Behavioral Healthcare

I believe the root of many of our problems (crime, opioid deaths, substance abuse, domestic violence, and child abuse) is a lack of quality Behavioral Healthcare. Investments in Behavioral Healthcare can pay benefits to society in many ways. Healthy attitudes create a happier, more well-adjusted society.

The recent events triggered by George Floyd’s death during his arrest show that we need to make more investments in Behavioral Healthcare. I support the actions of Mayor Tim Keller of Albuquerque to address the issue. Albuquerque became one of the first cities in the nation to create a third branch of first responders – alongside police and fire departments - to deliver a civilian public health approach to public safety. The Albuquerque Community Safety department sends the right resource to the right call—especially where a social worker or trained professional can connect people with the services they need. I also support banning chokeholds, requiring body-worn cameras, and creating a centralized process to report and track use of force incidents in a transparent way.

Many police advocates are pushing for better funding of behavioral healthcare systems because the police cannot take the place of healthcare professionals. Read IACP Statement on 'Defunding the Police'

I will listen to behavioral healthcare providers and experts to better understand how to improve the system.