How could the county's new healthcare models for MDC affect Albuquerque?
New MDC healthcare models may shift local demand and costs for medical services in Albuquerque Bernalillo County is reviewing four healthcare models for Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) following the University of New Mexico Hospital's decision not to renew its contract. The county's proposed solutions involve significant investment, including up to $92 million for facility improvements and a reentry continuum campus, and a major operational shift. This restructuring requires hiring and training medical staff and establishing new services, which could alter the demand and operational costs for medical and support services within Albuquerque, the county seat.
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University of New Mexico Hospital declined to renew its four-year contract providing healthcare services to MDC. In response, Bernalillo County officials presented four different healthcare models to county commissioners. These options address a crisis at MDC, which has faced repeated federal findings of unconstitutional healthcare and high inmate deaths.
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The recommended model requires the county to serve as system leader and accountable authority, necessitating investments of up to $92 million for facility improvements, such as intake facilities and a reentry continuum campus. Furthermore, the county must address staffing shortages by hiring and training medical staff, which will impact the local labor market and demand for medical services in Albuquerque.
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city and county seat of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, United States and the largest city in the state
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- The University of New Mexico Hospital declined to renew its four-year contract with MDC.abqjournal.com
- The county's transition alone would cost around $36 million in funding from the county’s reserve.abqjournal.com
- Investments of up to $92 million were proposed, including $50 million for intake facilities.abqjournal.com
- The county officials are concerned about staffing amid a nationwide nurse shortage.abqjournal.com
Why it matters
The crisis at MDC is severe, marked by dozens of inmate deaths in recent years and repeated federal findings of unconstitutional healthcare. The county is facing a massive financial and operational challenge, with preliminary four-year costs ranging from $134 million to $152 million for the various options. The county is also criticizing requirements of the 2017 McClendon settlement agreement, which has made providing care more difficult.
This situation is part of a broader community issue, as Commissioner Eric Olivas noted that the county is paying for the crisis in the community, specifically mentioning the fentanyl crisis and tragic situations in the jail and on the streets. The county is actively seeking to address these issues through prevention and upfront investment.
What we don't know yet
- What specific healthcare model will the county commissioners select on October 27?
- How will the county secure the necessary funding streams, including asks of the state Legislature?
Is this still moving?
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Reporting
- abqjournal.comOct 15
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