Patrick M. Allen Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Health | Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Patrick M. Allen Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Health | Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
New data from the New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (NM-YRRS) shows positive trends in youth mental health and substance use. Conducted between 2021 and 2023, the survey indicates an improvement in adolescent mental health after eight years of decline. Additionally, there was a decrease in adolescent alcohol, nicotine, and other substance use during this period.
The survey, which involved around 18,000 students statewide in 2023, also found that high school students were 17% less likely to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness compared to 2021. Despite these improvements, mental health remains a significant issue as over one-third of students reported experiencing such feelings in 2023.
Dr. José A. Acosta, director of the New Mexico Department of Health’s Public Health Division, stated: “The New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey conducted bi-annually with robust methodology reveals positive trends in youth mental health and substance use across public schools.” He emphasized the collaborative effort among state and federal agencies as well as diverse communities in gathering this data.
Dr. Acosta is scheduled to present a report on the survey findings to lawmakers at the interim Legislative Health and Human Services Committee meeting on Friday, November 22 at the New Mexico Capitol Building. The session is open to both the public and media.
While overall improvements are noted, disparities in health outcomes persist among some high school students in New Mexico. Efforts continue to address these disparities through effective statewide approaches aimed at reducing youth mental health concerns and substance use.
The NM-YRRS serves as a tool for assessing health risk behaviors and resiliency factors among New Mexico's high school and middle school students. It is part of the national CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). In collaboration with the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center, NMDOH helps schools administer this survey every two years. In 2023, nearly 18,000 students from 132 school districts participated.
Full results from the survey are expected to be available online by December.
For further information about this press release, contact Robert Nott at his office number provided earlier.
A Spanish version of this press release is also available for those who need it.
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