Started less than two years ago, the Amador Health Center’s Recovery Project has made a significant impact in addressing substance misuse and recovery in Las Cruces and surrounding communities. The Center’s services have become even more valued and critical for community members managing addiction and recovery through the challenges of COVID-19.
With a five-year grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Amador’s outreach efforts for harm reduction include plans to expand and enhance clinical, counseling, and support services for people with alcohol and opioid use disorders. Approximately 100 people receive recovery services annually with this grant, and all those in the program receive medical and nonmedical case management services. The success of Amador’s addiction recovery process involves medication, counseling, and support combined in a person-centered approach. Adjunctive therapies that provide added support include Acudetox (ear acupuncture), Movement As Medicine, with physical activity assessment and education, and mindfulness smartphone applications. Relapse prevention with Seeking Safety classes and SMART Recovery® meetings by telephone and online or in person onsite are also offered.
This comprehensive recovery program is operated by a Program Director, a Behavioral Health Counselor (LPCC), three Case Managers, and an Administrative Assistant to offer comprehensive recovery support specialist services. All of the staff go through special training to become Harm Reduction Specialist and learn New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) protocols, best practices and how to offer harm reduction supplies received from NMDOH. The staff also provides Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) for persons with Medicaid having chronic substance use disorders, with some also having serious mental illness. The purpose of CCSS is to surround individuals and families with the services and resources necessary to promote recovery, rehabilitation, and resiliency. Community support activities address client goals and empower recovery specifically in the following areas: independent living, learning, working, socializing and recreation. The recovery program is open to persons with substance misuse experiencing homelessness or housing instability and low-income persons on or eligible for Medicaid, and others with private insurance.
AHC’s approach to harm reduction has responded quickly to the challenges posed by COVID-19 in order to continue providing support to the community. Many face-to-face encounters have been replaced with more telephone and video communication. While some of the therapeutic service offerings and community support services have been put on hold, the expanded hours and redesigned facility have allowed the program to continue this important work at a time when many are struggling with the combined challenges of recovery and COVID-19.
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of New Mexico is proud to have Amador Health Services as a partner in efforts to combat prescription drug abuse and ensure communities have access to effective resources to help individuals and families facing addiction.
To learn more about Amador’s Recovery Project, please visit: https://amadorhealth.org/resources.
To learn more about RALI NM, please visit: https://www.ralinm.org/.