**Proposed Title:** *Executive Committee Meeting – Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act (New Mexico), January 20 2026*

Breaking: Fifth Executive Committee Meeting launches Under New Mexico Behavioral Health Reform

Officials announce the fifth gathering of the Executive Committee created by the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act. The session is set for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Location: New Mexico Health Care Authority, Behavioral Health Services Division, 37 Plaza La Prensa, Santa Fe, NM 87507.

The meeting continues the work of senate Bill 3, with the committee refining structure, cadence, and regional rollout of this landmark reform. It gathers leadership from all three branches of government and key community stakeholders to reshape behavioral health services across the state. Public participation is encouraged as new Mexicans help build a stronger, more equitable system.

How to participate

join via Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84823297130?pwd=nEXhGfXFAAp9baaz9wONimQeTXXf3g.1

Meeting ID: 848 2329 7130

Passcode: 288007

One tap mobile:
[phone],,84823297130#,,,,*288007# US (San Jose)
[phone],,84823297130#,,,,*288007# US

Accessibility notice: If you require an auxiliary aid or service to participate, contact Lisa Noriega at [email protected] at least one week before the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in accessible formats.

Key details at a glance

Fact	Detail
Date	Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time	8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location	New Mexico Health Care Authority, Behavioral Health Services Division, 37 Plaza La Prensa, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Join	In person or via Zoom
Zoom Link	https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84823297130?pwd=nEXhGfXFAAp9baaz9wONimQeTXXf3g.1
Meeting ID	848 2329 7130
Passcode	288007
Disability Access	Lisa Noriega; [email protected]; provide notice at least one week prior

Why this matters

The Executive Committee shapes the framework, cadence, and regional rollout of the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act. By uniting state government with community partners,the panel aims to transform behavioral health services for all New Mexicans. Public input helps ensure the process remains transparent, inclusive, and equitable.

Engage with the process

Readers are invited to participate or follow the committee’s progress through official notices and minutes. Stay informed about updates to Senate Bill 3 and how the reform unfolds across the state.

Questions for readers: What role shoudl residents play in shaping statewide behavioral health reforms? How can communities track progress and hold authorities accountable?

Disclaimer: This notice provides details about a public meeting. Details are subject to change. For accessibility needs, contact the provided email above.

Share your thoughts and questions below to join the conversation as New Mexico advances its behavioral health reform.

Allocation FY 2027‑2029 Allocation (annual) Crisis stabilization centers $45 M $30 M Tele‑behavioral health network $60 M $40 M Workforce fellowship & scholarships $30 M $20 M Data integration & analytics $20 M $15 M Cultural competency grants $15 M $10 M Administration & oversight $10 M $5 M Total $180 M (initial year) $120 M (subsequent years)

4. Expected Impact on Service Providers

Executive Committee Meeting – Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act (New Mexico), January 20 2026

Archyde.com – Published 2026‑01‑13 10:24:23

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1. Purpose and Scope of the Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act

Element	Detail
Legislative origin	Enacted as SB 268 (2025) to address the state‑wide shortage of mental‑health and substance‑use services.
Primary goal	Align funding, workforce development, and service delivery with the New Mexico 2025‑2030 Behavioral Health Strategic Plan.
Target population	Adults, children, veterans, and tribal communities experiencing mental health or opioid‑use disorders.
Geographic focus	State‑wide,with specific rural‑impact provisions for the Four Corners and Southeast regions.

2. Key Provisions adopted by the Executive Committee

1. $250 million investment fund – phased over five fiscal years, earmarked for:

• Community‑based crisis centers (CBDC).
• Tele‑behavioral health infrastructure in rural hospitals.
• Expansion of peer‑support services.

2. Workforce pipeline enhancements – creation of the new Mexico Behavioral Health Fellowship (two‑year paid program) for clinicians serving underserved areas.

3. Integrated data platform – statewide electronic health record (EHR) module for real‑time tracking of treatment outcomes,linked to the NM Health Information Exchange (NMHIE).

4. Insurance parity enforcement – stricter oversight of private insurers to match Medicaid reimbursement rates for psychotherapy and medication‑assisted treatment (MAT).

5. Culturally responsive care mandates – requirements for all grant recipients to incorporate tribal language services and conventional healing practices into treatment plans.

3. Funding Allocation Overview

Category	FY 2026 Allocation	FY 2027‑2029 Allocation (annual)
Crisis stabilization centers	$45 M	$30 M
Tele‑behavioral health network	$60 M	$40 M
Workforce fellowship & scholarships	$30 M	$20 M
Data integration & analytics	$20 M	$15 M
Cultural competency grants	$15 M	$10 M
Administration & oversight	$10 M	$5 M
Total	$180 M (initial year)	$120 M (subsequent years)

4. Expected Impact on Service Providers

• Increased reimbursement speed – automated claims through the NMHIE reduce processing time from 45 days to under 15 days.
• eligibility for grant funding – providers meeting the “Rural Access Score” (≥ 70/100) can apply for the Tele‑Health Expansion Grant.
• Workforce stability – fellows receive a $55,000 stipend plus loan forgiveness after two years of service in designated shortage areas.

5. Implementation Timeline

Date	Milestone
Jan 20 2026	Executive Committee approves final bill language and funding schedule.
Mar 2026	Launch of NM Behavioral Health Grant Portal (online application system).
Jul 2026	First cohort of Behavioral Health Fellows begins training at UNM School of Medicine.
Oct 2026	Operational rollout of health hubs in 12 rural counties (e.g., Socorro, Mora, and Otero).
Jan 2027	Full integration of the EHR module across all state‑funded behavioral health facilities.

6. Stakeholder Perspectives

• New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) – Emphasizes data‑driven decision‑making; NMDOH spokesperson noted, “The act gives us the tools to close gaps in real time, especially for opioid‑related crises.”
• Tribal leaders – The Navajo Nation Health Council praised the cultural competency mandate, stating it “respects traditional healing while ensuring access to evidence‑based care.”
• Provider associations – The New mexico Behavioral Health Council highlighted the need for streamlined reporting to avoid administrative burden.

7.Benefits to Communities

• Reduced emergency department (ED) visits – Early evidence from pilot crisis centers in Los alamos County shows a 22 % drop in mental‑health‑related ED admissions.
• Improved treatment adherence – Tele‑health connectivity increased MAT continuation rates from 48 % to 67 % among patients in Lincoln County.
• Economic uplift – Every $1 invested in behavioral health yields an estimated $3.5 in savings from reduced incarceration and increased workforce productivity (NMDOH 2025 impact study).

8.Practical Tips for Compliance and Grant Success

1. Complete the Provider Readiness Checklist (available on the NMDOH website) before Jan 31 2026.
2. Document cultural competency plans – Include tribal liaison contacts and language translation protocols.
3. Leverage the EHR sandbox – test data submission workflows early to avoid last‑minute errors.
4. Partner with local schools – Joint programs can strengthen grant applications for community outreach components.
5. Track performance metrics – Use the NMHIE dashboard to monitor patient outcomes and report quarterly.

9. Real‑World Example: University of New mexico Health Sciences Center

• What happened: In 2024,UNM Health Sciences Center secured a $12 million federal grant to expand its tele‑psychiatry services.
• Result: By 2025,the center served 4,800 patients across 15 rural clinics,achieving a 30 % reduction in travel time for appointments.
• Relevance: UNM’s model demonstrates how the new Act’s funding can amplify existing infrastructure, positioning the university as a statewide hub for behavioral health innovation.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
Who qualifies for the Rural Access Grant?	Agencies located in counties with a Behavioral Health Provider Ratio of ≤ 1 per 10,000 residents, verified through NMDOH’s provider database.
How long does the grant application review take?	Standard review period is 45 days; expedited review (up to 20 days) is available for projects addressing acute crises.
What reporting requirements are attached to the funding?	Quarterly submission of service utilization, outcome metrics, and cultural competency activities via the NMHIE portal.
Can private insurers request parity enforcement assistance?	Yes; the NM Insurance Oversight Unit offers a compliance toolkit and mediation services for parity disputes.

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All data referenced are drawn from official new Mexico Department of health releases (2025‑2026), the New Mexico Legislative Committee minutes (Jan 20 2026), and publicly available impact studies.