Chaves County Explores Innovative Mental Health Initiative: What It Means for Our Community

In southeast New Mexico, a local nonprofit, LifeHouse Carlsbad Inc., is stepping up to tackle critical mental health and substance use challenges in Chaves County. Philip Huston, the executive director, emphasizes the urgent need for better services. “Behavioral health has been overlooked for too long here. Many people are struggling,” he shared.

LifeHouse proposes a variety of services: 24/7 mobile crisis response, outpatient care, holistic support, and programs to help individuals transition from jail. They’re also focusing on community education about recognizing and responding to overdoses and mental health crises. For instance, training on how to use Narcan, a life-saving drug in opioid overdoses, is a top priority.

Huston noted that their Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is pioneering in rural New Mexico. With a request for $3 million in start-up funding, they hope to secure support from opioid settlement funds and government grants. This funding would help establish a dedicated facility with services that could reach over 200 clients monthly.

A compelling statistic highlights the urgency: in 2024, more than a quarter of the 12,000 incidents reported in Roswell were related to behavioral and substance use disorders. The data shows that there’s a clear demand for better support in this area.

If LifeHouse succeeds, it could significantly reduce costs for public services. Fewer emergency calls, reduced incarceration rates, and better community health could save Chaves County over $1 million. One inspiring story shared by Huston illustrates this potential impact: a woman who received help transitioned from jail to becoming a social worker.

County leaders are hopeful about these proposals. Members of the Jail Diversion Subcommittee have long advocated for treating rather than simply incarcerating individuals facing these challenges. City Councilor Cristina Arnold has expressed interest in forming a community response team to mirror the services LifeHouse plans to implement.

As discussions continue, the need for effective mental health solutions is more pressing than ever. As Huston stated, “When people get the help they need, it benefits us all.” By investing in these services, Chaves County may not only reduce immediate crises but also foster a healthier, more resilient community.



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