Bernalillo County is taking important steps to fight the damage caused by the opioid crisis. At their recent meeting, Chair Eric Olivas and Vice-Chair Adriann Barboa presented the LGCC Joint Opioid Settlement Plan Resolution, and it was approved unanimously, 5-0, by the full Board of County Commissioners.
This plan comes from successful legal action by both Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque against drug companies and others who contributed to the opioid epidemic. Thanks to the lawsuit, both the city and the county are set to receive $150 million through lump sums and yearly payments in Opioid Settlement Funds.
How the Settlement Plan Was Created
In 2024, Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque hired Vital Strategies to help develop a starting plan. Members of the LGCC (Local Government Coordinating Council)—which includes representatives from Bernalillo County, the City of Albuquerque, and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS)—then built the full Joint Opioid Settlement Plan based on that work.
The goal was to create a fair, thoughtful plan that would make a real difference for people struggling with opioid addiction and its impacts.
How the Money Will Be Spent
The plan suggests that the settlement money be divided into two major areas:
- 60% for Intervention and Treatment
- 40% for Prevention and Community Revitalization
To cover these areas, the funding will support eight main categories:
- Connecting Disconnected Youth
- Comprehensive Education Programs
- Expanding Peer Support Services
- Recovery Housing for People in Need
- Improving Access to Community-Based Treatment
- Expanding the Use of the Sobering Center
- Making Naloxone (overdose-reversal medication) More Available
- Growing Mobile Crisis Response Teams
These efforts are aimed at helping people recover, supporting families, and strengthening neighborhoods.
Leaders Speak About the Importance of the Plan
Chair Eric Olivas thanked the LGCC members for their hard work, saying, “The funding is substantial, and by coordinating our efforts, we hope to create real, positive change in our communities.”
Vice-Chair Adriann Barboa spoke about the seriousness of the issue, adding, “This funding is a result of pharmaceutical companies profiting from the pain of our children, families, and neighbors. I’m proud of the work we did to create a plan that will truly help people recover and heal.”
What’s Next?
The Joint Opioid Settlement Plan has also been approved by the Albuquerque City Council (with an 8-1 vote) and has received initial approval from the APS Board. Final adoption by the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners is expected to happen at the April 22, 2025, administrative meeting.
The approval of the Joint Opioid Settlement Plan marks an important step in the fight against the opioid crisis in Bernalillo County and Albuquerque. With thoughtful planning and strong leadership, the community is moving forward to help those impacted by addiction, prevent future harm, and rebuild stronger, healthier neighborhoods. The $150 million settlement offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a lasting difference.
