All New Mexicans have a role in suicide prevention 

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 05 September 2023 05 September 2023

 SANTA FE — As September marks Suicide Prevention Month, it’s crucial for all New Mexicans to familiarize themselves with the available resources aimed at curbing this alarming issue. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s proactive step of signing aproclamation underscores the importance of raising awareness and fostering prevention measures to combat the rising suicide rates in the state. 

In 2021, New Mexico ranked fourth in the nation for suicides. Among New Mexico residents, suicide was the second leading cause of death for ages 34 and younger in the same year. In 2022, New Mexico hospitals reported more than 2000 emergency department visits related to suicide attempts and more than 18,000 emergency department visits related to suicide ideation. The majority of suicides in the state involve firearms. 

"The ramifications of a crisis or the loss of a loved one to suicide extend far beyond the immediate circle, necessitating united efforts to address this distressing concern,” said Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen. “The Department of Health's approach to suicide prevention is rooted in data insights and guided by the voices of those who've grappled with suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, or suffered losses." 

Suicide attempt survivors, medical providers and researchers who study suicide recommend counseling to help find long-term strategies to ease emotional pain and distress. 

In New Mexico resources exist to help those struggling with suicide thoughts. Residents can dial 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline. Other numbers to call are the New Mexico Crisis and Access line at 855-662-7474 and the Agora Crisis Line at 505-277-3013 or 855-505-4504. 

It is always ok to ask for help and individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm should be encouraged and assisted in reaching out for help. Here are a few reasons to seek help: 

  • Worried about your safety or someone you know 
  • Having a hard time managing strong emotions 
  • Feeling hopeless, confused, angry or lonely 
  • Worried about alcohol or drug use (substance use) 
  • Need information or referrals for local community services 

Visit theInjury Prevention Program website more information about suicide prevention. To find out more about the 988 suicide and crisis line visit thewebsite. 

Content on the Beat

WARNING: All articles and photos with a byline or photo credit are copyrighted to the author or photographer. You may not use any information found within the articles without asking permission AND giving attribution to the source. Photos can be requested and may incur a nominal fee for use personally or commercially.

Disclaimer: If you find errors in articles not written by the Beat team but sent to us from other content providers, please contact the writer, not the Beat. For example, obituaries are always provided by the funeral home or a family member. We can fix errors, but please give details on where the error is so we can find it. News releases from government and non-profit entities are posted generally without change, except for legal notices, which incur a small charge.

NOTE: If an article does not have a byline, it was written by someone not affiliated with the Beat and then sent to the Beat for posting.

Images: We have received complaints about large images blocking parts of other articles. If you encounter this problem, click on the title of the article you want to read and it will take you to that article's page, which shows only that article without any intruders. 

New Columnists: The Beat continues to bring you new columnists. And check out the old faithfuls who continue to provide content.

Newsletter: If you opt in to the Join GCB Three Times Weekly Updates option above this to the right, you will be subscribed to email notifications with links to recently posted articles.

Submitting to the Beat

Those new to providing news releases to the Beat are asked to please check out submission guidelines at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions. They are for your information to make life easier on the readers, as well as for the editor.

Advertising: Don't forget to tell advertisers that you saw their ads on the Beat.

Classifieds: We have changed Classifieds to a simpler option. Check periodically to see if any new ones have popped up. Send your information to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we will post it as soon as we can. Instructions and prices are on the page.

Editor's Notes

It has come to this editor's attention that people are sending information to the Grant County Beat Facebook page. Please be aware that the editor does not regularly monitor the page. If you have items you want to send to the editor, please send them to editor@grantcountybeat.com. Thanks!

Here for YOU: Consider the Beat your DAILY newspaper for up-to-date information about Grant County. It's at your fingertips! One Click to Local News. Thanks for your support for and your readership of Grant County's online news source—www.grantcountybeat.com

Feel free to notify editor@grantcountybeat.com if you notice any technical problems on the site. Your convenience is my desire for the Beat.  The Beat totally appreciates its readers and subscribers!  

Compliance: Because you are an esteemed member of The Grant County Beat readership, be assured that we at the Beat continue to do everything we can to be in full compliance with GDPR and pertinent US law, so that the information you have chosen to give to us cannot be compromised.