Albuquerque, Bernalillo County look to improve public access to social services

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) –  The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County have collaborated on a new initiative to better connect residents with social services. The city and county partnered with Unite Us to “streamline the referral process for resources such as food, housing, and behavioral health services.

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The city and county began working with Unite Us in April and aim to launch the new system later this summer.

How the system works:

  • Identification of Needs: Healthcare providers and community organizations can screen residents for social needs such as food insecurity or housing instability.

  • Secure Referrals: If needs are identified, electronic referrals are securely sent to appropriate organizations through Unite Us’ certified, HIPPA-compliant platform.

  • Closing the Loop: Service providers update the platform with the referral outcome, ensuring referring organizations are aware of the support provided.

“The more our provider network is connected digitally, the more we’ll be able to see community members get the help they need in a variety of areas without having to repeat their story,” City of Albuquerque Health, Housing, and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez said in a news release. “We’ll also gain valuable insight into where service gaps still exist.

Unite Us is already used by Dona Ana County, Santa Fe County, and Presbyterian Health Services.

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