New Services Proposed for Chaves County to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Issues
A nonprofit organization from southeast New Mexico, LifeHouse Carlsbad Inc., has reached out to local government officials and community members with a plan to improve mental health and substance use support in Chaves County. The executive director, Philip Huston, highlighted the organization’s eagerness to make a significant impact in the community.
“With the chance to bring real change, we feel both an opportunity and a responsibility to help those in need,” Huston said.
LifeHouse aims to introduce a range of services including 24/7 mobile crisis response, stabilization support, outpatient care, and services for individuals transitioning from jail. In an informational handout titled “Investing in Chaves County’s Future,” they emphasized the urgent need for these services.
Huston expressed concerns, saying, “Behavioral health has been overlooked for far too long in our area. There are substantial gaps in treatment across Chaves County.” He noted that many residents struggle with substance use disorders and face challenges with incarceration.
LifeHouse’s proposal also includes public education programs. These initiatives would teach community members how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan, along with offering Mental Health First Aid training to respond appropriately to mental health challenges.
LifeHouse has previously demonstrated success as the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in a rural part of the state, and they are seeking $3 million in startup funds from opioid settlement revenues and government grants. This funding would help set up a Behavioral Health Clinic and two sober living homes, accommodating a total of 16 individuals.
Huston mentioned, “It’s a bit chaotic regarding federal funding right now,” reflecting the current uncertainties in securing financial support.
To adequately serve the community, the main facility would need to include offices, group rooms, and exam spaces for crisis intervention. Huston shared that the aim is to have the clinic and sober homes operational within 18 months, with some services available in as little as six months, focusing initially on crisis response.
LifeHouse anticipates that their programs could support over 200 clients monthly, create more than 40 full-time jobs, and generate over $4 million in services. The benefits extend beyond individual care; better mental health support could also lessen costs for law enforcement, emergency services, and the local detention center. Savings could exceed $1 million due to these improvements.
“The better we care for our community, the better it is for everyone,” Huston stated, sharing success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through treatment.
Members of the Jail Diversion Subcommittee of the Chaves County Behavioral Health Council are keen on enhancing treatment options for people with behavioral health issues to lessen the burden of incarceration.
County Commissioner Dara Dana and Roswell City Councilor Cristina Arnold are part of the ongoing conversations around this initiative. Arnold has previously advocated for a community response team to assist individuals facing crises similar to what LifeHouse proposes.
Earlier this year, a discussion took place regarding establishing a crisis response unit, but further committee reviews and detailed cost analyses were suggested for better decision-making.
Arnold inquired about starting small and expanding as the community’s needs arise. Huston affirmed this approach, indicating flexibility in implementing mobile crisis services even without a dedicated office initially.
Arnold emphasized that a crisis response is just one facet of the bigger picture the community is working to build, as demands for emergency services continue to rise, especially in situations involving behavioral health.
In 2024 alone, over a quarter of the reported incidents in Roswell were related to behavioral health issues. LifeHouse’s initiative could play a crucial role in changing the current landscape of mental health care in Chaves County.
