The Behavioral Health Initiative

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Just like other communities across the country, the results of limited mental health care has implications that stretch across the entire region. From homelessness to devastated families; behavioral health does not discriminate. In Bernalillo County, voters overwhelmingly supported the idea of taxing themselves to create a regional behavioral health care system. The Bernalillo County Commission responded to the voters by passing a 1/8 percent Gross Receipts Tax increase, and from that the Behavioral Health Initiative [BHI] was created. While the County passed the tax, the BHI is a true collaboration, with strong community-based support through the four community-led subcommittees, and partnerships with the University of New Mexico Hospitals, the City of Albuquerque, the State of New Mexico, and service providers across the region. County Manager, Julie Morgas Baca says, “The Behavioral Health Initiative is about creating a network of support for those in our community who have a behavioral health condition. So that regardless of where they are, in terms of their diagnosis, they receive the support, resources and health care they need.” Behavioral Health Services Director, Katrina Hotrum-Lopez, said, “We’re putting together a safety net system for our most vulnerable populations.”