Alamogordo NM
3-05-2026 5:38am

Momentum Builds for Behavioral Health Reform in Otero County: Community Forum Highlighted Growing Interest and Key Updates Followed for Region 12

Alamogordo, NM – March 5, 2026 – The push for behavioral health reform in Otero County is gaining significant momentum, as evidenced by the strong community response to a recent forum hosted by Alamogordo Town News. Held on February 3 at Otero Arts, the event drew a well-attended crowd with multiple questions from the public, reflecting widespread concern and engagement on the issue. Further underscoring this interest, the YouTube version of the forum attracted over 160 participants, while excerpts shared on Facebook and Spotify garnered several thousand views.

During the forum, stakeholder participants Lynn Kimball, Kimmie Jordan Counselor and County Commissioner Amy Barela provided a milestone updates on the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (BHRIA) initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community-driven changes to address behavioral health challenges. This event highlights the growing urgency and public investment in rebuilding a more accessible and effective system, particularly in Region 12, which includes Otero County, Lincoln County, and the Mescalero-Apache Tribe.

In a follow-up to the forum, Amber Mayhill Community Health Director shared additional developments aimed at enhancing communication and stakeholder involvement. “We have a lot to share, and some important changes are being made to help improve communication and keep everyone informed about BHRIA Region 12 activities,” she stated in her recent correspondence.

A major step forward is the creation of a dedicated Otero County BHRIA website, serving as a central resource for updates, documents, and meeting information. Mayhill’s team is working with IT staff to upload past meeting videos to the Otero County YouTube account for easier access. “Going forward, all important documents, plans, reports, and meeting information will be available here,” she noted. The site is accessible at https://co.otero.nm.us/582/Behavioral-Health-Reform-and-Investment-.

Responding to input from Mescalero-Apache Tribe President Padilla, a new public input and comment form has been launched. This tool enables community members, organizations, and stakeholders to submit feedback, concerns, ideas, and recommendations to shape the regional planning process. “We want to make sure community voices are heard and considered as this work moves forward,” Mayhill explained. The form can be found via the BHRIA Public Input and Comments Form link on the website.

To optimize mass communications, future updates will be channeled through Otero County’s News Flash subscription system. Those receiving direct emails from Mayhill will be automatically added, requiring confirmation to continue. Additional subscriptions are available by creating an account on the Otero County News Flash Subscriptions page.

Stakeholder meetings are being rescheduled for greater convenience: now set for the first and third Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in March and April, then shifting to the third Thursday monthly. This adjustment accommodates the BHRIA Core Team’s needs, departing from the prior noon timing. Details will be posted on the Otero County website and calendar, including login information.

Mayhill is enrolling current correspondents in the BHRIA - Stakeholder Regional Plan Meeting calendar, with email confirmation required. Subscription options, including iCalendar, and a full event view are available online. The existing calendar will be canceled after new invitations are issued, invalidating old login details. This Thursday’s meeting will discuss the public input form and field questions, with email submissions accepted for absentees.

“These changes are intended to make it easier for everyone to stay informed, access materials, and participate in the process,” Mayhill said.

The BHRIA Core Team also invites stakeholders to the March 12, 2026, Otero County Regular Commission meeting to discuss a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at bolstering regional collaboration. Otero County is the last to consider the MOU, following executions by Lincoln County and the Mescalero-Apache Tribe. The document is available for review.

This ongoing work stems from BHRIA, enacted as Senate Bill 3 (SB3) in the 2025 Legislative Session, which seeks a statewide overhaul of New Mexico’s behavioral health system through regional planning and cross-governmental coordination.

Region 12 aligns with Judicial District 12, with Lincoln County designated as the accountable entity via an Intergovernmental Agreement, backed by commitments from Otero County and the Tribe.

Prior efforts include community listening sessions—15 in total, including a virtual option—to identify what’s working, missing, and obstructing care access. A January 2026 Enhanced Sequential Intercept Model (E-SIM) workshop at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, facilitated by UNM’s Health Sciences Center, engaged 93 participants on adult and youth-focused needs at a recent meeting. 

The Health Care Authority’s Early Access Funding provides up to $2 million per region to tackle shortages in residential treatment, crisis services, medication-assisted treatment for justice-involved individuals, and prenatal/perinatal substance use disorder treatment.

The regional plan, a phased, locally driven roadmap, must incorporate community input and E-SIM findings, gain tri-agency approval, and be submitted to the Health Care Authority by June 30, 2026. Regular stakeholder meetings facilitate continued input.

For inquiries on these updates, contact Mayhill directly. As Alamogordo Town News & KALH Radio tracks this vital issue, we encourage residents to engage through subscriptions, the input form, and upcoming meetings to contribute to a healthier future for Region 12.

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