UNM’s Project ECHO News:
ALBUQUERQUE — In a concerted effort to combat the escalating opioid crisis in New Mexico, Project ECHO at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center is partnering with the New Mexico Health Care Authority and Bernalillo County to introduce the Community Opioid Response Education (CORE) program.
The program provides free, virtual training on naloxone administration and harm reduction strategies for everyone in New Mexico, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to save lives. Any New Mexican who participates can receive free harm reduction supplies.
New Mexico has been profoundly impacted by the opioid epidemic, with drug overdose death rates consistently among the highest in the nation. In 2023, the New Mexico Department of Health reported 948 overdose deaths, nearly 70% of which involved opioids such as prescription painkillers, heroin or fentanyl. The CORE program meets an urgent need for community-based interventions by empowering New Mexicans to take an active role in overdose prevention.
“Saving a life can be as simple as having naloxone and knowing how to use it,” said Nick Boukas, director of the Health Care Authority’s Behavioral Health Services Division. “The CORE program puts that power directly in the hands of New Mexicans, making overdose prevention something anyone can do. With the opioid crisis touching every corner of our state, this training is essential for everyone, everywhere.”
This initiative marks the first time Project ECHO has expanded its opioid overdose prevention training to directly engage the general public, going beyond its traditional audience of health care, public health, education and criminal justice professionals.
Project ECHO has long been at the forefront of addressing the opioid crisis, providing free, virtual case-based training and mentorship to ensure that professionals – no matter where they are – have access to the latest knowledge and best practices. By extending this model to community members, the CORE program will equip more people with life-saving skills, enhancing naloxone awareness and harm reduction efforts across New Mexico.
“Empowering communities with education and resources is at the heart of Project ECHO’s mission,” David Selvage says, Project ECHO’s CORE program director. “This collaboration is a pivotal step in extending our reach beyond professionals to directly engage the public in life-saving efforts.”
The CORE program offers twice-a-month virtual sessions, open to everyone in New Mexico, including community members, health care professionals, educators and concerned citizens. Participants will receive education and training to understand opioids and addiction, harm reduction strategies, naloxone administration and how to connect with local support networks. Health care providers participating in the program are eligible for continuing education credits.
Anyone in New Mexico interested in receiving CORE training can register through the iECHO portal, Project ECHO’s proprietary platform. During registration, individuals can request free harm reduction supplies, including naloxone, which will be mailed upon completion of the training.
“The CORE program is about keeping people safe, healthy and alive,” Bernie Lieving said, a Santa Fe-based public health social worker and overdose prevention educator who serves as a CORE hub team member, facilitator and presenter. “We know substance use exists, and our response should be grounded in dignity, respect and harm reduction.”
Other hub team members include stakeholders from Bernalillo County and advisory board members from the New Mexico Department of Health, ensuring the program reaches communities most impacted by the crisis.
“By equipping communities with naloxone training and harm reduction resources, we are empowering people to take care of one another with compassion and understanding,” Lieving said.
The CORE program builds upon the New Mexico Health Care Authority’s ongoing initiatives to expand access to opioid addiction treatment and overdose prevention.
Notably, the state has enhanced its opioid use medication-assisted treatment locator map to include both in-person and telehealth services, improving accessibility for residents statewide. The CORE program complements these efforts by focusing on preventive education and equipping individuals with the tools to respond effectively to overdoses.
About Project ECHO
Founded in 2003, Project ECHO is a global, not-for-profit organization, headquartered at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. ECHO empowers practitioners in rural and underserved areas to reduce disparities and improve the well-being of people in the communities where they live. ECHO’s low-cost virtual mentoring model addresses some of the world’s greatest challenges in clinical medicine and public health.
About the New Mexico Health Care Authority
The New Mexico Health Care Authority is committed to ensuring that all New Mexicans have access to quality, affordable health care and essential services that support overall well-being. HCA administers Medicaid, behavioral health initiatives and a range of safety net programs to address social determinants of health. Through partnerships with communities, providers, and organizations statewide, HCA works to improve health equity and strengthen the health care system for all.
About Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,800 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.
The CORE program provides free, virtual training on naloxone administration and harm reduction strategies for everyone in New Mexico. Courtesy photo