SENATE BILL 298

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR DRUG OVERDOSE PREVENTION, EDUCATION AND HARM REDUCTION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. One million dollars ($1,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the department of health for expenditure in fiscal year 2014 to fund drug overdose prevention, education and harm reduction services. These funds shall be used for:

                (1) additional hours of contract services, including nurse services, to provide overdose prevention education and to dispense naloxone at medical agencies and other community-based organizations that provide syringe exchange services;

                (2) the hiring of two full-time health educator positions for the harm reduction program to promote overdose prevention activities, including training of staff and community partners on distribution and use of naloxone as well as recruiting and expanding partner locations to deliver these services; and

                (3) the purchase of harm reduction supplies.

          B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2014 shall revert to the general fund.

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