Stronger Together New Mexico
Investing in our community now, for a healthier tomorrow
Stronger Together New Mexico
Investing in our community now, for a healthier tomorrow
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The First Step: Studying the Problem
Denver-based consulting firm Initium Health, which specializes in finding solutions through community input, led the study from January to June, 2022. It included:
- A needs assessment to determine the impact of behavioral health conditions – including both mental health and substance use disorders – on residents in the four-county region.
- A gap analysis to identify services that are needed but not currently available.
- A financial analysis to determine financial feasibility and funding sources.
- A benefit analysis to assess the projected benefits to the communities.
- Regular meetings with city and county representatives.
- 70+ interviews with community stakeholders and providers.
- A community listening session that drew 50 attendees from across the region.
Behavioral health facilities are 1 ½ to 5 hours’ drive from local hospitals, creating many challenges in accessing care. As a result, many residents do not get the care they need.
Facilities accessed by behavioral health patients at Roosevelt General Hospital emergency room in 2021. Of 120 behavioral health transfers in 2021 with a known location, approximately ⅓ were admitted to Mesilla Valley Hos
What’s the solution: a Regional Behavioral Health Facility
After all this input and analysis, Initium unveiled its recommendation: a state-of-the-art facility, centrally located to provide world-class inpatient and outpatient care. We believe eastern New Mexico can enjoy behavioral healthcare that rivals what’s available anywhere in the country.
- Public architecture philosophy aligned with a public health approach.
- Landscape architecture used to engender a transformative relationship with the natural environment.
- Space which supports a holistic treatment approach and is calming, soothing and creates connections with the different programs.
- Ecosystem of resources (clinical, residential, social services, family wellness).
According to our findings and community input, the new center should:
- Be beautiful so people feel comfortable for as long as they need to be there. Spaces to relax and socialize, lots of natural light . . . architecture is a vital part of this project.
- Be technologically advanced so it stays relevant for decades to come.
- Be comprehensive because behavioral healthcare has so many facets, such as inpatient care for mental health and substance use disorder, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, outpatient care including medication-assisted treatment, and a crisis triage center for walk-in and law-enforcement drop-off.
- Attract top-quality staff, so we’re exploring ways to bolster local training.
- Be by the community and for the community. We are declaring behavioral healthcare independence for eastern New Mexico!
