About | Rachhs

About RACHHS

In 1997, upon discovering a growing and seemingly localized opioid epidemic Rio Arriba County established the Rio Arriba Health and Human Services (RAHHS), the first county-run health and human services department in the state of New Mexico. It serves all county residents, but staff specifically reach out to individuals experiencing substance use disorder who have survived overdose at the local hospital, and to individuals presenting with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are identified at the jail, by law-enforcement, or before a court.

RAHHS has led innovative programs and ways of providing services to the community where jail diversion is at every intercept point through a county-led network of provider agencies connected through outcome-based case management.

The department developed county capacity to support Adult Day Care, substance and opioid use disorder treatment and case management through Medicaid.

Meet the Team

Our professional team is dedicated to the

health and well-being of all Rio Arriba County Residents

Project Manager

Andrea M. Lucero

Andrea M. Lucero is the Project Manager for the SAMHSA Naloxone Enhancement Program at the Health and Human Services Department. In her role, she leads efforts to train community members on the administration of Naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. She also coordinates with first responders and various community sectors, providing essential training and resources to ensure they are equipped to carry and administer Naloxone. Andrea is dedicated to enhancing public health and safety through education and resource provision.

Community Health Worker

Edwina Romero

Edwina Romero has dedicated 20 years to serving Rio Arriba County in various roles and is currently a certified Community Health Worker. In her position, she advocates for and supports individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges, striving to help her clients lead productive, healthy lives. Additionally, Edwina conducts outreach to gather vital data from community members, ensuring that services are tailored to meet the needs of the surrounding communities.

Case Manager

Kyla M. Medina

Kyla M. Medina serves as a Case Manager for Rio Arriba County Health and Human Services. She works closely with the TA Detention Center, helping incarcerated individuals secure placements in treatment facilities and supporting their reintegration into society. Committed to public health, Kyla also conducts outreach across Rio Arriba County, educating and training people on the use of naloxone.

CCHW, CPSW

Katrina Padilla

Katrina Padilla is from the Pueblo of Santa Clara (Kha’ P’O’ Owingeh) and lives there with her two beautiful children. Having been in recovery for over 8 years, Katrina has devoted her time and energy to helping others who are seeking and struggling with recovery. She is currently working on the NACCHO grant as a Peer Support Worker and collaborates with Judge Lidyard’s Pre-Trial Services. In her role, Katrina connects clients with resources, treatment, or medical providers to address both their short-term and long-term needs.

Case Manager

Cruz Anaya

Cruz Anaya has been a resident of Espanola for 10 years. Using lived experience as a foundation, Cruz collaborates with the Judge and works with the courts to coordinate care for clients, aiming to reduce recidivism. Cruz connects defendants with resources, treatment, or medical providers to address both long-term and short-term needs, advocating and providing support to make a meaningful difference in peoples lives.

Case Manager, Peer Support Worker

Mona Serna

Mona Serna is a Case Manager and Peer Support Worker at Rio Arriba Health and Human Services, with over 5 years of experience in peer support and case management. She has a deep commitment to working with people, a passion that has guided her career. Mona’s work is informed by her extensive background in substance abuse and recovery, which enables her to connect with clients on a meaningful level. Her favorite part of the job is assisting individuals by linking them to community resources that can enhance their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Outreach Coordinator

Mariah Sandoval

Mariah Sandoval is the Outreach Coordinator for Rio Arriba Health and Human Services. She organizes outreach events throughout Rio Arriba County, ensuring that the community has access to vital resources. Mariah also specializes in enrolling seniors and individuals with disabilities in benefits programs for which they may be eligible. Her work is essential in connecting vulnerable populations with the support they need.

CPSW Project Coordinator

Sixto Aguirre

Sixto Aguirre, a Certified Peer Support Worker with 5 years of experience, currently serves as Project Coordinator. He began his career in a drop-in center, connecting individuals with substance use issues to vital resources. Sixto then became the first CPSW to work within the New Mexico court system, supporting clients with court recommendations and (MAT) programs. He now leads a peer-supported probation program and oversees special projects, focusing on harm reduction and community impact. His goal to teach his clients the necessary tools to get on their feet has made an enormous impact on the community.

Compliance Monitor Tracker/REROUTE/LEAD Case Manager

Melissa Martinez

Melissa has 20 years of experience with Rio Arriba County, specializing in working with individuals aged 18 and older who have co-occurring disorders. As a Compliance Monitor Tracker and LEAD Case Manager, she provides intensive case management and harm reduction services to individuals referred through law enforcement diversions. Her extensive experience and dedication make her a valuable asset in supporting the needs of the community.