It’s Substance Abuse Treatment Month, and with it comes what can only be called an improvement.A New Mexico Department of Health online article says the state has had two consecutive years of declining overdose deaths. Fatalities fell from 1,029 in 2021 to 997 in 2022 and to 948 in 2023, an overall decrease of 8% since 2021.The 2023 mortality data also noted a decline in suicide deaths among women by 42% – from 116 in 2022 to 67 in 2023 – and among indigenous communities by 43% – from 77 to 44 during the same period. The sustained decline reflects expanded access to treatment, harm-reduction services, and community-based prevention efforts statewide, the article said. “January is a time of renewal,” said Nick Boukas, HCA Behavioral Health Services Director.The Department of Health offers access to medications for opioid and alcohol use disorder at its public health offices. The DOH Harm Reduction Program offers a list of resources and free Naloxone, the opioid reversal drug better known as Narcan, sent through the mail.More information on those programs can also be found by calling the DOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773.
It’s Substance Abuse Treatment Month, and with it comes what can only be called an improvement.
A New Mexico Department of Health online article says the state has had two consecutive years of declining overdose deaths. Fatalities fell from 1,029 in 2021 to 997 in 2022 and to 948 in 2023, an overall decrease of 8% since 2021.
The 2023 mortality data also noted a decline in suicide deaths among women by 42% – from 116 in 2022 to 67 in 2023 – and among indigenous communities by 43% – from 77 to 44 during the same period.
The sustained decline reflects expanded access to treatment, harm-reduction services, and community-based prevention efforts statewide, the article said.
“January is a time of renewal,” said Nick Boukas, HCA Behavioral Health Services Director.
The Department of Health offers access to medications for opioid and alcohol use disorder at its public health offices. The DOH Harm Reduction Program offers a list of resources and free Naloxone, the opioid reversal drug better known as Narcan, sent through the mail.
More information on those programs can also be found by calling the DOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773.
