SW New Mexico News

Las Cruces City Council and Dona Ana County Commissioners held a joint work session on March 10, 2025, to discuss updates on ambulance services and opioid settlement funds. Stephen Lopez, assistant county manager, and Brad Douglas, city attorney, presented information about the ambulance service provided by American Medical Response (AMR). The City contracts with AMR for ambulance services while the County leases its ambulance license to AMR.

The City and County allege that AMR has not met response-time standards consistently. "In the last quarter of 2024, Dona Ana County Fire Rescue had to transfer an average of 225 patients each month because AMR was unable to do so," Lopez stated. Due to this arrangement, the county missed out on billing insurance companies approximately $1.4 million annually.

Douglas noted that calls failing to meet response-time requirements are subject to liquidated damages payable at the fiscal year's end. Current alleged damages amount to $450,000 for Quarter 1, $973,000 for Quarter 2, and $867,000 for Quarter 3. "2,607 calls for service in Quarter 2 were considered late," Douglas explained. While AMR can contest these claims, they have only requested exemption for 283 calls from Quarter 2.

The City's contract administrator may declare a material breach if public health and safety are endangered. If so, AMR will be given an opportunity to address the issue. An emergency takeover clause exists if non-compliance persists for six months within a year; then the Ambulance Oversight Committee can recommend that the City assume operations of AMR services within 72 hours.

City attorneys plan to send a letter to AMR asking how they intend to address response time issues. If necessary, the City and County will prepare to manage ambulance services themselves. The agreement allows AMR to terminate without cause by July 1, 2025.

Councilors and commissioners also received an update on anticipated opioid settlement funds following nationwide settlements in 2021 involving pharmaceutical distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson, as well as manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., and its parent company Johnson & Johnson. These entities agreed to pay substantial amounts over several years as part of litigation resolutions.

Dona Ana County is set to receive about $14.5 million while Las Cruces will receive $9.8 million from these settlements. An advisory council recommended focusing on four core strategies: medication-assisted treatment; warm hand-off programs/recovery services; prevention programs; data collection and research.

Both governing boards must decide how best to utilize these funds or establish a trust fund for management purposes.

Additionally discussed was an update on Las Cruces Museums’ Master Plan presented by Quality of Life Director Carol Brey and Deputy Director Garland Courts highlighting achievements such as increased exhibits focused on borderland issues since completing their Master Plan in 2021.

Las Cruces Museums reported over 125k visitors attending exhibits/programs during last year alone indicating steady growth since implementing new initiatives under guidance from New Mexico State University collaborations among others like NASA/Bureau Land Management partnerships showcasing important regional topics/events attracting diverse audiences interested in learning more about southern New Mexico culture/history through interactive displays/educational opportunities available throughout various museum locations across town!

Upcoming events include next week's regular meeting scheduled March17th at Council Chambers located downtown main street area where additional discussions expected covering wide range topics affecting community residents/businesses alike!