DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. – (KFOX14/CBS4) — Dona Ana County commissioners on Tuesday approved an emergency contract worth nearly $4.5 million for mental health services at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.
The emergency procurement contract was awarded to Thrive Medical Services LLC.
This comes after the detention center’s current health provider, YesCare, declared bankruptcy in May.
“Health care services for our detainees at the Detention Center is a big priority for us,” Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez said. “By approving this emergency procurement, we are able to continue these services while we look for a more permanent solution.”
Dona Ana County said it went with Thrive Medical Services after it was identified as the most cost-effective option with one of the shortest turnaround times for taking over operations at the Detention Center.
The contract will be effective immediately, during which Thrive Medical Services will work with YesCare to transition into its full-time role at the Detention Center within four to ten days. In the meantime, the County is working to secure a permanent medical provider.
Commissioners also said they want more transparency and communication from the county jail, including updates on services, reports and any incidents involving detainees.
“I know moving forward, reports at the BOCC meetings are going to quell my fears, my questions and concerns, so if we could just move forward on that,” Commissioner Susana Chaparro said.
RELATED: Doña Ana County to pay back wages to detention center health care contractor staff
Previously, it was reported that on May 15, during an emergency meeting, the Doña Ana Board of County Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Agreement between Doña Ana County and YesCare Corporation to cover past-due wages owed to YesCare employees working at the Doña Ana County Detention Center.
Under the agreement, the county will pay outstanding wages to YesCare employees assigned to the detention center who were scheduled to be paid on May 8.
RECOMMENDED: Doña Ana County begins fixes after audit flags 42 issues
YesCare was originally contracted in November 2024 to provide health care and mental health services at the Doña Ana Detention Center.
The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 8.
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.