Blind criticism not helpful

WHILE I share the Journal’s frustration at the slow pace of building out an adequate behavioral health system in Bernalillo County, I think the fundamental criticism (in an Aug. 11 editorial) is misguided.

It is true that the trip to Tucson three years ago, which I helped organize, illustrated the importance of a well-functioning Crisis Intervention Center. But after making that trip, all of us were very clear that for such a center to work here in Albuquerque, we must first strengthen the care system. This is exactly what Bernalillo County has been doing with the Behavioral Health Initiative funded by a 1/8-ofa-cent gross receipts tax. The implementation strategy, primarily guided by a carefully drawn business plan approved by the County Commission, is being advanced by dedicated staff from the county and the city, and is advised by a diverse group of community volunteers, myself included.

About half of the annual $17 million in receipts has already been allocated for some important parts of the system, which were described. Other new programs are coming on line soon. A Crisis Intervention Center remains an important goal and the search for funds is underway. The Tucson Center required nearly $50 million to build — three times our annual income from the behavioral health tax. What’s more, an efficient governance system for this initiative remains to be established.

Bernalillo County is moving in the right direction. The community needs the Journal’s encouragement, not unfounded criticism, to achieve these important goals as soon as possible.