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ACS is Honored with Behavioral Health Star Award

Community Safety Department is recognized for exemplary work

ALBUQUERQUE – On January 24, 2023, Albuquerque Community Safety was honored for its exceptional work in the behavioral health field. The department was presented the Behavioral Health Star Award by the New Mexico Behavioral Health Planning Council.

The 18th annual Behavioral Health Star Award ceremony recognized people and organizations that have made major contributions to their communities with the behavioral health services they offer. ACS was recognized for its robust response in its first year of service. Deputy Director Jasmine Desiderio accepted the award on behalf of ACS.

“Our department is overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive the Behavioral Health Star Award,” said Deputy Director Jasmine Desiderio. “We take pride in knowing we are making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

On January 25, Albuquerque Community Safety was also recognized during Behavioral Health day at the Roundhouse.

“ACS has redefined emergency response in Albuquerque and is a model for alternative response nationwide,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The milestones this department has reached in one year is remarkable. This is a well-deserved honor for our committed team at ACS.”

“It is the dedication of our Responders and staff that make ACS a Behavioral Health Star,” said ACS Director, Mariela Ruiz-Angel. “Our team fills a critical need in our community by providing a compassionate and appropriate response to those experiencing a behavioral health crisis.”

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About Albuquerque Community Safety: ACS is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.