Welcome to the February Newsletter, even though it is almost March 🙂
Over the past month or so I became more involved in the legislative process in New Mexico than I have ever been. In the past I have come away from any involvement with the legislative process feeling overwhelmed and helpless. From my perspective it is truly a miracle that anything gets done in the Roundhouse. It is chaotic, aggressive and all a game that most of us do not know how to play. I’m shocked any time that advocacy works its way into a bill, and even more so if that bill gets to the Governor’s desk.
Me looking ALL serious outside the capitol building. Also called the Roundhouse.
My advocacy this session was primarily focused on HB179, which would have created an excise tax on alcohol sales. The money generated from that tax would go directly to fund prevention and treatment of addiction problems in our state. My colleague Sindy Sacoman reached out to me to see if I would be willing to provide testimony when the bill goes before various committees. My first attempt in the House Health and Services Committee fizzled out because they did not call on me as I waited on Zoom. Thankfully it sailed right through that phase and landed in the Taxation and Revenue Committee, where it seemed to be dead on arrival. I was nervous and excited to testify in the Tax and Rev committee, this was a bill that could really make a difference in New Mexico. Did you know that NM leads the nation in alcohol related deaths since 1997 and has ranked 1st, 2nd, or 3rd since 1981?!
At the hearing it was clear that there were two distinct sides to this issue. On my side were actual experts in behavioral health, public health, public policy and community members who have been harmed/devastated by alcohol. On the other side were the alcohol industry, restaurant industry and oil/gas industry. Our testimonies were well informed, articulate and passionate. The other sides testimony was short and sweet and repeated the refrain, “why should responsible drinkers have to pay for irresponsible ones?” This statement is testament to the lack of understanding that side has regarding addiction and its ties poverty, trauma, and intergenerational abuses.
The bill did not pass the committee with a 4 yes and 6 no vote.
Am I still feeling overwhelmed and helpless with the legislative process? A bit, but now you can add angry and determined to that set of adjectives. I will be back next year, all dressed up and armed with talking points, a water bottle and chapstick (all things I found out I really needed if I was going to hang out at the Roundhouse all day).
-Brian Serna
PS-To watch an extended interview that I did at the Roundhouse with a local, independent news podcast click on the image below.
The Serna Solutions table at Behavioral Health Day with Magda and Valeria holding it down.
Me reconnecting with my graduate school peeps, Paul Chavez (State of the Heart Recovery and Lisa Jackson (Envive Solutions).
We are thrilled to announce that Serna Solutions LLC is eligible for nomination as the best mental health care provider in the Santa Fe Reporter awards. Your trust and support have been instrumental in shaping our commitment to mental health excellence in our community. We kindly invite you to nominate us, allowing our dedication to compassionate care and innovative solutions to be recognized. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on mental health and well-being in Santa Fe. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and belief in our mission.
Staff Feature – Mary Evans, LPCC, Santa Fe
Mary Evans, MA, LPCC, C-DBT, was born in the Midwest but has called Santa Fe home for nearly 25 years. Mary has a bachelor’s degree in theater and music from Drake University and has worked as an actress, musician, dance teacher, and manager for many years. She returned to school to pursue her master’s degree in 2011, with a desire to work directly with people to help improve their lives. She graduated from Southwestern College in 2014 and interned at Las Cumbres Community Services, where she was introduced to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and remained a part of their consultation team for six years.
I’ve worked with Serna Solutions for the past six years and am an adolescent therapy program supervisor. I’m also a certified DBT provider and have trained in Motivational Interviewing, CRA and CRAFT, Internal Family Systems, Circle of Security, and Infant Mental Health. My approach values the client as the expert on their lives and uses their strengths to help them achieve their goals in a validating, compassionate, and supportive environment. I have two sons I’m enormously proud of and continue to engage in making music in and around Santa Fe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter, please take a moment to follow us on social media and stay tuned for next month’s newsletter!