About the Opioid Settlement Fund
New Mexico has been deeply affected by the national opioid crisis. In 2021, more than 1,000 New Mexicans lost their lives to drug overdoses, including 57 deaths in Doña Ana County. Fentanyl and methamphetamine have now surpassed prescription opioids and heroin as the leading cause of overdose deaths.
As part of nationwide legal settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies, the City of Las Cruces has received a share of settlement funds. These funds must be used for evidenced-based treatment, prevention, and recovery programs that address opioid use disorder (OUD) and related mental health conditions.
The City is investing these dollars locally to strengthen treatment access, support recovery, and prevent addiction before it begins.
Funding Overview: Opioid Settlement Fund – FY2026
Total Available Funding: $2,000,000
- Category I – Treatment and Recovery: up to $1,500,000
- Category II – Prevention: up to $500,000
Estimated Number of Awards: 5-10
Application Deadline: Monday, December 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. MDT
Project Period: March 1, 2026—February 29, 2028
Questions Due: November 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
Program Goals
The City’s funding aligns with five key goals:- Improve access to treatment and MOUD services
- Identify opioid use disorders through universal screening
- Incorporate harm reduction into healthcare and treatment settings
- Strengthen the continuum of care for individuals in transitioning between treatment and recovery
- Prevent opioid use in children and youth by addressing risk factors
Funding Categories and Objectives
Funds in this category may be used to expand access to treatment and recovery supports, especially in high-impact settings like hospitals, emergency departments, and behavioral health centers. Objectives include expanding access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorders (MOUD), increasing the number of providers authorized to prescribe MOUD, strengthening care coordination during transitions, supporting warm handoffs during transitions, and enhancing recovery support and follow-up after overdose and withdrawal events.
Funds in this category may be used to prevent opioid use and addiction before it begins, particularly among children and youth. Objectives include expanding screening and early identification of opioid use risk, embedding universal screening tools in healthcare and school settings, preventing opioid use among justice-involved youth or those in care systems, reducing adverse childhood experiences, and increasing the number of families receiving support and treatment services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes
Yes
Yes
