Efforts underway to curb binge drinking at NMSU

New Mexico State University is working to curb binge drinking among undergraduate students with a series of public service announcements.

Beginning Tuesday, the television ads titled, Aggies Winning Choices, will run in New Mexico and southwestern Texas.

The efforts are funded by the NCAA Choices grant to promote awareness, education and encourage smart decision-making to students if they drink alcohol.

“The PSA is not there to tell people not to drink because we understand college students, they are going to drink, but it’s to educate them,” said Chris Schnur, Aggie Vision production supervisor.

Aggie Vision, the university’s television production studio, will produce the PSA’s and include students in the process.

NMSU reported last year more than 1,825 college students died from alcohol related injuries.

Campus surveys indicated that bwtween one-third and one-half of NMSU students had five or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting during the first two weeks of March.

The campaign aims to reduce binge drinking by fifteen percent among undergraduate students over a three-year period.

One student told ABC-7 that he doesn’t think it’s a major problem, but there is a presence.

“We are a state school and when football season does come around, I feel like we see a lot more of that happen, especially at tailgates,” he said.

The PSA series will also provide information on resources students can use on campus.

Another student told ABC-7 she feels comfortable with the services available for students.

“You can get a ride for free if you are intoxicated and I do think that students use those tools,” she said.

For more information about Aggies Winning Choices, click here.