Native American Subcommittee (NASC)

Native American Subcommittee (NASC)

New Mexico Behavioral Health Planning Council (NMBHPC)

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Planning Council (NMBHPC) was established in statute to serve as the statewide advisory body for behavioral health. By law, at least 51% of its membership is comprised of consumers of behavioral health services and family representatives, ensuring that lived experience informs decision-making.

The Council’s primary role is to advise the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative (Collaborative) on policies, programs, and funding decisions, and to provide input on all Collaborative-related initiatives. The NMBHPC remains committed to this statutory advisory role.

Subcommittee Structure

To strengthen its work, the Council maintains five statutory subcommittees, each meeting monthly to advance the goals of the Collaborative and to provide specialized recommendations. These include the Adult, Child & Adolescent, Medicaid, Substance Abuse, and Native American Subcommittees.

Native American Subcommittee (NASC)

The Native American Subcommittee (NASC) plays a central role in ensuring that the unique needs of New Mexico’s Tribes, Nations, Pueblos, and urban Native communities are addressed within the state’s behavioral health system. The Indian Affairs Department co-chairs the NASC and actively participates in its initiatives.

Mission

To assure excellence in behavioral health services for all Native American people in New Mexico.

Leadership

The NASC is co-chaired by the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) and an elected non-state agency Council member. This structure ensures both state-level coordination and direct community representation.

Membership

Each active Native American local collaborative appoints a representative who must meet one of the following criteria:

1. A Native American individual;
2. A person representing a tribal program or administration; or
3. A family member of a Native American.

MEETINGS