The Drug Policy Alliance is the leading organization in New Mexico promoting alternatives to the failed war on drugs. We advocate for drug policies based on science, compassion, health, and human rights. We’re working towards a system that embraces effective drug policies to 1) reduce death and disease, 2) protect children and families, 3) improve public safety, and 4) reduce crime.
To achieve these effective drug polices, our office focuses on the four essential pillars of drug policy: 1) harm reduction, 2) prevention, 3) treatment, and 4) public safety. We work on issues ranging from effective youth drug education, to alternatives to incarceration for people with drug addictions, to improved reentry services and programs for people released from jail or prison. Together we can build a safer and healthier New Mexico.
New Mexico Leads Nation in Fatal Drug Overdoses, More than Two Times the National Average; Overdose Deaths Now Outnumber Traffic Fatalities
(Santa Fe) – Tonight, a memorial requesting a study to enhance and expand New Mexico’s harm reduction programs, including overdose prevention, sailed through the State Senate with unanimous support on both sides of the aisle. Senate Memorial 45, sponsored by Senator R. Martinez (representing Rio Arriba, Los Alamos and Santa Fe counties), passed with a vote of 43-0 and requests the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico to conduct the study. The New Mexico Public Health Association endorsed Senate Memorial 45.
Senators Adair (R), Ortiz y Pino (D), and Ryan (R), join Senator McSorley (D) to sponsor Senate Bill 240
The Senator’s Legislation Includes a Study to Explore Cutting-edge, Evidence-based Prevention Programs such as Medically Supervised Injection Sites
New Mexico Leads Nation in Fatal Drug Overdoses, More than Two Times the National Average; Overdose Deaths Now Outnumber Traffic Fatalities
(Santa Fe) – Senator R. Martinez (representing Rio Arriba, Los Alamos and Santa Fe counties) has introduced a package of legislation (SB90 and SJM21) aimed at reducing the epidemic of unintentional drug overdoses. New Mexico’s overdose prevention programs are a national model. Unfortunately, not enough people know they exist or how to access services.
Substance abuse affects families of all income levels and will not be ameliorated by simple drug testing and retaliatory restriction of benefits.
The Martinez Administration Must Act Quickly to Replace Department of Health’s Outgoing Harm Reduction Manager with Someone Who Can Respond to the Severity of the Epidemic with Concrete Lifesaving Solutions
New Manager Must Ensure Access to the Overdose-reversal Drug Naloxone to all New Mexicans, Including Those Leaving Jail and Prison
(Santa Fe) – A newly issued report on drug overdose deaths in the United States from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found New Mexico to have the highest overall overdose death rate of any state. New Mexico suffered 27 overdose deaths per 100,000 people, more than two times the national average. Since 1991, the overdose death rate has increased 242%.
Martinez Administration's Decision to Veto this Bill Fails to Capitalize on the Opportunity to Save the State Money and Protect New Mexico's Families and Children
Santa Fe - Today, Governor Martinez vetoed the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act that was passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support. If signed, the bill would have offered appropriate community-based treatment, instead of incarceration, for non-violent drug possession offenders and people with drug-related probation or parole violations.
Thousands of New Mexicans called and emailed the Governor, telling their stories and asking her to treat addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one.
"I know what it means to have an incarcerated parent.
If She Does Not Sign, She Will Divide Families, Increase Crime and Cost the State Millions
Santa Fe – Governor Martinez has yet to take action on the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act that was passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support. This bill proposes appropriate community-based treatment, instead of incarceration, for non-violent drug possession offenders and people with drug-related probation or parole violations.
"Governor Martinez needs to make the right decision for New Mexico families and sign this bill." said Emily Kaltenbach, State Director for the Drug Policy Alliance of New Mexico.
If Signed by the Governor, this Legislation will Keep Families Together, Enhance Public Safety and Save the State Millions of Dollars
Santa Fe – Last night, the New Mexico State Legislature passed the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act with overwhelming bi-partisan support. This bill proposes appropriate community-based treatment, instead of incarceration, for non-violent drug possession offenders and people with drug-related probation or parole violations. Senate Bill 321, sponsored by Senator Martinez and Representative Maestas, sailed through both the Senate and the House with a vote of 21-3 in the Senate and 41-26 in the House.
Bill's Sponsor Pulls Legislation in Lieu of a Memorial to Study Program's Effectiveness
Santa Fe - Today, freshman Representative Jim Smith confirmed he will be pulling his legislation to end New Mexico's Medical Marijuana Program. House Bill 593 was scheduled for debate in the House of Representative's Consumer and Public Affairs Committee this Saturday. Instead, he has introduced a memorial to study the effectiveness of the program.
Office to Build on Decade of Legislative Successes: Medical Marijuana Access, Overdose Prevention, and Syringe Availability
SANTA FE — The Drug Policy Alliance has selected Emily Kaltenbach as the new state director of its New Mexico office.
As state director, Kaltenbach will supervise the Drug Policy Alliance's legislative agenda, advocacy and program efforts in New Mexico. The office's recent strategic priorities have included medical marijuana, overdose prevention and methamphetamine prevention.
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