#United States #Albuquerque #Wellness Equity Alliance #Bernalillo County #Addiction Treatment Program

Wellness Equity Alliance Calls on Bernalillo County for Transition Plan

The Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is facing a critical juncture as Bernalillo County prepares to terminate its Addiction Treatment Program (ATP) contract at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) on October 31, 2025. This unexpected decision was made without explanation or any transition strategy, raising significant concerns about the impact on individuals with substance use disorders.

Since its inception, the ATP has been a lifeline for incarcerated individuals, significantly improving access to addiction treatment. Previously, patients often faced wait times of over six months to receive care while in custody. The program has successfully reduced this waiting period to just 21 days for men and entirely removed wait times for women. To date, 524 individuals have graduated from the program, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering safer and healthier communities.

Brandon Smith, Practice Manager at Health Yeah!, emphasizes, "It is our mission to advocate for those whom this program was designed to help. The Addiction Treatment Program has facilitated timely access to essential care that supports recovery efforts and prevents recidivism. Abruptly terminating it without a structured transition risks harming both individual health and community safety."

Furthermore, the CEEI recently launched the county's inaugural reentry program, designed to provide crucial treatment, counseling, and case management to individuals within 72 hours of their release, a vital period for preventing relapse and recidivism. In stark contrast, many alternative programs offer only prescriptions, with less than 30% of patients actually filling them. Smith highlights, "Addiction is a multifaceted issue, and having dependable access to care is crucial. Cancelling contracts without a thoughtful transition leads to suffering among patients and unnecessarily raises taxpayer costs."

Dr. Tyler Evans, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of WEA, reinforced the importance of advocating for a responsible future path, stating, "Individuals incarcerated deserve dignity and continuity in their healthcare just like anyone else."

The ATP team has established meaningful relationships with patients in custody, as well as by nurturing networks with community partners and the court system. Selina Law, MSCC, LADAC, ACS, ATP Lead for WEA New Mexico notes, "This program has been a critical resource for countless individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks. Stopping services without an alternative continuity strategy not only jeopardizes progress but also undermines public safety."

Judges, who often include the ATP in their release plans for sentenced individuals, have also reported receiving no notifications regarding the termination, an oversight that complicates judicial processes and adds stress to families involved.

Community Action Needed

The abrupt termination of the ATP mirrors an earlier suspension of WEA's Health Yeah! school-based health program, both of which drastically reduce access to essential health services for children and families in need. In response, the WEA plans to attend the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for September 23, 2025, where they will lobby for reconsideration of the decision. The community is encouraged to lend their support by:

• - Signing a petition to reinforce ATP and Health Yeah! services at healthyeahnm.com/support
• - Attending the Board of Commissioners meeting on September 23rd at 5 PM at the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers located at 415 Silver Ave SW, Albuquerque
• - Reaching out to local county officials
• - Sharing posts on social media to raise awareness about the urgency of this issue

Collectively, the community can ensure that families in Bernalillo County receive not only the health care they require but also the support necessary to foster recovery and reduce re-offensive behavior.

About Wellness Equity Alliance

WEA is a national coalition focused on addressing health disparities and improving access to care for historically marginalized populations. Their ongoing advocacy efforts aim to transform the landscape of health delivery and secure necessary resources for vulnerable communities.

For more information, visit Wellness Equity Alliance's website or contact Brandon Smith at (505) 930-9550 or via email at [email protected].