Are Santa Fe's Alternative Public Safety Programs in Danger?

What's going on with Santa Fe's alternative public safety programs? The Mobile Integrated Health Office (MIHO) and the Alternative Response Unit (ARU) are programs that are housed within the fire department, and are intended to provide alternative responses to people needing services like medical care, behavioral health care, housing assistance and addiction treatment. Although the programs have a lot of community support, many people within the fire department have been voicing their opposition to the program, claiming that it diverts resources from other emergency services they feel are more of a priority. Although city officials including the Mayor say that the program is not losing any funding or going away, conversations are being had about the future of the program.

If you want to weigh in, the Public Safety Committee meets Tuesday, May 19th at 4pm at City Hall. You can show up in person or contact your city councilors.

Additional footage provided by Little Globe and the Drug Policy Alliance.