Reducing Alcohol Harms in New Mexico

1,517

People died when the titanic sank.

(Encyclopedia Britannica, 2024)

2,276

New Mexicans died of alcohol related deaths in 2021.

(NMDOH, 2023)

New Mexico has the MOST alcohol-related deaths per capita in the U.S.

The rate of alcohol related deaths in New Mexico is over 2x higher than the national average.

(NMDOH, 2023)

Let's Work Together to Be The Change!

OUR MISSION

To advocate for effective policies that reduce alcohol-related harms in New Mexico.

ABOUT US

The Alcohol Harms Alleviation Coalition is a group of activists and leaders from across the country focused on introducing legislation in the State of New Mexico to reduce the harms that alcohol has on our citizens. In the 2023 Legislative Session, the coalition worked with legislators from across the State to pass legislation that would have saved thousands of lives by raising the alcohol excise tax and creating an Alcohol Harms Alleviation Fund. While that legislation did not succeed, the coalition continues to work on interim committees and in their communities to bring attention to the fixable problems that New Mexico is facing.

2024 NM STATE
LEGISLATIVE GOAL

Increase the New Mexico alcohol excise tax to fund comprehensive alcohol-related programs that will support prevention efforts, treatment and recovery, tribal communities, victims of alcohol-related crimes, county DWI programs, drug courts, and more.

THE COLD HARD FACTS

$2,200,000,000+

Excessive alcohol use costs New Mexico over $2.2 Billion every year. That's over $1,000 for EVERY person in the State.

(CDC, 2018)

The Consequences

associated with excessive alcohol use.

Increased risk of certain noncommunicable diseases (i.e., liver and heart disease, cancer)
Exacerbation of mental health conditions (i.e., suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety)
Increased risk of violence (i.e., homicide, domestic abuse/violence)

(WHO, 2024; RC Psych, 2024; Sontate et al., 2018)

Our Core Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

MD; MPH Addiction Medicine, Internal Medicine; Gallup Alcohol Taskforce

Jennie Wei

“There is no way to exaggerate the extent of alcohol-related harms in our emergency departments, Intensive care units, and clinics. We are facing a public health emergency, one we’ve been fighting for decades and only getting worse. I never get used to seeing patients dying from preventable illnesses. Yes, alcohol-related harms are preventable illnesses, but only if sound evidence-based public health practices are enacted. We need to shift this alcohol epidemic from disaster mitigation to prevention. Our communities need us to be stronger.”

MPH; Public Health Advocate

Shelley Mann-Lev

“I want to see our families and communities thriving, not dying from alcohol harms. We know that raising New Mexico’s alcohol taxes will save lives. So let’s do it—together.”

MPH; SBS Evaluation & Program Development Specialists, LLC Owner & CEO

Sindy Bolaños-Sacoman

"As communities, we, prevention programs, treatment programs, coalitions, and community members, have been fighting alcohol-related harms for years; all with limited funding and workforce. We need something much more substantial to achieve the outcomes we need. Increasing the liquor excise tax, a proven evidence-based strategy, will not only reduce alcohol related harms but also generate funds to provide prevention and treatment services in NM."

MPH; Substance Use Researcher

Marlene C. Lira

“I endorse raising alcohol taxes to enable more New Mexicans to live lives free from the harms of excessive alcohol consumption.”

Substance Use Preventionist and Trainer

Tyson Coriz

“…My people have been targeted for so long by alcohol industries through cheap alcohol and accessibility within five miles from my dry reservation. With humility, I ask that you please help my people walk towards resiliency and healing.”

Our Legislative Champions

DSC_0023-copy-1024x681-1-e1683837544547_

Representative

Joanne J. Ferrary

“Raising the alcohol excise tax is proven to be the most effective evidence-based strategy for reducing alcohol consumption and improved health and safety of all New Mexicans. These taxes haven’t been raised for 30 years and are significantly lower due to inflation. Alcohol harms intersect with many issues we are trying to overcome in New Mexico and alcohol-related deaths, being ranked #1 in the nation, is a good start. It will also help reduce binge and underage drinking, motor vehicle crashes, rates of crime, violence and sexually transmitted infections. Please join us to change this one very important public health strategy!”

Senator

Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez

“I am passionate about moving the needle on social problems in our communities. Depressing alcohol consumption by raising the excise tax is one way to do it. And, the funds raised can be deployed for prevention, treatment and recovery and the other ills posed by alcohol misuse.”

Senator

Shannon Pinto

“I am honored to work with Representative Ferrary and Senator Sedillo-Lopez on HB179 & SB147, along with all the doctors, medical professionals, and advocates. This issue has deep historical roots that now have culminated to increased fatal outcomes present day. With these bills, resource funding will allow our people to have access to opportunities in improving all impacted individuals.”

Our Supporters Say

Beige Classic Wellness Coaching Services Pricing Business Flyer.png

"Binge drinking happens in communities due to lack of education and prevention efforts. Our communities need to speak and nurture life back to our people, instead, we give alcohol retailers more voice and power. Relatives walk to liquor establishments who sell packaged liquor and then walk home intoxicated. Help them walk towards Resiliency and Healing."

Tyson Coriz, Santo Domingo Pueblo

Send us a message!

Join the Alcohol Harms Alleviation (AHA) Coalition in events dedicated to raising awareness about alcohol-related harms and advocating for meaningful change.

Albuquerque, NM

ahacoalition@gmail.com