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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Lawmakers are trying to postpone the closure of New Mexico's only major treatment program for adolescent addicts.
The Albuquerque Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2a7tVEi) that several legislators intend to send a letter next week to the state Department of Human Services asking the treatment facility at Turquoise Lodge Hospital stay open through Sept. 23.
That is when state officials are scheduled to discuss the closure of the 20-bed program with the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee.
Advocates say teens with severe substance abuse issues will be left on their own.
Department of Health spokesman Kenny Vigil says the agency will close the program next month as planned.
In a written response, Vigil says an analysis shows there is a greater demand at the facility for adults.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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