12-04-2025 9:11am

Statewide Behavioral Health Reform Comes Home: Region 12 Listening Sessions Kick Off Across Otero, Lincoln Counties and Mescalero Apache Tribe

Chris Edwards Editor

Starting this weekend, residents of Otero County, Lincoln County, and the Mescalero Apache Tribe will have 14 opportunities in December alone to tell state leaders exactly what a stronger, more accessible mental health and substance-use support system should look like in southern New Mexico.

The expanded Region 12 schedule, released today by the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts and co-hosts, adds sessions in Corona, Capitan, Carrizozo, Hondo/Arabela, Ruidoso, and on the Mescalero Apache Reservation to the original Otero County lineup. All events are open to the public and designed as true community conversations—no lectures, no PowerPoints, just neighbors sharing lived experience.

“Senate Bill 3 gave us historic funding and a mandate to rebuild behavioral health from the ground up,” said a project spokesperson. “But money without local wisdom is just money. These sessions are how Otero, Lincoln, and Mescalero people make sure the new system actually works for us—whether you’re a wildfire survivor in Ruidoso, a veteran at Holloman, a parent in Tularosa, or an elder on the reservation.”

In-Person Listening Sessions – December 2024

(times are local; light meals and childcare provided)

Lincoln County

• Dec 8 Corona 6pm–8pm

• Dec 10 Capitan 6pm–8pm

• Dec 11 Carrizozo 6pm–8pm

• Dec 12 Hondo/Arabela 4pm–6pm

• Dec 13 Ruidoso 11am–1pm

Mescalero Apache Tribe

• Dec 13 Mescalero 2pm–4pm

Otero County

• Dec 15 Alamogordo (Civic Center) 6pm–8pm

• Dec 16 Chaparral 6pm–8pm

• Dec 17 Cloudcroft/Mayhill 6pm–8pm

• Dec 18 Holloman AFB Time TBD

• Dec 19 Tularosa 6pm–8pm

Virtual Session (open to all three areas)

January 7, 2025 12pm–1pm

Organizers especially want to hear from youth, veterans, tribal members, wildfire survivors, families who have lost someone to overdose, and anyone who has ever hit a wall trying to get help.

Interpretation (Spanish and Western Apache), transportation assistance, and disability accommodations are available upon request.

All stories shared will directly shape the multi-year Region 12 Behavioral Health Plan covering crisis services, youth prevention, treatment access, family supports, and long-term community resilience.

Can’t attend? Written comments can be submitted anytime at the SB3 portal: nmcourts.gov/the-behavioral-health-reform-and-investment-act-sb3

There is much comment on social media and to the local news on concerns with crime and homelessness tied to a lack of behavioral health and mental health outcomes. Here is the public chance to get off the keyboard and actually let your voice be heard by decision makers. Your voice isn’t just welcome; it’s the whole point. See you there.