Bernalillo County is recruiting for the newly established Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB). This initiative follows the recent passage of an ordinance that established the Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Authority.
“We need diverse perspectives and experiences to create a robust and effective Behavioral Health Advisory Board,” says Wayne Lindstrom, deputy county manager for the Behavioral Health Division in a press release. “It’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community’s wellbeing.”
BHAB members will serve two-year terms and will be appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission to at-large positions, with the possibility of renewal. The board will consist of the following members:
- Hospital/Health System Representative
- Representative from the behavioral health provider field with expertise in substance abuse and/or mental health
- Two Public Safety Representatives (Law Enforcement, ACS, Fire, Dispatch, etc.)
- Courts Representative
- Community Health Worker Representative
- Peer Support Worker Representative (informed lived experience)
- City of Albuquerque Representative
- Housing Services Representative
- Youth Services Representative
- Indigenous Peoples’ Representative
- New Mexico Department of Behavioral Health Services
- Disability Rights Representative
- LGBTQ++ Representative
- The Deputy County Manager (DCM) will serve as a non-voting ex-officio member.
The BHAB will meet no less than once per month, with additional meetings called at the discretion of the board chairperson. Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes will be available on the Bernalillo County website.
Individuals interested in serving on the BHAB should apply here.
The BHA, which is organized as a division within BernCo, aims to implement a planned, phased approach to enhance existing county resources to build an evidence-based and trauma-responsive system of behavioral health care and support. This initiative works collaboratively with national, state, and local partners to provide immediate access to high-quality care and support for those seeking behavioral health services.