Gilbert Ramirez, Director and Executive Administrator of the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness, has been named a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Foundation. The award is considered one of the top honors in the field and recognizes individuals whose leadership and dedication have made significant impacts on systems of care for vulnerable populations.
Ramirez was recognized for his work in integrating behavioral health services, improving crisis response efforts, and enhancing support for people experiencing homelessness. His initiatives have contributed to Albuquerque’s reputation as a model for coordinated health and housing programs.
Among the projects led or co-launched by Ramirez are:
– The Gateway System of Care, which offers connected housing, healthcare, and recovery support services.
– Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), an alternative response department that deploys social responders to calls involving behavioral health issues or crises.
– The Medical Sobering Center with 50 beds—the first facility of its kind in New Mexico—providing medically supervised stabilization and connections to further treatment.
– Gateway Recovery Housing Village with 46 transitional units offering treatment and case management.
– A 192-bed Housing and Treatment Navigation Center serving as a hub for behavioral health treatment and housing placement.
– Integration of the Unite Us platform into city care coordination systems to enable seamless referrals between health, housing, and social services providers statewide.
– The Violence Intervention Program (VIP), which uses public health strategies to prevent gun violence and provide early intervention support.
“I became a social worker because I have a deep passion for being a voice for those most vulnerable,” said Gilbert Ramirez. “Every day, social workers across our state and nation are changing lives and uplifting communities. I’m proud to be part of this profession and deeply honored to be named a Social Work Pioneer among such inspiring peers.”
Mayor Tim Keller commented on Ramirez’s impact: “Our Gateway System of Care works because it was designed through the lens of a social worker with community input. Through each service, we are building bridges from crisis to hope and healing. Gilbert’s vision and compassion for our community are reflected in this entire system, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our leadership team.”
The NASW will formally induct Ramirez at its Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., scheduled for June 2026. This will be the first time the Pioneer Celebration takes place at the national conference.
For more information about these initiatives or Ramirez’s career achievements, additional details can be found on related city resources.
