Q&A

New Mexico leads the United States in alcohol-related mortality - NM has had the highest state rate of alcohol-related mortality since 1997, and the state has ranked 1st, 2nd, or 3rd since 1981 (NMDOH, 2022). Additionally, 1 in 5 deaths among adults aged 20-64 years is related to alcohol (NMDOH, 2023).

Negative health impacts include higher risk of cancer, heart disease, mental health conditions, liver disease, and digestive problems - the most common cause of death out of these is chronic liver disease. Societal consequences include increased rates of violent crime (i.e., homicide), suicide, motor vehicle accidents, and economic impacts (NMDOH, 2023). A total of more than $2.2 billion was spent in New Mexico in 2010 on health care, criminal justice expenses, etc. related to excessive alcohol use (CDC, 2018).

The mission of the AHA Coalition is to advocate for effective, evidence-based policies that reduce alcohol-related harms in New Mexico.

Download our bill's current draft and executive summary above.