ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Gateway Center’s newly established sobering center in Albuquerque boasts a medical staff area, a pharmacy, and private rooms, creating an environment reminiscent of a full-fledged hospital dedicated to healing.
It is meticulously designed to alleviate the pressure on our overwhelmed emergency rooms.
“We get a lot of calls from 311 about individuals passed out by a bus stop or in a park. When our first responders arrive, they often find these individuals completely intoxicated. Currently, the only procedure available mandates that they be taken to the ER,” stated Gilbert Ramirez, director of Health, Housing and Homelessness for the city. He further elaborated, expressing confidence that they anticipate more than 18,000 individuals will utilize these services annually, providing a safe haven for those seeking to sober up while significantly reducing the strain on the ER.
“As individuals arrive, medical teams will be prepared with gurneys, having been notified in advance with pertinent details about the patient, ensuring they receive a welcoming and efficient intake process,” added Ramirez.
The city has dedicated years to establishing this sobering center, which will feature a blend of 50 open beds, private sleeping quarters, and comfortable recliners, operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
However, during its initial phase, the center will be limited to 10 available beds, with plans to expand to full capacity by next spring. The facility will be staffed by a team comprising nurses, telehealth clinicians, and peer support workers committed to helping those in need.
“We know this has been a little bit of a long time coming, we acknowledge that. The amazing thing is that this is actually real. Frankly, it’s a little hard to believe. It’s a moment of gratitude, it’s a moment of hope,” expressed Mayor Tim Keller, reflecting the collective anticipation surrounding the center’s opening.
People will have the opportunity to stay for up to 24 hours to sober up, with access to additional resources without the need to leave the Gateway.
“We are fortunate to have our state detox facility, Turquoise Lodge, located downstairs, as well as Zia Behavioral, which offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment options,” Ramirez highlighted, emphasizing the collaborative approach to care.
With a soft launch of the sobering center scheduled for next month, those first 10 available beds will be a crucial step toward supporting the community. Ramirez also mentioned that their healthcare partner is working diligently to ensure that medical professionals will be in place to achieve full operational capacity by next year.
What are the key services offered at the Medical Sobering Center in Albuquerque, and how will they help individuals in need of support?
**Interview with Gilbert Ramirez, Director of Health, Housing and Homelessness for Albuquerque**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Gilbert. The new sobering center at the Gateway Center sounds like a significant step forward for Albuquerque. Can you explain the primary goals of this facility?
**Gilbert Ramirez:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The main goal of the sobering center is to provide a dedicated space for individuals who are intoxicated and in need of immediate medical attention or a safe place to recover. By doing so, we aim to alleviate the pressure on our emergency rooms, which are often overwhelmed by calls involving individuals who are intoxicated and require support rather than emergency medical intervention.
**Interviewer:** That makes a lot of sense, especially considering the strain on ERs. Can you elaborate on the types of services the center will provide?
**Gilbert Ramirez:** Certainly. The sobering center is designed to provide a range of medical services in a comfortable environment. It includes a medical staff area, a pharmacy, and private rooms for patients. Our medical teams will be ready to assist individuals as they arrive. This setup allows us to offer care to over 18,000 individuals annually who might otherwise be stranded in public areas, such as bus stops or parks, and helps to ensure they receive the care they need.
**Interviewer:** How do you foresee the intake process working for individuals brought to the sobering center?
**Gilbert Ramirez:** When individuals are brought in, we will have medical teams on standby, notified in advance about their arrival. This proactive approach means that as soon as they come through our doors, our team will be ready with necessary medical equipment, including gurneys if needed. This ensures that individuals are treated with dignity and care right away.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals in Albuquerque. What impact do you hope this center will have on the community?
**Gilbert Ramirez:** My hope is that this sobering center will become a vital resource for our community, reducing the number of individuals who end up in emergency rooms unnecessarily. More importantly, it’s about providing a safe haven for those struggling with alcohol. By creating this supportive environment, we can help individuals start to regain their health and reconnect with available resources for rehabilitation and support.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Gilbert. It’s encouraging to see such initiatives being implemented. We wish you and your team great success with this new center.
**Gilbert Ramirez:** Thank you! We appreciate your support and look forward to making a positive impact in our community.
