MADD News:
Teens who receive a zero tolerance message from their parents, that underage drinking is completely unacceptable, are more than 80 percent less likely to drink than teens who receive other messages, according to new data from a national survey of high school students.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New Mexico and national presenting sponsor Nationwide Insurance are highlighting the new survey results with a corresponding infographic as part of Alcohol Awareness Month and in advance of prom and graduation season.
MADD NM is participating in 21 Days in Support of 21 leading up to the fourth annual PowerTalk 21 day April 21 – the day for parents to talk with their teens about not drinking until age 21.
In partnership with the New Mexico Office of the Governor, Albuquerque Office of the Mayor, Bernalillo County’s Department of Substance Abuse Program and Albuquerque Public Schools, and other stakeholders statewide, MADD NM will conduct Power of Parents workshops, Power of You(th) presentations and youth-led environmental strategies to reduce and prevent underage drinking. The culmination of 21 Days in Support of 21 is a press conference at 11 a.m., April 21 at Rio Grande High School in Albuquerque.
“In addition to what MADD NM is doing locally to get families talking, we’re excited to offer New Mexican parents access to MADD’s first-ever Power of Parents online sessions,” said Jorge Gonzales, Programs Manager, MADD NM. “We want to reach parents, whenever and wherever we can, to empower them with the tools and resources to have ongoing, effective, conversations about alcohol with their kids.”
Each year, about 4,700 young people die as a result of underage drinking – with only a third having anything to do with a vehicle. The Power of Parents program helps parents to have the sometimes difficult, but potentially lifesaving conversations with their teens about the dangers of alcohol. On April 21, MADD will offer free 30-minute online parent workshops – in both English and Spanish. Parents can register online at http://www.madd.org/underage-drinking/powertalk-21/.
To see what workshops and activities are happening locally, or for conversation starters, tips and the Power of Parents handbook, visit http://www.madd.org/underage-drinking/powertalk-21/. To contact MADD NM, call 505.255.2955 or email jorge.gonzales@madd.org.
