New Mexico Reports Decline in Overdose Deaths

Laredo, Texas, reported a 52% decrease in drug-related deaths from 2023 to 2024, attributed to collaborative law enforcement efforts and community education initiatives, including the installation of Narcan vending machines and the opening of the Roots Recovery Center. Co-Chair of the Drug and Alcohol Committee, Marina Medina, expressed hope for future rehabilitation facilities, stemming from her personal loss to addiction. Meanwhile, New Mexico also saw a decline in drug overdose deaths for the second consecutive year, with a recorded 8% decrease since 2021, resulting in 948 deaths in 2023, down from 997 in 2022. Fentanyl was involved in 65% of these deaths, while methamphetamine accounted for 51%. Public health officials acknowledged these improvements but emphasized the ongoing complexity of substance misuse, calling for continued efforts to address the issue. Despite the declines, New Mexico's overdose death rates remain among the highest in the nation, particularly affecting individuals aged 25-64.