About the Opioid Settlement Fund
New Mexico continues to face significant impacts from the national opioid crisis. As part of nationwide legal settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies, the City of Las Cruces receives dedicated funding to support evidence‑based treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts. These dollars are reserved for programs that address opioid use disorder (OUD), strengthen the continuum of care, and reduce risk factors that contribute to addiction in our community.
Program Goals
The City’s funding aligns with five key goals: - Improve access and utilization of Medication for Opioid Use Disorders
- Improve early identification of Opioid Use Disorder by implementing universal screening and referrals
- Incorporate harm reduction and support services into healthcare and treatment settings
- Create a more comprehensive continuum of care for individuals transitioning between treatment and recovery
- Prevent the development of opioid use in children and youth by addressing risk factors
Funding Overview: Opioid Settlement Fund – FY2026
The City of Las Cruces allocated Opioid Settlement funds to programs that directly advance the goals above. FY 2026 funding priorities include:
- Las Cruces Public Schools: Social Emotional Learning Programs $356,000
- Las Cruces Police Department: Opioid Remediation Education “Keep it Real” $175,000
- Las Cruces Fire Department: Fast-acting opioid overdose reversal medication $82,200
- Community Foundation of Southern NM (fiscal partner for Doña Ana County Resilience Leaders: 100% Family Center – a trauma informed, culturally responsive “one stop” support center $399,904
- Rocky Mountain Clinics, LLC dba Porch Light Health: Medication Assisted Treatment On-Demand $245,915
- Ideal Option PLLC: Deflection and Intensive Case Management Program $1,119,153
| Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|
| ACE | Adverse Childhood Experiences |
| AUD | Alcohol Use Disorder |
| ED | Emergency Room aka Emergency Department |
| IOP | Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program |
| MAT | Medical Assisted Treatment for Addictions |
| MOD | Medical Assisted Treatment for Addictions (MAT) On-Demand |
| MOUD | Medications for Opioid Use Disorder |
| OO | Overcoming Obstacles - free, evidence informed social and emotional learning curriculum |
| OUD | Opioid Use Disorder is a chronic, treatable mental health condition characterized by a problematic pattern of opioid use that leads to significant impairment or distress. |
| PHP | Partial Hospitalization Program |
| SADSUD | SUD (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome) & SUD (Substance Use Disorder) |
| SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration |
| SEL | Social Emotional Learning, activities that promote emotional regulation, resilience and coping skills |
| SUD | Substance Use Disorder |
| Triple P | Positive Parenting Program |
| UDS | Urine Drug Screen |
