CABQ, BernCo Offer $4 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds to Support Behavioral Health Providers
Joint investment aims to strengthen local response to opioid crisis
Bernalillo County, N.M. - The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County are investing $4 million in opioid settlement funds to support behavioral health providers delivering essential treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services in the region.
A joint Request for Proposals (RFP) has been released, inviting small and medium local providers, with an annual operating budget of $2 million or less, to apply for funding that will help them sustain and expand their efforts in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis.
“Each dollar allocated is designed to help providers sustain and grow their services for our community,” says Gilbert Ramirez, Director of Health, Housing and Homelessness. “There are exceptional agencies in our community offering treatment and care to combat the opioid crisis, and we look forward to getting these vital dollars out the door.”
“Through this critical funding, we’re making sure people from all walks of life have access to care,” says Mayor Tim Keller. “Together, we’re building a system of care that uplifts people and provides pathways to long-term recovery.”
The funding is part of the city and county’s combined share of New Mexico’s opioid settlement funds, which will deliver approximately $150 million to local governments across the state over an 18-year period. These funds stem from national legal settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic.
In 2024, the City and County partnered by engaging with the community and developing a joint strategic plan for the use of these funds.
“BernCo is proud to join the City of Albuquerque in launching this next phase of investment,” says Wayne Lindstrom, Deputy County Manager for Behavioral Health. “This funding opportunity reflects our shared commitment to transparency, equity, and community input—and to improving the behavioral health infrastructure for everyone in our region.”
Behavioral health providers must submit proposals by August 7, 2025. The full Request for Proposals is here: https://bernco.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/190816.