Advisory Bodies

Has the state established an advisory body for settlement funds?

No. New Mexico has not established an advisory body to inform spending of funds from the 45% state share.[1]

Is the state advisory body required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

Not applicable.

What is the overall membership of the state advisory body?

Not applicable.

Are local governments required to establish a settlement advisory body? If so, are local advisory bodies required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

No (up to each locality). Local governments in New Mexico are not required to establish opioid settlement advisory bodies. However, localities may choose to establish advisory councils that include members with lived and/or living experience to help ensure that settlement spending reflects community priorities.

For example, Doña Ana County and the city of Las Cruces formed a joint Opioid Settlement Advisory Council in 2023 to recommend uses of the county and city’s respective opioid settlement funds.[2] The advisory committee meets monthly and includes people with lived/living experience, public health professionals, treatment providers, youth prevention specialists, representatives of recovery and other social service organizations, and other local stakeholders.[3]

What else should I know?

Learn more about the Overdose Prevention and Pain Management Advisory Council. The Council does not have a stated role on opioid settlement spending in any of New Mexico’s mechanisms but is charged with “reviewing the status of overdose prevention and pain management standards and education efforts.” You can subscribe to updates, view minutes and information about future meetings, or even submit an application to join the Council here. For questions, contact Paul Maldonado ([e-mail]).

Citations

1. New Mexico’s Overdose Prevention and Pain Management Advisory Council is not explicitly afforded a role in opioid settlement-related spending decisions. ↑

2. “[ARCHIVED] City and County to Form a Joint Opioid Settlement Advisory Council.” City of Las Cruces. July 7, 2023, Press release. Accessed July 27, 2024. ↑

3. Opioid Settlement Funds. City of Las Cruces website. Accessed June 24, 2024. ↑