Santa Fe Standard

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 plan includes new programming and policymaking plans in the areas of health, behavioral health, and senior services, as well as increasing capacity to provide support during crises.

According to HPPC Chair Steven Berkshire, "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." The plan focuses on diversifying funding for programs, developing new capacity to serve youth and seniors, and internal evaluation and quality improvement efforts.

Commissioner Bustamante commended the efforts of staff and HPPC members, stating, "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." Bustamante emphasized the importance of supporting programs like La Sala, which have been effective in helping individuals with behavioral health issues.

The plan was developed in partnership with the Santa Fe County Community Services Department and the Health Policy and Planning Committee. It addresses various priorities such as providing youth crisis services, expanding services for seniors, raising public awareness on climate change, reducing alcohol-related deaths, and enhancing support for individuals with behavioral health issues transitioning into the community.

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