DEMING – Luna County will serve as the administrative agency for nearly $2 million in state behavioral health funding that will support expanded services in neighboring Grant and Hidalgo counties.
The New Mexico Health Care Authority has awarded $1,971,000 to Region 6 as part of the first round of funding under New Mexico’s Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act. The funding is intended to expand behavioral health services, including crisis response and addiction treatment.
Luna County Manager Chris Brice told Deming News the funding will be used for services in Grant and Hidalgo counties while Luna County will oversee administration of the regional award.
“The $2 million will be used for services in Hidalgo and Grant counties. Two separate RFPs will be released soon for crisis response and addiction treatment. Luna County is the responsible entity for all of the funding for the three counties,” Brice said.
As the fiscal and administrative lead for Region 6, Luna County will manage the funding process and oversee distribution of the grant, even though the current allocation is designated for programs operating in Grant and Hidalgo counties.
State officials said the funding is intended to help communities begin expanding behavioral health services while longer-term regional plans are developed. Eligible projects include mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, crisis response services, residential treatment programs, services for justice-involved individuals with addiction, and programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals struggling with substance use.
Two separate Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be released in the coming weeks seeking providers for crisis response and addiction treatment services in Grant and Hidalgo counties.
Deming News will continue to follow the regional behavioral health funding process and will provide updates as the RFPs are released and service providers are selected.
