-
Every September, communities across the nation pause to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. But here in Cibola County, this is not just another health observance on the calendar—it's a critical issue facing our community.
The data is sobering. In New Mexico, nearly one in three high school students reports feeling so sad or hopeless they stop doing their usual activities. Suicide is now one of the leading causes of death for youth in our state. And closer to home, Cibola County’s suicide rate—37 per 100,000 residents—is significantly higher than the state average of 25. In New Mexico in 2019, suicide was the leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 according to the New Mexico Indicator-Based Inormation System.
Behind these statistics are real people: our students, our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends. Many suffer in silence, carrying the weight of hopelessness without knowing where to turn. Too often, families and communities only discover the depth of someone’s struggle after it’s too late.
In a society glued to our phones and the virtual world, it’s easy to miss what’s happening right in front of us. We don’t always notice the student being bullied, the neighbor who seems isolated, or the coworker who carries quiet loneliness. Prevention starts with paying attention. Put the phone down, look people in the eye, say hello, wave across the street, check in, and include others. These small acts of kindness and acknowledgment can make someone feel seen — and sometimes, that’s enough to keep hope alive.
As a community, we can each do our part, because suicide prevention requires all of us. Teachers, parents, churches, employers, youth leaders, and peers each play a part. So I implore you to do something this month, no matter how small it seems. Small actions can save lives: teachers facilitating a student- led art project that reminds classmates they are not alone; a coach who learns how to talk about mental health; a family who keeps the 988 crisis line posted on the fridge.
Speaking of 988: it’s available to every person in Cibola County. By simply dialing or texting 988, anyone in crisis is connected with trained crisis counselors (adults and youth)— 24/7, free, and confidential. This is one of the simplest, most powerful tools we have, and yet many still don’t know it exists.
This month, I’m inviting schools, community organizations, and individuals to partner with the Health Council on suicide awareness efforts. Together we can amplify hope, normalize asking for help, and make sure resources are visible and accessible.
We owe it to our youth, and to every resident of Cibola County, to remind them: You are not alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.
SOURCES: ● County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (2025): https://www.countyhealthrankings. org/healthdata/ compare-counties
● NM Department of Health – State of Mental Health in New Mexico (2022): https://nmhealth.org/pu blication/view/report/7380/ ● Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS) – New Mexico Department of Health & NM Public Education Department (2019, 2021): https://youthrisk.org/ne w-mexico/ ● New Mexico iBIS https://ibis.doh.nm.gov/indicator/ view/MentHlthYouth-SuicAtt.Year.NM_US.html