Albuquerque Job Corps Center held an assembly featuring Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) Executive Director Aisha Smith, along with Andrea, Melissa and Heather. The event was aimed to engage AJCC students about the consequences of drunk and drugged driving and underage drinking and how this crime can affect many lives. Ali Hewell shared Michelle’s story, who was killed by an underage drunk and drugged driving offender. Students were very engaged in questions and answers.

During the presentation staff and students learned that a new MADD/Nationwide Survey shows that about one-third of parents believe the ages in which to start talking with their children about alcohol are 14-18 in high school. Research shows children start weighing the pros and cons of underage drinking as early as age 8, as 2nd-3rd graders in elementary school and the unbelievable statistic is that the average age someone starts drinking in NM is 10 years old.

Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, MADD is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every ten minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP.

Students and staff made a commitment to themselves and each other that they will not drink and drive. After listening to the facts and witnessing the powerful statements and story from Ali, students recognized that their choice carries strong consequences that will affect rest of their lives. AJCC, MADD and Above the Influence will continue to support our students, staff and community to be responsible when drinking and driving.