The New Mexico Health Care Authority has announced a new initiative to combat opioid overdoses by equipping all Income Support Division (ISD) offices with naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. The move aims to make life-saving resources more accessible to communities across the state.
Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary of the Health Care Authority, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “ISD offices help people across New Mexico, including those and their loved ones who may be at risk of an opioid overdose. By providing naloxone in every ISD office and training staff, we are making life-saving resources more available to communities that need them most.”
The Health Care Authority is implementing several measures to enhance overdose prevention efforts. All ISD offices will receive free naloxone supplies. Additionally, HCA’s Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD), in collaboration with Naloxone Training and Distribution Hub Partners, will provide both in-person and virtual training for ISD staff on recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses.
In the coming months, 20 naloxone vending machines will be installed throughout the state—four in Crisis Triage Centers and 16 in high-traffic ISD offices located in counties with the highest overdose rates. BHSD also plans to expand naloxone training programs, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local organizations.
Naloxone is an effective tool against opioid overdoses as it can reverse the effects of drugs like heroin and oxycodone within minutes. It is safe for use by non-medical personnel and can be administered via nasal spray or injection.
Despite the FDA's approval of over-the-counter naloxone in March 2023 increasing access to the medication, barriers still exist for many at-risk communities. This initiative seeks to overcome these obstacles by making naloxone free and readily available through ISD offices and other local health services.
“This initiative is about saving lives,” Armijo said. “No one should die from an overdose when we have the tools to prevent it.”
Additionally, interpretation services are provided for customers in English and Spanish as well as 58 other languages through CTS Language Link. Relay New Mexico offers communication access for individuals who are deaf or speech impaired.
