INJURY

For New Mexico adolescents, the rates of serious and fatal consequences of injuries far exceed the national average.  Substance abuse, depression, violence, suicide and traffic fatalities are all interconnected.  While emotional health is a protective factor more many adolescents, they face many challenges, including peer pressure to engage in risky behaviors.  Supporting and encouraging positive behaviors, reducing risky behaviors and intervening early and often are all important in reducing these consequences (NM Adolescent Health Data Report, 2008).