Community forum in Las Cruces to focus on addiction, fentanyl

Las Cruces Sun-News - 8/30/2021

LAS CRUCES - Two area businesses are hosting an open house and community forum on Overdose Awareness Day to remember those that have lost their lives to addiction and discuss fentanyl, a new driver behind the opioid crisis.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, fentanyl-related deaths more than doubled in 2020 from the previous year.

The special event will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31 at the Ideal Option clinic at 532 N Telshor Blvd, Suite G.

Ideal Option offers outpatient medication-assisted treatment for addiction. Ideal Option is teaming with Peak Behavioral Health Services, a private hospital that specializes in treatment for mental health and chemical dependency needs, on the event.

The event will kick off with an open house from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. where attendees can enjoy refreshments and learn more about the services provided by Ideal Option, Peak Behavioral Health, the Las Cruces Fire Department, New Mexico Department of Health, Doña Ana County Health and Human Services, the Unified Prevention (UP!) Coalition and ALT Recovery.

More: 14,000 fentanyl pills seized in Eddy County since 2019

At 5:30 p.m., Las Cruces City Councilor Kasandra Gandara will give an official proclamation, talk about the opioid crisis in Las Cruces and introduce speakers. The community forum will be followed by a live Q&A and networking session.

For questions email Ideal Option Senior Marketing Manager Olivia Easly at oliviaeasly@idealoption.net.