City Councilors Introduce Resolution to Fund Services for Individuals Experiencing Substance Use Disorder
ALBUQUERQUE - City Councilors Nichole L. Rogers, Tammy Fiebelkorn, Dan Champine, and Renée Grout today introduced R-25-141, a resolution appropriating $4,589,736 in opioid settlement funds to significantly enhance services for individuals in Albuquerque experiencing substance use disorder. This funding will support the City’s comprehensive stabilization system and expand access to vital treatment and recovery resources.
Building upon the City Council’s previous actions, including the establishment of a policy for opioid settlement expenditure (R-23-174) and the adoption of the Local Government Coordinating Commission Joint Opioid Settlement Implementation Plan (R-25-128), this resolution directly addresses identified gaps in the local system of care.
“We know that individuals facing opioid-related crises require immediate and specialized care that goes beyond the emergency room or the criminal justice system,” said District 6 City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers. “This resolution will provide the necessary resources to fully activate our Medical Sobering Center, First Responder Center, Medical Respite Center, and Recovery Housing, creating a network of support that can truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
District 7 City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach. “By investing in these centers, we are not only addressing immediate crises but also building pathways to long-term recovery. These funds will ensure access to medical staffing, peer support, and wraparound services that are essential for sustainable healing.”
The resolution allocates funding to:
Expand Medical Sobering Center: $2,339,736 in Fiscal Year 2025 will support expanded medical support, harm reduction, inpatient treatment, and overdose prevention services at the First Responder Receiving Area ($1,389,736) and Micro Community Recovery Housing ($950,000). An additional $2,250,000 is allocated for the Medical Sobering Center in Fiscal Year 2026.
Increase Available Recovery Housing: This investment recognizes the link between stable housing and successful recovery outcomes, particularly for individuals experiencing housing instability.
District 8 City Councilor Dan Champine highlighted the potential impact on the community. “These centers have the capacity for over 26,000 patient encounters annually. By providing low-barrier, trauma-informed services, we can reduce repeat overdoses, alleviate strain on our hospitals, and decrease involvement in the criminal justice system.”
Underscoring the City’s commitment to transparency and accountability, City Councilor Renée Grout, District 9 stated, “We are dedicated to ensuring that these opioid settlement funds are used effectively and in a way that benefits our community. This investment prioritizes evidence-based strategies that will deliver both immediate relief and long-term solutions.”
This resolution will be heard at the City Council’s Meeting on May 5, 2025. The sponsoring councilors urge their colleagues to support this critical investment in the health and well-being of the entire Albuquerque community.