Creating a safe future for New Mexico.
Gun Violence In New Mexico.
Gun-related deaths are a serious public health concern in New Mexico. As in the rest of the United States, New Mexico continues to experience higher rates of firearm-related incidents, including homicides, suicides, and unintentional injuries. These injuries and deaths have profound emotional and physical consequences on individuals, their families, and communities.
578
Firearm-Related Deaths, 2021
3rd
Highest in the Nation, Age-Adjusted Firearm Injury Rate, 2021
1.9x
Higher than the National Average, Age-Adjusted Firearm Injury Rate, 2021
22%
Increase in Firearm-Related Deaths, 2020-2021
During National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the New Mexico Department of Health reminds New Mexicans of simple ways to be a responsible gun owner and how to protect individuals and families from injury. This educational effort works in conjunction with State programs addressing issues linked to gun violence, from substance misuse and behavioral health to the justice system and law enforcement.
Gun violence is a pressing concern to all New Mexicans and a threat to our wellbeing. New Mexico currently ranks higher than almost anywhere else in the nation for firearm-related incidents, including homicides, suicides, and unintentional injuries. These injuries and deaths profoundly affect the sense of safety and security of individuals and families, as well as communities.
New Mexico is taking a multifaceted approach to addressing gun violence. At the New Mexico Department of Health, the Office of Injury and Violence Prevention is working to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors for firearm violence in New Mexico. The office initiates and supports efforts in the areas of violence, poverty, substance abuse, and mental and behavioral health, especially as they relate to children and adolescents.
Healthcare professionals, law enforcement, policymakers, and community organizations are working together to identify and address ways to reduce the incidence and impact of gun violence. These actions include strengthening background checks, implementing stricter regulations on firearm sales, and promoting responsible gun ownership through education and training programs.
Comprehensive resources about gun violence can be accessed via the links below:
Firearm-Related Deaths, New Mexico, 2021
Every New Mexican deserves to live a life free of gun violence. Working together, we can save lives.
Age-Adjusted Firearm Injury Rate, 2021
New Mexico’s firearm death rate in 2021 was over 90% higher than the U.S.
Death rates age adjusted to the US 2000 standard population
Increase in Firearm-Related Homicides by Race in New Mexico, 2020-2021
Between 2020 and 2021 American Indian or Alaska Natives (+60%), Black or African American (+50%), and Whites (+50%) were more likely to be victims of a homicide involving a firearm.
Age Adjusted Death Rate for Firearm Fatalities, Suicide with a Firearm, & Homicide with a Firearm in New Mexico, 2018-2021
Death rates age adjusted to the US 2000 standard population
Firearm (NM)
34% increase in firearm fatalities (from 20.7 per 100,000 population in 2018 to 27.8 per 100,000 population in 2021)
Suicide w/ firearm (NM)
10% increase in suicide with a firearm (from 12.6 per 100,000 population in 2018 to 13.9 per 100,000 population in 2021)
Homicide w/ firearm (NM)
70% increase in homicide with a firearm (from 6.9 per 100,000 population in 2018 to 11.7 per 100,000 population in 2021)
*Source: CDC WONDER last accessed June21, 2023.
Tips for Safe Storage
Safe Storage Saves Lives
To ensure household safety and prevent unauthorized access, it is critical that gun owners practice responsible storage. Safe storage goes beyond simply hiding guns in closets or drawers.
To practice safe storage, unloaded firearms should be secured in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault, or storage case. These storage locations should be inaccessible to children to minimize the risk of accidents or misuse. Additionally, utilizing gun locking devices can render firearms inoperable and provide an extra layer of security, and can be used as a complement to locked storage. If firearms are disassembled, it is important to store the parts securely in separate locations.
It is essential to store ammunition in a separate, locked location away from firearms. This separation helps minimize the possibility of accidental discharge or unauthorized use. Always remember to double-check firearms thoroughly to confirm that they are unloaded when removing them from storage, as accidents can occur if a firearm is returned to storage loaded.
To Practice Safe Storage, Remember
Tip 1: Lock It Up
Lock up your firearms in areas that are only accessible to authorized individuals. Make sure they are out of children’s reach and secured with a reliable lock or in a safe.
Tip 2: Unloaded for Safety
Unload your guns and empty magazines before locking them in storage.
Tip 3: Separate Ammunition
Store guns and ammunition in separate, locked places, and always away from children, teens, and unauthorized users.
Gun Safety Kits
Secure your firearms to prevent unauthorized access and to provide an added layer of protection for your loved ones and community.
Firearm safety is the responsibility of every gun owner. Project ChildSafe offers complimentary safety kits. Each kit includes a cable-style gun lock, along with comprehensive safety instructions to implement safe storage practices in your home.
Click the link below to locate a free Project ChildSafe Safety Kit distribution partner near you. We recommend calling ahead to confirm availability.
Do you need a gun lock? They're free!
Gun locks prevent unauthorized access to firearms and dramatically reduce the likelihood of accidental injuries and intentional acts of violence.
Request a Gun Lock
By entering your name and email address, you are agreeing to receive notifications from the New Mexico Department of Health and have your contact information shared with New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence. Offer is available while supplies last.