Forwarded for you interest
From: BernCo Neighborhood Coordination [mailto:bernconeighborhoodcoordination@bernco.gov]
Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2024 9:56 AM
Subject: BernCo News Release: BernCo Announces Recruitment for Behavioral Health Advisory Board
For Immediate Release | | July 25, 2024 |
Estevan Vásquez COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR CELL: 505.250.7848 EMAIL: fevasquez@bernco.gov | | BERNCO.GOV
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BernCo Announces Recruitment for Behavioral Health Advisory Board
Bernalillo County, N.M. – BernCo is pleased to announce the commencement of recruitment for the newly established Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB). This initiative follows the recent passage of an ordinance which established the Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Authority. The BHAB aims to enhance the county’s efforts in building a comprehensive, integrated, and community-based behavioral health system of care.
Purpose of the Behavioral Health Advisory Board: The primary duties of the BHAB are to:
- Advocate for individuals and families with serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, neurobiological and behavioral disorders, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and those experiencing housing insecurity.
- Encourage the development of a comprehensive, integrated, community-based behavioral health system of care.
- Advise the Behavioral Health Authority (BHA) on populations served, best practice approaches, specific services and programs, and elements of proposals, including outcomes and data.
- Annually review and assess progress on the strategic plan and report findings and recommendations to the County Commission.
- Review evaluations and performance of 10% of programs at random annually and issue a report on findings.
“We need diverse perspectives and experiences to create a robust and effective Behavioral Health Advisory Board,” says Wayne Lindstrom, deputy county manager for the Behavioral Health Division. “It’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community's wellbeing."
Membership and Terms: BHAB members will serve two-year terms and will be appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission to at-large positions, with the possibility of renewal. The board will consist of the following members:
- Hospital/Health System Representative
- Representative from the behavioral health provider field with expertise in substance abuse and/or mental health
- Two Public Safety Representatives (Law Enforcement, ACS, Fire, Dispatch, etc.)
- Courts Representative
- Community Health Worker Representative
- Peer Support Worker Representative (informed lived experience)
- City of Albuquerque Representative
- Housing Services Representative
- Youth Services Representative
- Indigenous Peoples’ Representative
- New Mexico Department of Behavioral Health Services
- Disability Rights Representative
- LGBTQ++ Representative
- The Deputy County Manager (DCM) will serve as a non-voting ex-officio member.
Meetings: The BHAB will meet no less than monthly, with additional meetings called at the discretion of the board chairperson. Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes will be available on the Bernalillo County website: Meeting Link.
How to Apply: Individuals interested in serving on the BHAB are encouraged to submit an application here.
About the Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Authority: The BHA, which is organized as a division within BernCo, aims to implement a planned, phased approach to enhance existing county resources to build an evidence-based and trauma-responsive system of behavioral health care and support. This initiative works collaboratively with national, state, and local partners to provide immediate access to high-quality care and support for those seeking behavioral health services.
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About Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,800 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.
Communications Coordinator
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Communications Services
415 Silver Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
CELL: 505.250.7848
EMAIL: fevasquez@bernco.gov
Free parking available for BernCo @ Alvarado Square customers is located on the southwest corner of 5th and Silver, 506 Silver Ave SW, in Downtown Albuquerque.