SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A legislative report faults state government for doing a poor job of providing mental health and substance abuse services to needy New Mexicans.
A Legislative Finance Committee report released Wednesday says New Mexico doesn't know whether more than $200 million for behavioral health services for adults is going for effective programs.
The report estimates only 11 percent of state spending is for programs that are proven effective based on research.
New Mexico has high rates of suicide and deaths from drug overdose and alcohol abuse.
Human Services spokesman Matt Kennicott said in a statement there was a 30 percent increase in the number of people receiving behavioral health services in the last budget year. He said the state supports the use of "evidence-based practices" as recommended by the legislative report.