***Please share with all public health/behavioral health related list serves in New Mexico***

Dear Friends,
As many of you know, our behavioral health system is undergoing significant changes.  On June 24, 2013, the state reported 15 community based non-profit mental health agencies had their Medicaid funding frozen due to "credible" allegations of fraud.  The state reported they had conducted an audit, but would not release the details of the audit due to investigation by the attorney general.  Since that time, corporations from Arizona have been brought in to take over our local behavioral health provider agencies. 
We need your help collecting the stories of people being impacted by this transition.  All stories are critical to ensuring this issue is brought to national attention and people receiving services get their needs met.  We especially need people who work in the communities that have already undergone transition to the Arizona companies to let people who use services and their families know that their voices matter.  If you know of anybody who has had a loss or reduction in their behavioral health services, or if you know of anybody experiencing  an increase in anxiety or other symptoms due to this transition, please encourage them to share their stories in one of the following ways. 
If people would like to type their story online (either with their name, or anonymously), they can follow this link to a simple survey and we will ensure the stories get to the appropriate people:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6CDWLHQ
People can also write to Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
CMSRODALDMCH@cms.hhs.gov
Bill Brooks  214-767-4461
Additionally, people can contact the New Mexico State Auditor’s office to let them know their story:  http://www.saonm.org/
People who receive Medicaid funded services who have lost services can call OptumHealth at 866-660-7185 and tell them they need immediate care coordination

Anybody in crisis can contact the state crisis and access line at 1-555-662-7474

Thanks!
Sarah Couch
Gay Finlayson 
For people on facebook, please like our page for updated information on how to advocate for and support our community during this trying time.
www.facebook.com/nmrising