PRESS RELEASE
J. Austin Munn. 2024, “BernCo CARE Campus Program Wins National Award.” Bernalillo County, July 7, 2024
Bernalillo County – BernCo CARE Campus’ “Peer Living Room” program has been honored with a 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its innovative approach to providing vital services to residents. Launched in October 2022, the Peer Living Room offers a safe space for individuals to de-escalate situations and receive case management support from peer counselors and professional staff. NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding county government programs that strengthen communities.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this national recognition,” said Behavioral Health Services Director Jessica Jaramillo-Salazar “The Peer Living Room has made a significant impact in our community by providing a safe and supportive environment for those in need. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and the positive outcomes we strive to achieve every day.”
The Peer Living Room is designed to be a warm and welcoming environment with comfortable living room furniture and soft lighting. It is located on the south side of the CARE campus and has a private entrance separated from other programs. The Peer Living Room program provides various resources, including crisis intervention, support from peer counselors with personal experience managing mental illness, and intervention from professional counselors who teach de-escalation skills and develop safety plans. Additionally, the “Living Room” offers referrals for emergency housing, health care, food, and mental health services, and helps individuals identify and connect with community resources.
For more information about BernCo’s Peer Living Room program, click here.
BernCo’s CARE Campus offers direct care programs for alcoholism, substance use, and mental health conditions, including detox, residential aftercare, and crisis stabilization. Services are provided regardless of financial capability.
About Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.
