The city of Clovis, N.M., is looking to build a $44.5 million inpatient mental and behavioral health facility in partnership with Denver-based Initium Health, a public benefit corporation, the Roswell Daily Record reported Nov. 22.
The goal of the new facility is to reduce rising prison populations in the area. It would serve four counties and two municipalities in New Mexico.
It is also expected to have 72 inpatient beds for psychiatric treatment and 24 beds for substance use care.
Kate Bailey, a senior consultant for Initium Health, told the publication the lack of inpatient substance use and mental health care options in the state often lead individuals to travel out of state, where they're quickly released. She said this can often lead to incarceration for these individuals.
Ms. Bailey also said the four counties and two cities incur roughly 588 emergency calls per year related to mental health, overdose or suicide attempts.
Funds for the new facility will come from local counties and cities, national opioid settlements, federal and state grants, private funds, and donations. It is expected to cost $20 million in operational costs its first year, become profitable by its third year and return its initial investment by its fifth year.