    [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 10, 2018)]
    [House]
    [Pages H128-H129]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                  {time}  1845
                         NON-METRO AREA AGENCY ON AGING

      (Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico asked and was given
    permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend
    her remarks.)
      Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, a few years
    ago, New Mexico decimated its behavioral health system when it
    terminated nearly every behavioral health provider in the State.
      In fact, thousands of New Mexicans did not have access to medicine,
    counselors, or treatment, increasing their risks of substance abuse,
    health issues, and homelessness.
      Many New Mexicans suffered, were incarcerated, or died because of the
    State's negligence. Today, we are potentially seeing an even more
    catastrophic State-created crisis in the making.
      Just a few weeks ago, the State announced it intended to cancel its
    contract with the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging, which manages and
    oversees critical services like adult daycare, meal services,
    caregiving, transportation, and respite care for vulnerable seniors and
    their families.
      Decimating the current system without public hearings, due process,
    or having a public plan to ensure the continuity of services will
    disrupt these lifesaving safety net programs that serve nearly 80,000
    seniors; and these seniors are going to suffer because of this reckless
    and hasty decision.
      I have written to HHS demanding that they immediately investigate the
    State's negligent behavior.

    [[Page H129]]

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