Increase in drug-related deaths and emergency room visits observed in Taos, Santa Fe, and Rio Arriba counties
In the first half of 2025, New Mexico has witnessed a significant surge in drug overdose deaths and related emergency room visits in Taos, Santa Fe, and Rio Arriba counties. According to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the increase has been particularly pronounced in Taos County, where overdose deaths have risen by 340% compared to the same period in 2024.
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has been identified as the primary culprit behind the majority of these fatalities. The NMDOH's Adulterant Checking Program has detected higher concentrations of fentanyl in illicit drugs, with some samples having concentrations as high as 20%.
Miles Bonny, Director of Taos Alive, attributes this rise in drug overdoses to an increase in powder fentanyl, which he considers harder for opioid users to dose safely compared to 'blue pills.' Bonny's organisation, the Taos Alive Coalition, has been raising awareness and galvanizing community action against drug use in Taos County since 2010.
In response to the rising overdose rates, Taos County has been welcoming trainings for staff and community members to distribute Narcan, an opioid-overdose reversal nasal spray. A free Narcan vending machine with 150 boxes has been set up inside the Rio Grande Alcoholism Treatment Program in Taos.
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber has also expressed concern over the escalating drug overdose issue, particularly those related to fentanyl. Webber considers fentanyl a 'plague and a scourge' and has called for a summit to coordinate a strategy to reverse the tide of drug overdose deaths. He believes such a summit should involve federal, state, and local resources.
Overdose deaths in Rio Arriba have been on the rise this year, with deaths from drugs nearly doubling in Española. Santa Fe County has also seen a 104% increase in fatal drug overdoses, while ER visits tied to overdoses increased 131% in Santa Fe County and 81% in Rio Arriba County.
The issue of fentanyl and other opioids has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, the organisation Native Vote conducted an action against fentanyl and other opioids in Taos, Santa Fe, and Rio Arriba Counties, with an event called 'Walk For Our Lives' in Española led by Alicia Pauline Vigil-Ryan and participation from Deb Haaland.
However, there is some hopeful news. According to provisional data, drug overdose deaths in Taos County may be stabilizing in the second half of the year. Webber, despite the potential positive signs, fears the problem will continue to grow and cause more lives to be lost without a coordinated strategy.
The rising drug overdose rates in Taos, Santa Fe, and Rio Arriba counties underscore the urgent need for action and collaboration to address this public health crisis.
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