News and Articles

Santa Fe, NM- On April 30, 2024, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners adopted the FY 2024-2029 Health Action Plan which guides the County in incorporating new health priorities for the County and community providers.  The Santa Fe County Health Action Plan FY 24-29 sets into play new programming and policymaking plans in the areas of health, behavioral health and senior services and to increase existing capacity to provide basic support for those seeking assistance during crisis.  Additional priorities outlined in the plan include:

• Diversifying funding for the County’s La Sala and CONNECT programs;
• Developing new capacity to serve youth and seniors;
• Focusing on internal evaluation and quality improvement efforts.

The Plan was developed in partnership with Santa Fe County Community Services Department and the members of the Health Policy and Planning Committee.  Santa Fe County Health Action Plan FY 2015-2017 has similar focus as this year’s plan in which a focus on the behavioral health needs of both youth and adults, and increased emphasis on assisting people with basic needs such as food, housing, utility support, and transportation.  New County programming efforts include but are not limited to the following:

1. The development of a case management program and youth crisis services to address youth mental health issues, with an emphasis specifically on services to young girls and LGBTQ youth.
2. Increasing the array of services to seniors, including the startup of a new Senior Center in Cerrillos, increased transportation services in southern Santa Fe County and funding to assist seniors struggling with cognitive and behavioral health issues.
3. Expanding to provide public awareness information on climate change and increase efforts to mitigate its impact on vulnerable county residents through the development of a Humanitarian Action Plan and home modification efforts to assist in the development of cooling centers for those who might be uniquely vulnerable to climate change issues.
4. Public policy and program efforts to reduce the number of alcohol related deaths in New Mexico.
5. Expansion of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) options at the County jail and expanded supports for individuals with behavioral health issues who are transitioning into the community.

“Santa Fe County has paved the way in establishing groundbreaking programs such as CONNECT and La Sala that now serve as both state and National models for healthcare,” said HPPC Chair Steven Berkshire.  “We look forward to continuing to build on these efforts to better serve our community”. 

Commissioner Bustamante commended the efforts of staff and HPPC members, “From someone who has a lifetime spent accessing and navigating public health resources I am proud to say this is an excellent comprehensive plan! It is a dynamic and leading plan for youth who are judicially involved and all points of our community.  A neighbor of mine was having behavioral health issues emphasized that I must continue to support La Sala because the program works and continues to get people on their feet and be productive. This is life changing work, thank you and your staff!"

You can read the FY24-29 Health Action Plan here.

For more information about health services in Santa Fe County please contact Jennifer Romero, Health & Human Services Division Director at jnromero@santafecountynm.gov.

####