LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
OPINION: Talk of the Town
Secure gun storage can save lives
In May 2023, an 18-year-old used three guns during a mass shooting in Farmington.
Within minutes, three beloved grandmothers were dead. Shirley Voita, my own children鈥檚 grandma, was one of the slain.
It鈥檚 still incomprehensible.
The teenager continued on to shoot six other people, including two police officers, before he was shot and killed by law enforcement.
According to the police report, there were numerous guns in the home where it started; some loaded, some not. Ammunition was found here, there and everywhere.
The weapon that wounded two police officers had been missing for years.
Our kids have returned to school across the state. Like any parent, I'm thinking about ways to keep them safe and healthy this year.
There are steps we all can take to stop gun violence. Secure gun storage can make a difference.
Be SMART is a national campaign to spread the message about the crucial importance of secure gun storage.
Secure gun storage. Model responsible gun ownership. Ask about guns in the homes your children spend time in. Recognize the role of guns in suicide. Tell your peers to be SMART. (besmartforkids.org)
New Mexico is third in the nation for gun deaths; fifth for suicide by gun. Gun violence is the leading cause of death among our youth. (everystat.org)
We need to do better.
Monday-Friday is SMART Week, when we educate the community about secure gun storage. I encourage all New Mexico schools to incorporate the program into the school year.
Jamie Voita
Farmington
Hold illegal trappers accountable for wolf deaths
I am writing in response to the article published in the Journal on Aug. 15 regarding the outcome of an illegal wolf killing in Catron County in 2025.
First, I am appalled that a wolf died in such a horrific way. There is never a justified reason for such an act on any creature.
Second, the trapper in question should, at the very least, have lost his ability to trap. Shame on the Attorney General Ra煤l Torrez for allowing such a meager response to this crime. Shame on Catron county for having such little regard for our wildlife 鈥� especially wolves, which are critical for a healthy environment and do not account for the majority of livestock kills.
I would like to see people who kill wolves be forced to volunteer at a wolf rescue or rehabilitation center. Maybe then they will gain some respect for this incredible animal and their important place in our world.
Chris Neef
Rio Rancho
August is Overdose Awareness Month
Every August, communities across New Mexico recognize Overdose Awareness Month 鈥� a time to remember those we've lost, support grieving families and renew our commitment to preventing future overdose deaths.
For nearly two decades, poisoning 鈥� primarily from drug overdoses 鈥� has been New Mexico's leading cause of unintentional injury death. Hundreds of New Mexicans lose their lives each year, leaving behind families, friends, coworkers and neighbors whose lives are forever changed.
Behind every statistic is a person. Someone who was loved, whose life had value and whose absence is deeply felt. Overdose affects entire communities, reminding us that this is not just an individual issue but a public health challenge that touches every corner of our state.
The good news is that many overdose deaths are preventable. Increased access to naloxone, expanded behavioral health services, education about fentanyl and other substances, and stronger recovery supports are helping save lives. Every person trained to recognize an overdose and every naloxone kit placed in the hands of a community member creates another opportunity to save someone's life.
Overdose Awareness Month is also a reminder to replace stigma with compassion. Families deserve support, not judgment. Those seeking treatment deserve encouragement, not shame. Recovery is possible, and every life saved strengthens our communities.
This August, take time to learn the signs of an overdose, carry naloxone if it is available in your community, and support local organizations working in prevention, treatment and recovery. Small actions can have life-changing impacts.
As we honor those we've lost, let us also commit to building communities where prevention, education and hope are stronger than stigma.
Because every life matters. Every story deserves to be remembered. And every community has a role in preventing overdose.
Remember. Prevent. Sustain.
Jeneva Martinez
Roswell
