August 25, 2025
Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH) is excited to announce that it received a $100,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM).
This grant will help AHCH expand access to its innovative group-based Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for people experiencing homelessness living with substance use disorders (SUD).
“Treatment works — it can cut the risk of death in half — and people are asking for it because they want to live healthier, safer lives. Expanding access to treatment (including Suboxone) is one of the most effective tools we have to address the fentanyl crisis. We are committed to making sure every person who uses substances can get the life-saving, life-changing care our community needs and deserves. We’re so thankful BCBSNM feels the same way and is investing in this critical service in our community.” Kate Morton, PharmD, PhC, Chief Clinical Officer, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless.
The Blue Impact funding will enable AHCH to meet the growing demand for MAT services, which have seen a 66% increase in utilization over the past three years. MAT combines medications, such as Suboxone, with behavioral therapies—an evidence-based approach proven to be transformative for individuals with SUD. For people experiencing homelessness, MAT can be a crucial first step toward stability, health, and recovery, often opening the door to additional resources and support.
In 2024, AHCH implemented a group-based MAT care model to increase efficiency and reach more clients. In this model, a single provider delivers care and prescriptions to up to 25 participants at once, fostering community support and reducing barriers to access. Early results show a more than 50% increase in unique encounters and a 30% increase in continued prescription refills compared to the six months prior to launch.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), AHCH provides integrated primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care, along with supportive social services, to 5,000 people experiencing homelessness annually. Its Patient-Centered Medical Home model, guided by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), combines on-site services with extensive street outreach via transdisciplinary teams.
With this generous support, AHCH will expand its group-based Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services to serve 50% more clients, increase long-term engagement in care by 33%, and collect data to evaluate impact, improve treatment adherence, and demonstrate sustainability through Medicaid reimbursement.
BCBSNM’s Blue Impact grant initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and collaborate with community organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs addressing the social and economic factors affecting health and wellness in New Mexico. AHCH’s mission to lead boldly, create exceptional health care experiences, and raise voices to end homelessness aligns with Blue Impact’s vision to improve health outcomes across the state.
