Ben Archer Health Center (BAHC), a non-profit 501 (C) 3 corporation has been providing primary care services in the second congressional district since 1971. BAHC is a network of twelve community health centers that provide primary health, behavioral health, and dental care to community residents and Spanish-speaking migrant agricultural workers. The health centers are located in Dona Ana, Luna, Otero, and Sierra Counties, New Mexico. The administrative services of the organization are located in Hatch, New Mexico. The service area is comprised of a US/Mexico border county located in south-central New Mexico. The service area is designated as a Medically Underserved Area (MUA), a Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), and a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. BAHC plans to expand behavioral health Services by increasing the number of patients receiving mental health services, and SUD services, including treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) at five health center sites and five high schools as needed in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. The services will be provided to students, faculty and staff and the communities of Hatch, Radium Springs, Dona Ana and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Expected outcomes include: 1) Adolescents will be universally screened for depression and provided evidence-based treatment services. 2) Access to care will be improved for children, adolescents and adults in Dona Ana County through telemedicine and face-to-face behavioral health and substance use disorder services. The number of unique patients that will receive behavioral health services will be expanded to an estimated 1,550 unique patients at the proposed sites. Services will be expanded to include a full range of age-appropriate health care services, including: mental/behavioral health care, substance use disorder counseling and treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Expanded services will be available
to all residents of Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Ben Archer Health Center is requesting $600,000 for year one and year two to support operational costs for salaries.