ABQ Times

The City of Albuquerque has announced the opening of the Medical Sobering Center at the Gateway Center. This new facility aims to provide medically supervised treatment for individuals with substance use disorders, offering a safe environment to achieve sobriety and access necessary resources. Albuquerque joins a select group of cities nationwide with such centers.

Mayor Tim Keller highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “It was only three years ago when we announced a bold new vision for our city’s response to homelessness and substance abuse. Now, that vision is coming to life with the Medical Sobering Center.” The center will accommodate up to 50 people simultaneously and serve approximately 18,250 individuals annually, helping to reduce hospital visits related to substance use issues.

Gilbert Ramirez, Director of Health, Housing, and Homelessness, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Far too many people are taken to hospitals for substance use issues, and that’s not always the appropriate place.” The center offers beds, recliners, private rooms for decompression, and operates around the clock.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue and Bernalillo County Fire Department will refer individuals to the center. Jennifer McDonald from Gateway Operations noted community input in designing the facility: “Through conversations with community members with lived experience, we determined what people want to see in their facility.”

Listo Health has been chosen as the operator for the center. Staff will include peer support workers who share their experiences and provide support. Denise Thomas from ACS’s Opioid Education Program shared her perspective: "If this medical sobering center was around when I was struggling, I believe it could have saved my life."

The project received financial backing from various sources. Senator Martin Heinrich and Representative Melanie Stansbury were instrumental in securing funds totaling $4.2 million from federal contributions and $4.35 million from Bernalillo County.

Rep. Stansbury expressed her commitment: “Our communities are being ravaged by the behavioral health and addiction crisis...I am proud to have secured $2.2 million in Community Project Funding.” Senator Heinrich added his support: “New Mexico’s first Medical Sobering Center will be a lifeline for New Mexicans experiencing alcohol and substance use disorders.”

The Medical Sobering Center is set to open mid-December.