Albuquerque Diverts Nearly 1,000 Emergency Visits, Saves Over $4M in Eight Months

When someone in crisis calls 911 the question is not only whether they need help, it’s whether they need an emergency room. New data from Horizon Treatment Services shows that between October 2025 and May 31, 2026, Albuquerque’s diversion system redirected roughly 965 to 1,405 visits away from emergency departments, saving between $2.12 million and $4.22 million in just eight months.

Using the City’s benchmark of $2,200 per ER visit, the midpoint estimate is approximately $2.74 million, with annualized projections of $4.1 million to $6.3 million in savings per year. Behind those numbers is a model that’s changing how Albuquerque helps people.

A diversion occurs when someone in a nonemergency situation – such as intoxication, behavioral crises, or a medical need that does not require emergency intervention – is redirected from a hospital ER to a more appropriate resource. Over an eight-month reporting period, six City and community agencies received a combined 1,756 referrals: Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR), Albuquerque Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), Albuquerque Health Services, and GMS Allied Security. Each referral represents a person connected to care that better matched their actual need.

“This is exactly how these services should work: people getting the help they need, and first responders available for true emergencies,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Investing in the right infrastructure and partnerships is leading to better outcomes and smarter use of our resources.”

Beyond financial savings, the diversion model has eased strain on Albuquerque’s public safety system. By routing nonemergency calls to appropriate resources, the program frees APD officers, AFR crews, and EMS personnel to focus on life-threatening situations. Comparable programs nationwide are showing similar results, including the Houston Police Department Mental Health Division, and research compiled by the Council of State Governments Justice Center in 2024 also validates Albuquerque’s approach.

“Our mission at ACS is to offer the right response at the right time,” said Director Jodie Esquibel. “When we connect people to behavioral healthcare, housing guidance, social services, and other support, they get what they really need while other public safety teams can focus on what they’re best-equipped to address. That creates a more effective, compassionate, and resilient system for everyone.”

The diversion model depends on having a broad range of available resources, which the Gateway System of Care provides. Several specialized programs within the Gateway System serve as critical diversion endpoints, each designed to address a specific level of need:

Medical Sobering Center – Operated by Horizon Treatment Services, the Medical Sobering Center provides medically supervised care for up to 50 people per day, giving first responders a safe, clinically appropriate alternative to emergency department transport for alcohol-related calls. The center operates 24 hours a day and accepts referrals from EMS, APD, ACS, and community partners. Referrals: 505-391-8450.

Medical Respite – Serving approximately 23 people per day, Medical Respite offers supervised recovery for people without homes who need medical care but do not require hospitalization. The program bridges a critical gap between emergency care and stable housing, allowing patients to recover safely while receiving housing navigation and supportive services.

First Responder Receiving Area – Operated by Community Bridges Inc., the Receiving Area is a designated drop-off at the Gateway Center where first responders can bring people during evening hours when other services are closed. Not a medical facility but a resting place and connection point, the Receiving Area ensures people have somewhere safe to go and receive assistance planning their next steps in the morning – whether that’s a shelter placement, a ride, or family reunification. Contact: 505-242-2677 or 311.

Emergency Overnight Shelter Transportation – Operated by ACS during winter months, Emergency Overnight Shelter Transportation provides safe transport for people who need overnight shelter but do not require emergency medical care or law enforcement intervention. Working in coordination with the Gateway System of Care and community shelter providers, ACS helps connect with appropriate overnight shelter options, offering a safe place to stay while reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and public safety responses.

Housing and Treatment Navigation Center – For those ready to take a step toward stable housing, the Housing and Treatment Navigation Center provides a place to stay, three meals daily, and individualized support. Each guest is assigned a case manager, housing case manager, and peer support worker. The Women’s Navigation Center is operated by Chicanos Por La Causa; the Men’s Navigation Center is operated by Community Bridges Inc.

“This report proves the power of a coordinated system,” said Health, Housing & Homelessness Department Director Gilbert Ramírez. “Diversion only works when there’s somewhere meaningful to send people. The Gateway System works better than an emergency room for many, and the cost savings are significant.”

Albuquerque’s results align with a growing national movement toward community-based diversion as a more effective and efficient alternative to emergency response for noncrisis situations. Participating cities are seeing reduced ER overcrowding, improved outcomes for people, and measurable relief for overstretched public safety systems. With eight months of data now documented, Albuquerque’s model serves as a prime example of what this approach can achieve.

The full Community Impact Report was prepared by Horizon Treatment Services. For more information about the Gateway System of Care and its diversion programs, visit cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness/gateway-system-of-care or call 311. To learn about Albuquerque Community Safety, visit cabq.gov/acs.