeen million sounds like a lot, but when you look at the immensity of the need, we really have to figure out what are our priorities and how do we engage in collaborative efforts with other funders," she said.

Hart Stebbins said a crisis response team and other mental health crisis services are among the top priorities. She’s also got her sights on more housing, and intensive case management.

Bernalillo County paid almost a quarter million dollars for the report. It’s now available to the public for feedback. County Commissioners will soon decide how to spend the money. 

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Final Behavioral Health Business Plan

Phase 1 Preliminary Plan

Public Safety: Behavioral Health Initiative

Marisa Demarco began a career in radio at KUNM News in late 2013 and covered public health for much of her time at the station. During the pandemic, she is also the executive producer for Your NM Government and No More Normal, shows focused on the varied impacts of COVID-19 and community response, as well as racial and social justice. She joined Source New Mexico as editor-in-chief in 2021.
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