BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – The Metropolitan Detention Center will soon need a new medical provider for its inmates. Bernalillo County and the University of New Mexico Hospital said they have decided to end their partnership. The county and UNMH entered their professional services agreement back in 2023, but opted not to renew the contract when it expires next year.
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The county said it was the first time they had worked with local health care provider, and it came at a critical time. “We really needed UNM, and they really stepped in at a time in our probably greatest need. It was post-COVID at the height of when everything was changing, and we needed something different, and so they really stepped in,” said Adriann Barboa, Bernalillo County Commissioner.
Commissioner Barboa said both MDC and UNMH mutually decided to end their agreement last Friday, and the partnership was never intended to be permanent. She says the partnership was crucial at a time when they couldn’t rely on national groups to provide care at MDC. Right now, the hospital provides 24-hour medical, dental, and behavioral health services to thousands of inmates. The county said they will now work with UNMH over the next year to support a smooth transition to a new healthcare services provider.
Commissioner Barboa said these past few years have helped both parties see where they can improve…