ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Gateway Center in Albuquerque is getting set to provide more and more services for the community. Following a multi-million dollar grant, the city is now looking for someone to run medical sobering operations.
“This is the state’s first medical sobering center, and a critical harm reduction resource that our community needs,” Health, Housing, and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez said in a press release. “We know New Mexico has had long standing challenges with deaths related to substance use, and it has taken a collaboration between the city, county, state, and community members to bring this vital intervention service to fruition. We look forward to selecting an operator and opening the doors.”
The medical sobering portion of the Gateway Center includes 50 beds and could help take the strain off of Albuquerque hospitals, the city says. Patients receiving medical sobering treatment at the Gateway Center can get up to 24 hours of care as well as connect with long-term care providers. The city says they expect more than 17,000 patients anually.
“For years our providers at Albuquerque Fire Rescue [AFR] have discussed the critical need in our systems of care for a Medical Sobering Center.” AFR Chief Emily Jaramillo said. “We are hopeful about the announcement of the RFP and this much needed resource becoming a reality for not only Fire and EMS, but also the patients and their families that we are serving in the community.”
To find a medical sobering contractor, the city is accepting proposals from non-profit or government providers until April 19. Contractors can find more info at this link.
