RELEASE: Overdose deaths declined in New Mexico again

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2025

Overdose deaths declined in New Mexico again

SANTA FE – New Mexico mortality data show a decrease in drug overdose deaths statewide for the second consecutive year since 2021.

Overdose deaths have declined 8% statewide since 2021 when the number of overdose deaths peaked at 1,029 deaths, according to data compiled by the epidemiology team at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).

In 2022, New Mexico had 997 overdose deaths. That number has fallen to 948 overdose deaths in 2023.

“These decreases are welcome news, but there is still much more to do to reduce the problem of substance misuse in New Mexico,” said NMDOH Interim Secretary Gina DeBlassie . “Substance misuse is a multifaceted and complex public health issue, and we need to continue to aggressively attack this problem.”

Fentanyl was involved in 65% of overdose deaths in 2023. Methamphetamine involvement also remains high and was involved in 51% of overdose deaths.

In 2023, most overdose deaths (84%) occurred among New Mexicans aged 25-64 years, with 26% of overdose deaths occurring in the 35-44 years age group.

Less than ten drug overdose deaths occurred among individuals younger than 15 years or older than 75 years.

Counties that had both a high number of overdose deaths (>20 deaths) and an overdose death rate greater than the statewide age-adjusted rate (46.3 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2023 include Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel.

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NMHealth

Robert Nott , Communications Director | robert.nott@doh.nm.gov | (505) 479-0147

NMHealth works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, DOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.

New Mexico Department of Health | 1190 S St Francis Dr | Santa Fe, NM 87505 US

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