public health

In the fight against the opioid epidemic, Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is widely considered the most effective treatment for opioid use disorders. Now, research from the University of New Mexico shows when given to people behind bars, it’s less likely they’ll end up going back once released.

A panel of experts on psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms, presented to state lawmakers Wednesday on the potential benefits of therapeutic use of the drug. They said lawmakers have several options if they choose to allow the drug’s use in the Land of Enchantment.

The City of Albuquerque on Tuesday announced it will be doubling the amount of speed cameras in the city this winter. The announcement came at a press conference detailing data from the first two years using 20 speed cameras around the city, which issued more than 220,000 tickets.

Leadership at the new—and only—youth detox in the state say they will begin taking patients as young as 14 years old in the next few weeks. The facility at Serenity Mesa is just the latest in a string of accomplishment and growth for a non-profit organization that started out of one family's struggle with substances.

About 50 people from across the country met at Albuquerque’s Uptown Sheraton hotel over the weekend with one common thing uniting them: All had lost a loved one to overdose. Something else they shared — a passion to fight the opioid crisis.

The Bernalillo County commission on tuesday August 27 took several actions meant to expand the newly minted Bernalillo County Healthcare Authority. That included approving nearly $800,000 in funding for programs.

University of New Mexico Hospital’s top brass and local leaders met with community members on Aug. 26 for a feedback and listening session focused on how the hospital can provide better care.

Pharmacies around the country are facing financial challenges because of reimbursements on some Medicare prescriptions that don't cover the cost of the drug.

As millions in opioid settlement funds come into the city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, officials are seeking input on how to spend them. In the first of several meetings Tuesday, community leaders made it clear that change needs to happen fast.

The Bernco Commission will hold a key vote on an ordinance that establishes at countywide Behavioral Healthcare Authority. While it's proponents say it's a necessary change, detractors say the details aren't fleshed out well enough, and could leave patients wanting.