New Mexico

CDC: New Mexico ranks sixth in the country for fatal overdoses

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2024

CDC: New Mexico ranks sixth in the country for fatal overdoses

New data from the Centers for Disease Control shows just how bad drug addiction is in New Mexico. Every year, on average, more than 1,000 New Mexicans die from drug overdoses.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New data from the Centers for Disease Control shows just how bad drug addiction is in New Mexico. Every year, on average, more than 1,000 New Mexicans die from drug overdoses.

It’s a problem that Dr. James Besante, with the Santa Fe Recovery Center, says especially impacts our rural communities.

“Our rural communities are disproportionately hit because there’s an enormous issue that’s growing and few avenues of treatment,” Dr. Besante said.

According to the CDC, New Mexico ranks sixth nationally for the most fatal overdoses. Dr. Besante says it isn’t just an opioid crisis anymore.

“We are somewhere in the fourth wave of this crisis that’s always evolving. Most now consider it a polysubstance overdose crisis. When individuals overdose now, there are multiple substances in their system, often times strong, synthetic opioids accompanied with stimulants like methamphetamines,” he added.

Based on that data, overdoses may not be our state’s only health emergency.

“New Mexico ranks high in many negative health indicators, not just overdoses,” Dr. Besante said.

He added unemployment and poverty levels rurally are among the highest contributing factors to health issues facing our state. That is why he says clinics are vital.

“There’s often times long waits to access care, and that is difficult. Because when someone’s ready for change, it’s important to meet that person where they’re at. And it’s one of the reasons we offer services that are in line with harm reduction principles,” Dr. Besante said.

Our reputation for a lack of resources is also getting national attention. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is premiering a recovery documentary in Albuquerque this Saturday.

Dr. Besante only hopes our lawmakers can put more resources in our state but especially our rural communities where he’s seen firsthand the difference they make.

“I recently was working with a client who’s now three years into recovery. She just graduated from college, and she’s taking her two children and their entire family on a vacation to Disneyland,” he said.

The documentary “Recovering America” will debut this Saturday at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque. The event starts at 2 p.m. and will have a panel discussion afterward.

If you’d like to learn more about how to attend the premiere in Albuquerque, click here.

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New Mexico

New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations despite HHS rollback

Published

4 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations despite HHS rollback

SANTA FE, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) – The New Mexico Department of Health says it will continue to recommend the full schedule of childhood vaccines.

State officials announced the move Tuesday, directly defying a new federal policy that scaled back routine immunization guidance.

The announcement comes after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for all children.

The New Mexico Department of Health stated the federal changes were “not based on new scientific evidence or safety data.”

“New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our recommendations remain unchanged.”

State health officials sought to reassure parents, emphasizing that vaccines remain widely available and covered by insurance.

“We know this is confusing for parents, but the science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and save children’s lives,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH.

All childhood vaccinations will continue to be covered under programs like Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children Program.

The state encourages parents to consult their healthcare providers using the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule.

RECOMMENDED: CDC cuts childhood vaccine list, sparking healthcare professionals’ concerns

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New Mexico

Texas man charged with selling artist Fritz Scholder fakes to New Mexicans

Published

16 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Texas man charged with selling artist Fritz Scholder fakes to New Mexicans

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New Mexico

Fourth Republican candidate announces bid for New Mexico governor

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Fourth Republican candidate announces bid for New Mexico governor

SANTA FE, N.M. — Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison is running for governor as a Republican, he announced on social media Tuesday.

Ellison is running on affordability, opportunity and trust in government as the key points of his campaign. His experience includes serving on the NMPRC in 2023 and 2024.

“New Mexico deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results. Our state has enormous potential, but too often that potential is held back by policies that don’t serve everyday New Mexicans,” he said on his website. “I’m running to bring practical solutions, honest accountability, and a renewed focus on the public interest.”

A Georgia native, Ellison has lived in New Mexico for 20 years and currently lives in the Albuquerque area with his wife and two children.

Ellison is aiming to get 5,000 signatures by Feb. 2, to appear on the primary ballot with at least three other Republicans who have announced their candidacy.

Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez announced his campaign in December and recently confirmed to KOB 4 that he received enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and New Mexico State Sen. Steve Lanier are also running.

Three Democrats are running – Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.

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