CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — Alcohol-related deaths in Cibola County are alarmingly high compared to the rest of New Mexico, according to new data from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). Over the five years from 2019 to 2023, Cibola County experienced a total of 196 alcohol-related deaths, averaging about 39 deaths per year, or approximately one death every nine days.
Between 2019 and 2023, Cibola reported a five-year age-adjusted rate of 139.5 deaths per 100,000 residents—more than 50 percent higher than the statewide rate of 89.9 during the same period.
Math can be complicated, and there obviously aren’t 100,000 people who live in Cibola County, so to find out the exact numbers, the following formula must be applied: Number of Deaths=(Rate per 100,000 / 100,000)×Population when done correctly, this gives us the actual number of people who died as a result of alcohol use.
In 2023, Cibola recorded 46 alcohol-related
of 164.1 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the state’s rate of 84.5. These numbers reflect a troubling trend for Cibola, where alcohol-related deaths have remained consistently elevated when compared to New Mexico as a whole.
By contrast, neighboring McKinley County has achieved notable success in reducing alcohol- related deaths. Over the same five-year period, McKinley County reported a 38 percent decrease in alcohol-related deaths, driven by concerted community efforts, including behavioral health services, case management, and policies limiting alcohol sales.
A Closer Look at Cibola County
Alcohol-related deaths in Cibola County surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, peaking in 2021 with 51 deaths and an ageadjusted rate of 180.5 per 100,000 residents.
Although the rate declined slightly to 135.6 in 2022, it rose again in 2023.
Populations shift within a few years, but with the formula applied, approximately 46 people died of as a result of alcohol use in 2023 Chronic conditions such as liver disease and cancer remain the leading causes of alcohol-related deaths in the county, consistent with trends statewide.
While Cibola County struggles with persistently high rates, McKinley County offers a hopeful example of what is possible. Located just simple drive north, McKinley’s success can be attributed to collaborations among the City of Gallup, local prevention programs, and the Gallup Indian Medical Center. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, these local initiatives just north of Cibola have been responsible from implementing effective strategies, including environmental controls like limiting alcohol sales hours to reduce alcohol-related deaths significantly.
For Cibola County, McKinley’s approach may provide a model for success. Expanding access to behavioral health services, creating targeted prevention programs, and fostering community partnerships could help curb alcohol-related deaths locally.
Statewide Perspective
Across New Mexico, the number of alcohol-related deaths declined for the second consecutive year, dropping from a peak of 2,274 in 2021 to 1,896 in 2023. This 17.3 percent reduction reflects the effectiveness of statewide efforts.
To address alcohol misuse, Cibola County residents can access the following resources:
Connections App: Free support for individuals looking to cut back or quit drinking.
Alcohol Abuse Hotline: For immediate assistance, call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833SWNURSE (1-833-7968773) or the confidential alcohol hotline at (313)209-9574.
Help Hotline: 24/7, free, confidential help is available to those feeling hopelessness. Call or text 988 for free, confidential help.
Local officials, healthcare providers, and community organizations must work together to develop comprehensive strategies tailored to Cibola County’s needs. By learning from the successes of neighboring McKinley County, Cibola has the potential to reduce alcohol-related deaths and improve the health and well-being of its residents.