Community Workshop to Highlight New Funding Opportunities for Behavioral Health in Otero and Lincoln Counties

Alamogordo, NM – February 3, 2026 – Residents of Otero and Lincoln Counties, along with members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, are invited to a special presentation on February 20, 2026, focusing on recent state legislation aimed at expanding behavioral health services in the region.

The event, titled “BHRIA Legislation to Support New Behavioral Health Programming in Our Region,” will take place from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Christus Health Yucca Conference Room, located at 26669 Scenic Drive in Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310. It is sponsored by OCLULAC Council #8105 (Otero County League of United Latin American Citizens).

The presentation will be led by representatives from the University of New Mexico (UNM) Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center (BHTAC). Experts will provide an overview of Senate Bill 3 (SB3), also known as the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (BHRIA), which was signed into law on February 27, 2025. This landmark legislation, passed with strong bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session, establishes a regional approach to behavioral health care across New Mexico. It empowers local communities to identify priorities and secure funding for four-year plans to address gaps in mental health and substance use treatment services.

UNM presenters will also discuss the recent E-SIM (Enhanced Sequential Intercept Model) Mapping and Prioritization Workshop and Listening Sessions conducted in the region. These community-driven processes involved stakeholders from criminal justice, healthcare, behavioral health providers, and local residents to map service intercepts and prioritize needs.

Key outcomes from these sessions will be shared, including the top behavioral health priorities identified for Otero County, Lincoln County, and the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The goal is to guide future funding requests and program development under the new regional framework established by SB3.

Amber Mayhall, CPO, CPS, CAPE, Healthcare Services Director for the Otero County Administration Office, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “Ross Coleman from Lincoln County and I will be there to discuss our activities and answer any questions people may have as we move forward,” Mayhall stated. “We will also extend an invitation to interested people to join the stakeholder group to remain informed about our activities and provide continuous input.”

This workshop offers a valuable opportunity for local residents, service providers, tribal members, and stakeholders to learn about available resources and contribute to improving behavioral health access in southern New Mexico.

For more information or questions, contact oterocountylulac@gmail.com.

The event is free and open to the public, reflecting ongoing efforts to build a more responsive and community-centered behavioral health system in the region.

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