NMHealth is expanding services to help those with opioid use disorder 

NMHealth works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, NMHealth offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 23 Native American tribes, Pueblos and nations. 

May 23, 2024

Source: NM Department of Health

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is greatly expanding its ability to help those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). Starting this week, more than 30 public health offices will offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use available both in person and via telehealth. This expansion, in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Services Division at the Health Care Authority, broadens access to MAT services across the state.   

“More than 2 million people in the U.S. have an opioid use disorder and we know many New Mexicans struggle with this addiction,” said Patrick Allen, NMHealth Secretary. “We are proud that we can now offer MAT services in all four regions of the state.” 

Since 2007, the NMHealth Southwest Pathways Program has provided outpatient treatment for OUD at the public health office in Las Cruces. The current expansion builds on this successful program to offer treatment in many more public health offices across the state. NMHealth also offers substance use treatment services at Turquoise Lodge Hospital in Albuquerque and the NM Rehabilitation Center in Roswell. 

For people who want to stop using opioids, medications such as buprenorphine (commonly known by the brand name Suboxone) can help. 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. NMHealth does not dispense Methadone. 

If you or someone you care about has opioid use disorder and is ready to quit, please call the NMHealth Helpline to find the closest public health office offering these services. The NMHealth Helpline can be reached by dialing 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) and operates Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends. 

NMHealth’s public health offices offer many other services including immunization, STI screening and treatment, family planning (including Nexplanon and IUDs) and services for women, infants and children (WIC). 

For more information about opioid use disorder and MAT visit Get Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder | New Mexico (doseofreality.com).