PHOTO: Heinrich, Balderas Partner With New Mexicans On the Frontlines To Combat Opioid Epidemic
SANTA FE, N.M. – Today, at an event at CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas were joined by local community organizations, elected officials, and county representatives to highlight the existing funding gaps and need for resources on the ground to combat the opioid epidemic in New Mexico.
“We know all too well that the opioid and heroin addiction epidemic is a national crisis that has been deeply felt here in New Mexico. But without dedicated funding and resources, organizations on the frontlines are unable to effectively provide evidence-based approaches to prevention, medical-assisted treatment, and community-wide recovery strategies,” said Senator Heinrich. “We need to hold the Trump Administration accountable for policies that are hurting our ability to confront this crisis effectively. I will do everything I can to fight for the funding, resources, and policies we need to help New Mexicans find the treatment and lifesaving care they need.”
“New Mexico continues to endure the most catastrophic effects of the opioid crisis, all while major out of state corporations make billions in profits at the expense of our families and communities. I am thankful for Senator Martin Heinrich's leadership attacking the opioid epidemic at the federal level and I look forward to his partnership with our office’s multi-pronged effort, Project OPEN, to combat the opioid crisis in New Mexico by holding drug manufacturers and distributors accountable, securing treatment resources, and increasing funding for law enforcement,” said Attorney General Balderas.
It's been four months since President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency without providing the necessary funding or policies needed to combat the crisis. Senator Heinrich is working with organizations and leaders on the frontlines of this crisis to ensure dedicated funding and resources are available for evidence-based approaches to prevention, medical-assisted treatment, and community-wide recovery strategies. Senator Heinrich also recently helped secure $6 billion of additional funding for opioid treatment in the bipartisan two-year budget deal.
Senator Heinrich and Attorney General Balderas were joined by the Chief Operating Officer of CHRISTUS St. Vincent Lillian Montoya, Rio Arriba County Commissioner Alex Naranjo, Española City Councilor Michelle Martinez, Taos County Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe, and representatives from La Familia Medical Center, Taos Alive and Rio Arriba County Health and Human Services.
