New Mexico’s suicide rate falling, state health officials announce on World Suicide Prevention Day
Sep 10, 2026 | 2:42 pm ET
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New Mexico's 988 lifeline offers specialized counseling to veterans, Spanish speakers and LGBTQ+ people. (Infographic courtesy of the New Mexico Health Care Authority)
New Mexico health officials announced on Thursday — World Suicide Prevention Day — that the state’s suicide rate decreased 19% between 2024 to 2025.
The decline indicates the state’s education and prevention measures are working, state health officials said in a news release.
Nonetheless, suicide ranked as the ninth leading cause of death in New Mexico in 2025 and the second leading cause of death for youth ages 12 to 17. Most suicide deaths included a firearm.
“Suicide is preventable and you can help save a life by learning the warning signs,” Gina DeBlassie, cabinet secretary for the state Department of Health, said in a statement. “Talking openly about suicide can help reduce stigma and suicidal ideation while letting people know you care.”
New Mexico still ranks high in suicide deaths nationally, only behind Alaska, Wyoming and Montana, according to CDC’s 2024 data, the most recent available.
Santa Fe, NM
