Public Administration ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 11-15-2018

Abstract

Throughout the last decade or so, Opioid related fatalities are at all-time high in the United States. New Mexico’s problem with Opioids abuse in not a new phenomenon and a large number of New Mexicans are losing their lives almost on a daily basis. The paper highlights the alarming situation of overdose deaths caused specifically by the abuse of Prescription Opioids and Heroin which, in 2016 alone have taken 347 lives in New Mexico. Policy makers along with other stakeholders play a vital part in shaping the politics along with other interventions which can help tackle the epidemic. The paper provides analysis of state policies along with other initiatives taken to tackle the Opioids epidemic in New Mexico. After an in-depth analysis of the situation in the state, the paper will conduct strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of possible interventions and policies aimed at addressing rising overdose deaths caused by Prescription Opioids and Heroin. Recommended interventions include, Creation of Prescription Opioids and Heroin crisis Action Team, Implementation of Alternative to Opiates program within the healthcare setting, Heroin Assisted Treatments as well as considering Opioid Use Disorder as a qualifying condition for accessing Medical Cannabis. Rising unnatural deaths caused by this epidemic is severe and all the stakeholders in New Mexico must call for desperate measures to deal with such desperate times.

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Kate Cartwright

Second Committee Member

Agustin Leon-Moreta

Third Committee Member

James Pendergast

Language

English

Keywords

Prescription Opioids, Heroin, New Mexico, Overdose

Document Type

Thesis

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electronic-release.pdf (1002 kB)
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