ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Bernalillo County leaders are preparing to take what they describe as an unprecedented step in response to the region’s fentanyl crisis.
During a press conference Wednesday, county officials announced they will ask commissioners to approve a state of emergency declaration during Wednesday night’s commission meeting. Supporters of the measure say the fentanyl epidemic has reached a point where immediate action is necessary.
County leaders said New Mexico has become a target for fentanyl trafficking and argued that local governments need additional tools and resources to confront the crisis.
If approved, the declaration would allow the county to draw on as much as $30 million in reserve funding to support initiatives aimed at addressing addiction, overdose deaths, public safety concerns, treatment access, outreach efforts, and recovery services.
Commissioners backing the declaration say the goal is to improve coordination between agencies and accelerate the deployment of resources to communities most affected by fentanyl.
The proposal comes as Bernalillo County continues to grapple with the effects of addiction and overdose deaths, particularly in areas such as Albuquerque’s International District, where community leaders and service providers say the impact of fentanyl is highly visible.
County commissioners are expected to consider the declaration during their meeting Wednesday night.
