Santa Fe Standard

New Mexico has reported a significant decrease in suicide deaths among women and Indigenous Peoples for the year 2023, according to provisional data from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Center for Health Protection. The number of women who died by suicide fell by 42%, from 116 deaths in 2022 to 67 in 2023. Similarly, suicide deaths among American Indian/Alaska Native residents dropped by 43%, from 77 deaths in 2022 to 44 in 2023.

Overall, the state's suicide death rate saw a decline of 9% in the past year. However, this decrease does not yet suggest a long-term trend as the rate remains higher than it was ten years ago.

Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer, emphasized that "suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting effects on communities." She highlighted the importance of various strategies for prevention and encouraged learning about warning signs and fostering healthy connections.

The report also noted that there has been no significant change in the male suicide death rate over the same period, indicating a need for continued preventive efforts targeting men.

For those seeking support, New Mexico offers resources such as the state's 988 Lifeline, providing free and confidential assistance around-the-clock. More information is available online at https://988nm.org/. Additional resources can be found through the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition and NMDOH’s Office of Injury and Violence Prevention.

For further inquiries regarding this information, David Barre can be contacted at (505) 699-9237.

A Spanish version of this press release is also available through an accessible link provided below.