SENATE MEMORIAL 21

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Heather Berghmans

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF IMPLEMENTING OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS IN THE STATE AND TO DETERMINE THE NECESSARY STATUTORY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK NEEDED TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS.

 

     WHEREAS, for the last two decades, New Mexico has had one of the highest drug overdose death rates in the nation; and

     WHEREAS, most states in the nation observed a decrease in drug overdose deaths beginning in 2024; and

     WHEREAS, following a slight decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2024, New Mexico is one of only three states that experienced an increase in drug overdose deaths in 2025, with a four and one-tenth percent increase in drug overdose deaths over the previous year; and

     WHEREAS, drug overdose deaths continue to disproportionately impact communities of color, with rates rising faster among Native American and Black New Mexico residents; and

     WHEREAS, drug overdose deaths can be prevented through various harm reduction strategies; and

     WHEREAS, the establishment of overdose prevention centers in other jurisdictions has been a particularly effective harm reduction strategy; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has not yet adopted the use of overdose prevention centers; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico needs to look to new harm reduction strategies to reverse the current trend of increasing overdose deaths;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to conduct a study to evaluate the efficacy of implementing overdose prevention centers in the state and to determine the necessary statutory and regulatory framework to develop and implement overdose prevention centers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health be requested to provide a report summarizing the conclusions of the study to the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee by November 1, 2026; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health and the chairs and vice chairs of the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee.

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