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
Alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico have decreased for the second consecutive year, according to data from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). In 2023, there were 1,896 alcohol-related deaths reported, a decline from 2,067 in 2022 and a peak of 2,274 in 2021. The state has historically had the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the nation. The most recent national data from 2021 showed that New Mexico's rate was more than twice the national average. However, there has been a significant reduction of 17.3% in the age-adjusted death rate from 102.3 per 100,000 people in 2021 to 84.5 per 100,000 in 2023.
Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMDOH, stated: “The decline highlights the positive impact of targeted interventions, community partnerships and policy initiatives designed to address alcohol misuse.” She emphasized the need to continue expanding access to healthcare and implementing community-based prevention strategies.
McKinley County experienced one of the largest decreases in alcohol-related deaths between 2021 and 2023 with a drop of 38%. This success is attributed to collaboration among stakeholders including Gallup city officials, McKinley County prevention programs, and Gallup Indian Medical Center. These partners provide behavioral health services and case management while also implementing environmental strategies like limiting alcohol sale hours.
Chronic effects of alcohol such as liver disease and cancer are more common causes of these deaths compared to acute incidents like accidents or injuries. In New Mexico during 2023, males died from alcohol-related causes at a rate two and a half times higher than females. From 2021 to 2023, there was a decrease in age-adjusted death rates by 16.1% among males and by 20.6% among females.
For those seeking help or information about alcohol use issues, NMDOH encourages contacting primary care providers.
Robert Nott is available for further inquiries regarding this press release.
A Spanish version of this press release is also available online.
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