Santa Fe Standard

SANTA FE – August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day, an event dedicated to remembering those who have died from drug overdoses and promoting prevention strategies. The day also serves to encourage support and recovery for individuals impacted by substance use and overdose.

"For many New Mexicans, this issue reaches close to home," said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth). "International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to renew our commitment to preventing these tragic deaths. We can all help prevent fatal overdose by knowing the signs and how to respond quickly."

Since 2019, annual survey data collected for NMHealth has consistently shown that a majority of New Mexico adults know someone with an opioid use disorder. In the U.S., more than 1 in 5 people (21.9%) who died from an overdose had a reported mental health disorder; the most common disorders were depressive (12.9%), anxiety (9.4%), and bipolar (5.9%).

"We recognize International Overdose Awareness Day to acknowledge the impact overdoses have on our lives and communities," said Nick Boukas, HCA Behavioral Health Services Director. "Many of our programs focus on prevention and treatment of substance use and this day reminds us of the positive impact our work has made for so many people."

Naloxone, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, has been one of the most effective harm reduction tools in preventing fatalities. In 2017, New Mexico became the first state to require all local and state law enforcement agencies to provide officers with naloxone.

NMHealth offers naloxone free to New Mexicans through two methods:

In person: NMHealth Public Health Offices & community health programs.

Online mail-order shipped directly: NMHarmReduction.org.

People can also obtain naloxone from pharmacists using their insurance, although this may require a co-pay. Additionally, it is available over-the-counter in pharmacies.

Beyond increasing naloxone availability, NMHealth has expanded its Pathways program which provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with opioid use disorder. More than 30 public health offices now offer buprenorphine treatment at little or no cost.

Buprenorphine reduces cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms when taken as prescribed. Treatment and recovery services are also available through NMHealth at Turquoise Lodge in Albuquerque and the NM Rehabilitation Center in Roswell.

For more information, visit NMHarmReduction.org or call NMHealth’s Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for opioid resources and services near you.

For additional information about this press release, contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237.