Initium Health partners with New Mexico officials to address ongoing mental health treatment needs
Clovis, February 2, 2022 – For the first time in history, the Cities of Clovis and Portales, the village of Ft. Sumner and the Counties of Curry, De Baca, Roosevelt, and Quay have joined together to complete a feasibility study for a regional behavioral health facility. The facility would provide care for mental health and substance use disorders and address an unmet need for service in Southeastern New Mexico. Currently, many New Mexico residents suffering from mental health and substance use issues have a difficult time receiving the care they need.
- Residents must travel 1.5 to 3.5 hours or more to receive inpatient mental health care.
- In the fall of 2021, 21.6% of New Mexico adults experienced symptoms of anxiety and/or depression and expressed an unmet need for counseling or therapy, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
- Emergency services respond to hundreds of calls each year for people experiencing a mental health crisis. This places a large burden on police and emergency services and does not provide the care that is needed for the individual in crisis.
The study, led by Denver-based consulting firm Initium Health, will assess gaps in behavioral health services and will provide recommendations for the construction of a regional facility to fill these gaps. Initium Health is working with local healthcare providers, city and county officials, military representatives, first responders, law enforcement, schools and others to develop a broad understanding of the behavioral health needs of the region.
“The behavioral health needs of rural communities are largely unmet, and this collaborative approach across county lines can serve as a guidepost for rural communities across the country,” observed James Corbett, MDiv., J.D., a principal at Initium Health and executive lead for the study. “We are honored to be part of this important work.”
The study officially launched on January 14 and is expected to be completed by April 30. Community members are welcome to share their perspectives on mental health and substance use disorder needs in the region. Interested individuals can contact Kate Bailey, Senior Consultant at kate@initiumhealth.org.
Initium Health, located in Denver, Colorado, was founded on the principle of returning to the origins of health with cutting-edge solutions for patients, administrators, and providers. A public benefit corporation, Initium Health has formally committed to public benefit through the use of innovation to improve human health.
Contact Information:
Elise Plakke, Executive Creative Director
elise@initiumhealth.org