By Mary Alice Murphy

Melanie Goodman, field representative for Sen. Tom Udall's office, gave the first public report at the Grant County Community Health Council quarterly meeting on Jan. 12, 2015.

"This is the premier health council in the state," Goodman complimented the group. "I want to focus on the senator's priorities. He has new committee assignments. He is the ranking member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment. He is back on the Commerce Committee. He feels that on health issues, access to affordable care shouldn't be based on where you live. His Access to Primary Care Act strengthens the health provider pipeline. He is looking at the roll-out of the Affordable Care Act, making sure it works for New Mexico. The senator is advocating for an administrative simplification, fixing the family 'glitch.' He will reintroduce a bill to reduce prescribed drug abuse. He hopes we can engage on the Veterans Administration. He feels we need all hands on deck to address the issue.

"He will introduce a children's bill to improve outcomes," she continued. "He is looking at what federal programs to continue and to determine the gaps. He is for fully funding Medicaid, WIC, and CHIP. In education he has introduced STEMH bills, promoting science, technology, engineering, math and health.

"I attended the veterans' meeting with the new VA hospital administrator," Goodman continued. "Let us help you. The senator has been concerned about the access to health care, the turnover at the hospital and the transportation issues."

She said PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) was fully funded for one more year at $37 million for New Mexico. "He and Senator Heinrich will continue to try to get it funded long-term."

"Your two senators and Representative Pearce all offer constituent services," Goodman said. "We all have a case worker to help you cut through red tape."

Jim Coates, contract grant writer for the health council, said he has been doing the work since November. "I have a long career in grants administration, seeking and finding grants. I have worked with Terry Anderson (council co-chairwoman representing the child-care sector). Her expertise is outstanding. I've been doing a lot of research on health care, health workers and information technology. Thank you for the opportunity."

Next came a report from a partner group to the health council for its priority to address adult substance abuse.

County Commissioner Ron Hall, County Detention Center Administrator Mike Carillo, Susie Trujillo of Gila Regional Medical Center project development, and GCCHC Coordinator Chris DeBolt gave a report on the proposed continuum of care for substance abuse treatment.

"We did a legislative presentation in October," Trujillo said. "Grant County has been working on substance abuse planning for probably 15 years. Mary Stoecker (health council member representing public health) for many years. She leads our four-county group."

Hall gave some history of the project. "It's been a dream of mine for many years. As a police officer, then as magistrate judge, I learned having more jails and officers is not the answer. Treatment is the answer. For Phase I, we thought we knew that, but we had to ask. We interviewed courts, law enforcement, medical people and behavioral health people about what they were seeing. We studied profiles."

Trujillo said the group went to the state epidemiologist and profiled adults. "We found four key factors for substance abuse. In 2012, Grant County was first in the state for binge drinking and third for driving while high. In 2013, Grant County had the highest rate of opiods use, with 306 hospital visits for drug and alcohol abuse, and we were 7th for total drug overdose deaths."

DeBolt noted that in the assessment survey done by the health council in 2012, every community surveyed came out first, second or third with their concerns about drug abuse.

Carillo said, from the detention perspective, "we see the substance abuse issue in the jail and in the community. What is disheartening is that it is generational. It became apparent we needed to do more. Addiction does not discriminate. In our program, we can follow them through recovery. The same type of program has worked in Deming. At the end of the treatment program, we will provide training in skills to break the generational addiction."

"Yes, we have a problem that we need to address through treatment," Hall added. "We will coordinate efforts with the hospital, with law enforcement, with schools and with the community. Everyone will know who we are. Now we have scattered providers, but they are not coordinated. We have to make sure the continuum of care is sustainable. Through the gross receipts tax increase, we have money for the building. In Phase 2, we are working on the site. Consultants will make it sustainable."

Susie Trujillo added that the group is getting a contract signed with a consulting firm. "Two million dollars will build the building, but this is about the continuum of care. We have to have the best business plan and we have to look at reimbursements, so it will be sustainable."

"For the program providers, we made a list of their needs and wants," Hall said. "The consultant will make sure the providers tell us what is needed for the building."

Priscilla Lucero, Health Council co-chairwoman, asked about a timeline for the facility to be in operation.

Hall said once the site is secured, the consultant is on contract, the providers are in place, and an architect is selected, then the building will be put up. "I figure if all goes well, it will be operational in 12-18 months."

Tony Trujillo, Health council member, congratulated the group. "The only criticism I've heard is getting the taxes raised to put up another building. But this one is for providing needed services."

Hall concurred and said the community has to have the place for the services.

Susie Trujillo said in the proposal, all services will be in the one place. "From the assessment, we will take them by the hand to the next step. If someone has a failure, they don't get kicked out. We will not give up on you. Gila Regional Medical Center will do the emergency stabilization and then they come to us. We will be helping them become resilient, including housing and jobs after they graduate. The program is for adults."

Terry Anderson, Health Council co-chairwoman, said she thought it was an exciting project that will hit all of the community. "Sometimes, the person has to be removed from the family to get help. What if they return to the same family and situation?"

Hall said the program will also address the family issues, and Carillo added that the program also needs the family to be part of it for support of the client.

Razanna Thomas, coordinator of the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition asked if the program would potentially look for youths, too.

Hall said yes, the group has had these discussions.

Maurine Laney, Health Council member representing judicial in her role as Magistrate Court District 1 judge, said: "Treatment can't wait until the person has committed a crime. I can't wait for that day that the person can get help before committing a crime."

Jim Helgert, council member representing the substance abuse sector thanked the group for keeping the council in the loop.

Cindy McClean, council member representing prevention in her role as DWI Program coordinator, said her group spends money on prevention. "It's hard because sometimes it's the 'role models,' who are why there is a problem."

Carillo said the location the group has looked at has a transportation issue, which will have to be addressed.

Evangeline Zamora, council member representing disabilities in her job as LifeQuest executive director, said she would like to talk to the group about how it impacts children.

Lucero said the center would be an economic-development driver. "How many jobs do you estimate?

Susie Trujillo said it would be in the business plan.

Lucero asked how many would serve in the advisory council and what interest/expertise would they need to have. Hall replied that is something else the group is working on.

Lucero asked if it would be expanded outside the community. "No doubt," Hall said, "and we will help those at the university being trained."

"As you move forward, come back and keep us abreast of what's going on," Lucero said. "Make sure we're collaborating."

"Nearly every crime committed has alcohol or drug involvement," Hall said. "When we have this treatment, Grant County will be a better place to live."

A third article will complete the priority plan partner and staff reports.

Disclaimer: Health Council member, representing the media sector, Mary Alice Murphy, writes these reports for the Grant County Beat, as part of her duty as a member, using the notes she takes at the meetings.