Patrick M. Allen, Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Health | Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Patrick M. Allen, Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Health | Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is expanding its services to assist those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). Starting this week, over 30 public health offices will offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use, available both in person and via telehealth. This expansion, in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Services Division at the Health Care Authority, aims to increase access to MAT services statewide.
“More than 2 million people in the U.S. have an opioid use disorder and we know many New Mexicans struggle with this addiction,” said Patrick Allen, NMHealth Secretary. “We are proud that we can now offer MAT services in all four regions of the state.”
Since 2007, the NMHealth Southwest Pathways Program has provided outpatient treatment for OUD at the public health office in Las Cruces. The current expansion builds on this program to offer treatment in many more public health offices across the state. NMHealth also offers substance use treatment services at Turquoise Lodge Hospital in Albuquerque and the NM Rehabilitation Center in Roswell.
For individuals seeking to stop using opioids, medications such as buprenorphine (commonly known by the brand name Suboxone) can be effective. Buprenorphine is an evidence-based treatment for OUD that reduces cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms when taken as prescribed. Buprenorphine is the primary treatment offered through public health offices; NMHealth does not dispense Methadone.
If you or someone you care about has opioid use disorder and is ready to quit, please call the NMHealth Helpline to find the nearest public health office offering these services. The helpline can be reached by dialing 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) and operates Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
NMHealth’s public health offices provide various other services including immunization, STI screening and treatment, family planning (including Nexplanon and IUDs), and services for women, infants, and children (WIC).
For more information about opioid use disorder and MAT visit Get Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder | New Mexico (doseofreality.com). For additional information about this press release, contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237.
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.NMHealth está ampliando los servicios para ayudar a quienes padecen trastorno por consumo de opiáceos
Alerts Sign-up