In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the ongoing opioid crisis and the allocation of settlement funds aimed at addressing the issue. Athena Huckaby, a public health professional and member of the opioid settlement advisory council, highlighted the council's monthly meetings and the upcoming session on November 4th, where they plan to outline potential funding programs and metrics for measuring their success.

Huckaby emphasized the importance of considering harm reduction strategies, including the possibility of establishing overdose prevention centers, although she noted that this specific topic had not been a primary focus of their discussions thus far. She expressed hope that the council's recommendations would be comprehensive and aligned with community needs.

Council members raised questions regarding the legal implications of implementing such harm reduction strategies. Mayor Pro Tem and legal advisors discussed the potential liability issues and the need for robust state legislation to support overdose prevention centers. They referenced New York City's experience with similar initiatives, suggesting that local officials could benefit from their insights on navigating legal risks.

The conversation underscored a growing recognition of the urgency to address the opioid epidemic, with council members advocating for bold actions and collaborative efforts with county partners. They acknowledged previous legislative attempts in New Mexico to promote harm reduction strategies, noting that while these efforts had not yet succeeded, there was momentum for future discussions.

Public comments reflected community concerns about drug use in local parks, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to improve public safety and the environment. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring harm reduction strategies and to engage the community in future discussions on the opioid crisis.