Distribution of Funds in New Mexico
A Regional Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORC) has been formed to address opioid use and addiction. This collaborative effort includes the following seven counties: Socorro, Catron, Sierra, Valencia, Guadalupe, Cibola, and Hidalgo. New Mexico has received federal funding totaling $195 million, with the allocation for each county outlined as of the year 2024, to include:
- Catron $140,283.79
- Cibola $936,490.82
- Hidalgo $238,332.87
- Guadalupe $226,653.24
- Sierra $1,249,983.10
- Socorro $181,324.48
- Valencia $3,412,670.31
- TOTAL $6,385,738.60
According to the New Mexico Department of Justice, additional transfers will be made over the course of the next 18 years
The ORC aims to develop a sustainable and strong system of care for those that suffer from opioid addiction, recognizing that a joint effort is necessary for long-term viability. A Board of Directors oversees the implementation of this project with each participating entity appointing a representative to the board. The county of Valencia serves as the fiscal agent for the ORC, managing the opioid remediation fund.
Opioid settlement dollars that will help New Mexico
The opioid settlement dollars refer to the funds allocated as a result of legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies involved in the opioid crisis. These settlements are typically reached between states, local governments, and the companies responsible for manufacturing, distributing, or selling prescription opioid painkillers. The funds are intended to address the harms caused by the opioid epidemic and support evidence-based treatment approaches and prevention strategies.
Nationwide, approximately $50 billion will be distributed to states and local governments over nearly two decades. Every U.S state, Washington D.C, and US territories receive some amount of settlement money. Federally recognized tribes also receive funds through separate Tribal Opioid Settlements. States are required to spend at least 70% of their share of the national settlements on improving evidence based treatment and prevention stategies in their communities. The goal is to remediate the harms caused by the opioid crisis and support individuals directly impacted by addiction.
The New Mexico Opioid Allocation Agreement allocates over $195 million to the state and counties. The distribution of funds is as follows: 45% to the state, while the remaining 55% is shared among the counties and municipalities.
Recent and Upcoming Activities
ORC presented at the Annual Volunteer Summit on March 1st 2025
The Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORC) Addiction Medicine physicians were honored to present at the Annual Volunteer Summit in Albuquerque on March 1, 2025. Dr. Patricia Pade delivered an insightful presentation on the “History, Epidemiology, and Neurobiology of Opioid Use Disorder,” highlighting historical opioid challenges and their connections to the current crisis. She also shared valuable epidemiological data on opioid abuse and overdose trends both nationwide and in New Mexico. Dr. Adair led a dynamic session
Opioid Remediation Collaborative Getting the Word Out There
The Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORC) was honored to host a table event on February 26, 2025, during Behavioral Health Day at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. This event provided a valuable opportunity to share the incredible strategies the ORC is implementing across our seven rural counties and to build new connections to enhance our project. We were thrilled to engage with several behavioral health providers who are eager to support the establishment of new opioid
County Commissioner Updates in Guadalupe and Sierra County
The Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORC) sincerely thanks the Guadalupe and Sierra County Commissioners for the opportunity to present our updates at your February 2025 meetings. We are committed to strengthening opioid prevention and treatment initiatives in our rural communities and greatly appreciate the unwavering support and partnership of our County leaders. Additionally, Guadalupe and Sierra County have recently designed two amazing youth prevention posters for our project—be sure to check them out!
Seven County Alliance
We are 7 rural counties who are creating a powerful alliance to enhance prevention efforts, expand treatment options, and combat the opioid crisis head-on. Together, we are turning our opioid settlement dollars into hope and healing for their communities
The Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORC) is a joint effort by seven New Mexico counties to pool their settlement funds from national opioid lawsuits. These counties are Catron, Cibola, Guadalupe, Hidalgo, Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia. Their goal is to develop a comprehensive treatment system to address the opioid crisis.
The Allocation Agreement defines permitted expenditures of the Distributor and Janssen settlement but state law imposes additional requirements for opioid remediation spending from the Opioid Crisis Recovery Fund (i.e., the state’s share). CLICK HERE to learn more about the agreement.
Catron
Catron County
Cibola
Cibola
Guadalupe
Guadalupe County
Hidalgo
Hidalgo
Sierra
Sierra
Socorro
Socorro
Valencia
Valencia
Resources and Strategies
Addressing the opioid crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and community collaboration. Efforts to raise awareness, improve access to treatment, and reduce stigma are crucial in saving lives and promoting well-being. If you or anyone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, consider seeking professional help and support. Remember that recovery is possible, and no one needs to face this challenge alone. Here are some New Mexico Resources and Strategies!
