Some Services Available in Cibola
SANTA FE, NM — The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) is significantly expanding its services to support those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). The expansion comes at a time when mental health and substance abuse prevention non-profits have been closing in Cibola.
Starting this week, over 30 public health offices, including Cibola, will offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) both in person and via telehealth. This expansion, in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Services Division at the Health Care Authority, aims to broaden access to MAT services across the state.
This expansion will benefit Cibola County.
This expansion of services is being facilitated by DOH county health offices. The Cibola County Public Health Office, located at 700 Roosevelt Ave. STE 100, can be reached at 505-285-4601. This office can connect individuals seeking Medication for Opioid Use Disorders (MOUD) Statistics show that from 2017 to 2021, Cibola recorded a drug overdose death rate of 20.9 per 100,000 people, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. Cibola had 27 drug overdose deaths during this period, highlighting the urgent need for expanded treatment services. Cibola does not have 100,000 residents, emphasizing the brevity of the crisis.
“More than two million people in the U.S. have an opioid use disorder, and we know many New Mexicans struggle with this addiction,” said Patrick Allen, Department of Health Secretary. “We are proud that we can now offer MAT services in all four regions of the state.”
Since 2007, the DOH 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. DOH also offers substance use treatment services at Turquoise Lodge Hospital in Albuquerque and the NM Rehabilitation Center in Roswell.
Services in Cibola County
and Surrounding Areas Despite the state-wide expansion, Cibola County does not currently have any treatment centers for opioid use disorder. Residents of Cibola will need to seek services in neighboring counties, which have a number of treatment centers:
• McKinley County: Three treatment centers
• Bernalillo County: 40 treatment centers
• Valencia County: Three treatment centers
• Socorro County: Two treatment centers
• Catron County: Two treatment centers The Cibola Citizen did reach out to local nonprofits who have, in the past, performed similar services.
When the newspaper reached out to a former director of the Cibola Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, we learned that the organization closed in 2023. CSAPC was an organization that kept local drug statistics and provided resources like drug deactivation and fentanyl strips for free to the community. After facing severe funding difficulties since 2020 and having a harder time finding organizations to provide funding in the face of tougher requirements, the organization was unable to stay afloat.
One other community partner, who has in the past assisted all three law enforcement trainings with Narcan training and provided Narcan to Cibola residents for free, did not respond to the status of their operations before press time.
On May 23 the Cibola County Board of County Commissioners passed an ordinance recognizing an organization called the Cibola Health Council as the primary health council in the county. According to the county’s ordinance, CHC has operated in Cibola since 1990.
CHC Coordinator Laura Jaramillo, explained, “Our Health Council currently partners with: Cibola General Hospital, Presbyterian Medical Services, Presbyterian Home Visiting Program, Presbyterian Health Care, Roberta’s Place, Cibola County DWI, Grants Police Dept., Cibola County Sheriff’s Dept., Milan Police Department, NMSU-Grants-Criminal Justice Social Services, YDI, Pueblo of Acoma Health Council, GD Psych Services, JD 13 Treatment Court, Grants Recreation, The Way The Truth & The Life Ministries, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region and some local citizens.”
While DOH’s expansion does not directly address the absence of treatment centers in Cibola County, it provides broader options for residents willing to travel for MAT services.
The state has contracted several telehealth providers to offer services for individuals seeking Medication for Opioid Use Disorders (MOUD). Below is a list of these providers along with their contact information:
Telehealth Providers
• Bicycle Health o Phone: Visit Website to Schedule
• BrightHeart Health o Phone: (800) 892-2695
• IdealOption o Phone: (877) 522-1275
• IdealOption Albuquerque - Encino Pl. o Phone: (877) 522-1275
• IdealOption Albuquerque - Osuna Rd. o Phone: (877) 522-1275
• IdealOption Farmington o Phone: (877) 522-1275
• IdealOption Las Cruces o Phone: (877) 522-1275
• IdealOption Rio Rancho o Phone: (505) 596-4524
• Meaningful Recovery of New Mexico o Phone: (505) 596-4524
• SAGE NEUROSCIENCE CENTER o Phone: (505) 884-1114 MAT
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, Buprenorphine is an evidence-based treatment for OUD. It reduces cravings, prevents withdrawal symptoms, and is safe when taken as prescribed. Buprenorphine is the primary treatment offered through public health offices. DOH does not dispense Methadone.
Narcan (Naloxone)Availability Narcan (Naloxone), a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, is available to residents. Individuals can order Narcan online or get it in person at local public health offices, some health-related community organizations, and pharmacies. More information can be found by calling (505) 2705943 or visiting the NM Harm Reduction website.
Getting Help
If you or someone you care about has opioid use disorder and is ready to quit, please call the DOH Helpline to find the closest public health office offering these services. The DOH Helpline can be reached by dialing 1833-SWNURSE (1-833-7968773) and operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends.
For those seeking immediate assistance, the 988 Lifeline provides free, private, and confidential support 24/7 by phone, text, or chat. The lifeline is available to anyone overwhelmed by life or emotions, seeking help with alcohol or drug use, or needing non-judgmental support. Just text or call the number 988.