LAPS News:

The LAPS Prevention Program recently hosted an important presentation on the findings of the 2023 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (NM-YRRS), a biennial survey that provides critical insights into the health and well-being of middle and high school students across the state. School staff, partnering organizations, community members, and parents were invited to review the data and ask questions of the survey administration team.

The event welcomed key leaders in youth health and prevention, including Ambrose Akinlo, the newly appointed Youth Health Survey Epidemiologist at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), and Anne Marlow-Geter, Deputy Director of the Public Education Department’s Safe and Healthy Schools Bureau. Presenters included Dr. Rebecca Kilburn, Research Professor at the UNM Prevention Research Center, and Dylan Pell, NMDOH Mental Health Epidemiologist, who shared highlights from the data to help guide local prevention efforts and support student health and wellbeing.

Key Insights from the 2023 NM-YRRS

The NM-YRRS collects data on a wide range of youth health behaviors and protective factors, including injury, violence, and bullying, mental health and suicidal behaviors, substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and drugs), and sexual activity; health outcomes like physical activity, nutrition, and obesity; as well as resiliency and protective factors. The high response rates – 76.9% for high school and 80.8% for middle school – allow for strong confidence in the results.

A unique aspect of the survey is its large sample size and intentional oversampling of American Indian/Alaska Native and rural students, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of youth experiences across the state.

Key Findings

The survey data revealed several encouraging trends in student health and well-being. Mental health and suicide measures showed improvement for the first time in a decade, marking a positive shift after years of increasing concerns. While challenges remain, this decline suggests that ongoing mental health initiatives, increased awareness, and community support may be making a difference.

Alcohol consumption continues to decline among high school students, reflecting a sustained downward trend in underage drinking. However, middle school rates have remained stable, highlighting the need for continued education and prevention efforts tailored to younger students.

All forms of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, have decreased since 2019. Traditional cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco use have continued their long-term decline, while e-cigarette use—once on the rise—has shown a notable reduction since its peak in 2015. These trends may reflect the impact of stronger regulations, public health campaigns, and prevention programs.

Most drug use rates have declined, suggesting that prevention strategies and increased awareness about substance use risks are having a positive effect. Continued efforts will be essential to ensure these downward trends persist and to address emerging concerns related to substance use among youth.

While the most recent findings indicate promising trends, the survey results also highlight areas for continued focus including high rates of sadness and hopelessness, suicidal ideation, bullying, and texting while driving. By continuing prevention efforts, promoting protective factors, and expanding access to mental health and support services, the school district and community partners can build on these positive trends and focus on emerging challenges to further support student well-being.

It is noteworthy to point out that the youth risk and resiliency survey is not able to determine the reasons behind these trends. Survey results reflect changes in behaviors but do not establish causation. For example, while alcohol use has decreased, the survey does not specify which prevention efforts contributed to this trend. Additionally, the data show that students who consume alcohol are more likely to experience frequent mental distress, but it does not establish whether one causes the other.

Next Steps

The LAPS School Prevention Team is actively using this data in collaboration with school staff and community partners to address key concerns and further support student well-being.

Examples of current efforts include:

• The LAHS Sources of Strength suicide prevention program focuses on messages of hope and recovery and building protective factors like peer support and resilience.
• Alcohol awareness lessons are taught each semester in LAHS Drivers Ed classes and include current data, risks of alcohol use, signs of alcohol overdose, and an interactive impairment simulation.
• The use of restorative practices across the district helps to develop a culture of care by focusing on relationships, strengthening connections, and creating a sense of belonging.
• The Second Step curriculum has been implemented districtwide to promote social- emotional learning (SEL) and equip students with essential life skills.
• Puberty: The Wonder Years curriculum will provide age-appropriate education on physical and emotional development to help 5th and 6th graders and their families navigate the changes of adolescence.
• Ongoing training is available to staff on a spectrum of topics including suicide prevention, overdose recognition and response, managing stress and challenging behaviors, restorative practices, and upstander intervention.

In addition to these programs, LAPS engages families through parent outreach events and collaborates with community partners to expand resources and support. These are just a few of the many ongoing efforts designed to prevent harm and promote health, ensuring that all students have the tools they need to thrive.

The district encourages community members, parents, and stakeholders to engage in upcoming discussions and initiatives. The full NM-YRRS presentation can be viewed here. The full reports are available here: High School and Middle School. Interested parties can also join the upcoming NM-YRRS virtual data roadshows here.

For more information or questions contact LAPS Prevention Program Coordinator Kristine Coblentz at k.coblentz@laschools.net, 505.663.2575 or Sylvia Diehl at s.diehl@laschools.net, 505.663.2564.