ABQ Times

A crucial summit, organized by the Homeless Coordinating Council, gathered experts and stakeholders to address the intertwined challenges of mental health and substance use disorders, commonly referred to as a dual diagnosis. Health care professionals, community leaders, and advocates for the inaugural Dual Diagnosis and Recovery Summit met for thoughtful, solutions-focused conversations on Sept. 11, 2024. The event was sponsored by The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the Veterans Association.

The summit opened with remarks from Commissioner Adriann Barboa of Bernalillo County D-3 and Mauricio Tohen, MD, DrPH, MBA, Distinguished Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UNM School of Medicine. Their welcome was followed by a land acknowledgment and blessing led by Chenoa Bah Stilwell-Jensen, PhD, a senior project manager at the UNM Health Sciences Center. Musical accompaniment was provided by community member Brian Harvey of the Diné people and Navajo nation. Setting a reflective tone for the day, local poet Carlos Contreras performed a moving piece that highlighted the deep emotional impacts these issues can have on individuals and communities.

Mike Richards, MD, MPA, Interim Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System underscored the importance of expanding behavioral health services across New Mexico. "The demand for this health care exceeds the capacity of our current system," Richards said. "The most effective health care delivery system is one that meets patients not just in hospitals and clinics but in the communities where they live."

Richards also spoke about UNM's innovative research programs such as the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Research Program and Interdisciplinary Substance Use and Brain Injury Research facility. He praised collaborative efforts as vital to building a network of care needed to treat dual diagnosis patients.

Summit attendees participated in several breakout sessions addressing critical aspects of dual diagnosis care. Sessions covered topics such as Trauma and Substance Use Disorder: The Complex Intersection; Understanding Veteran Homelessness; and Cultural Integration in Recovery. These discussions fostered dialogue on how trauma, cultural influences, and social issues like homelessness intersect with mental health and substance use disorders.

Gilbert Ramírez MSW., Director of Health Housing & Homelessness at City Of Albuquerque emphasized collaborative efforts needed to reduce barriers to care. "The Dual Diagnosis Summit represents a crucial advancement in our commitment to providing exceptional care for everyone in our community," Ramírez stated.

UNM Hospital CEO Kate Becker highlighted ongoing work within UNM Health System including opening Behavioral Health Crisis Center partnership with Bernalillo County which serves as vital community resource."From July 2023 to July 2024 we saw 30% increase patients seeking behavioral health crisis services," Becker said."At UNM Hospital we know how important this type work is."

UNM President Garnett Stokes reflected on University's global role in community."As an academic institution we are committed seeking solutions best practices address dual diagnosis," Stokes said."This summit gives us opportunity learn about what’s being done serve those dual diagnosis share stories make connections needed improve lives everyone community."

The Dual Diagnosis Recovery Summit marked an important step addressing complex needs individuals facing both mental health substance use disorders while fostering partnerships essential building stronger more compassionate system care New Mexico.The conversations held summit aim lead solutions New Mexicans most need.