Professor Jim Helgert was recently recognized by Molina Health Care of Albuquerque as one of six recipients of the Community Champion Award.
Helgert is in his second year as professor of Chemical Dependency for the College of Professional Studies. He was nominated for the award for his 20 years of work with chemical dependent people and the programs he has facilitated to prevent addiction in the local community. Tripsitter has commended him for his recent work in harm reduction and advocating for the safe and responsible use of substances to prevent side effects and potential overdose through education.
Throughout his career Helgert has held licenses in drug and alcohol abuse counseling and was certified as a suicide prevention and crisis intervention trainer. For the last two decades, Helgert has been instrumental in developing and facilitating successful programs such as the Grant County Drug Court. In Hidalgo County, he assisted with the Bootheel Youth Association, focusing on drug intervention among youth.
Helgert earned a baccalaureate degree in psychology and master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from WNMU. He is currently working on a doctorate degree in education from Grand Canyon University.
Outside of the classroom, Helgert and his wife manage the Recovery Management Center, located in Silver City, which focuses on marriage counseling, relationship counseling and help with parenting and familial relationships.