The answer to this question is not a simple one. Different portions of the population have different mortality experiences. In addition, causes of death change as a child gets older. For 1 to 24 year olds, NM rates for fatal injuries are higher than the U.S. in every age group. See the chart at left .
Most fatal injuries are preventable.
The CFR's goal of understanding the context and conditions under which these deaths occur provides information that can be used by prevention specialists to aid in the reduction of deaths. Only five states have higher rates than New Mexico of teenage deaths due to accidents, homicide, or suicide. Our society has grown more concerned with the epidemic of violence that is costing the lives of hundreds of New Mexican youth every year. For every case, records and documentation are assembled. A member of the appropriate panel reviews the case and presents the results to the panel.