The nonprofit organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)—known for its “No More Victims” slogan—has recently honored two women connected to Valencia County for their dedication to the prevention of drunk and impaired driving. The organization hosts an annual event called Honoring Heroes, recognizing those who strongly support MADD’s cause. This year, Ginny Adame, DWI coordinator for Los Lunas/Valencia County, and Barbara Romo, the 13th Judicial District attorney, were among the 15 award recipients.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 people die daily in the U.S. due to alcohol-impaired driving accidents. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety reports approximately 40 percent of all fatal traffic crashes in New Mexico involve alcohol.
MADD New Mexico’s Executive Director Katrina Latka expressed in a press release the growing problem of drunk driving, both nationwide and in the state. She praised the commendable efforts of individuals working to combat the issue, both who were mentioned among this year’s awardees. Adame received acknowledgment for her outstanding dedication to preventing underage drinking while Romo earned accolades as an exceptional criminal justice prosecutor.
Romo, who also serves on MADD’s Walk Like MADD committee—a significant fundraising event—believes in proactive approaches to prevent driving under the influence. Additionally, she works to ensure DWI and domestic violence cases are assigned to experienced prosecutors rather than new attorneys. She believes in making attendance at victim impact panels compulsory for DWI offenders—a practice that had once been mandatory on judgments but has seen a decline in recent years.
Besides her professional commitments, Romo emphasizes speaking to the younger population early about substance misuse and the potential harm it causes. Similarly, Ginny Adame, as a certified prevention expert, stresses the importance of community education and early intervention. She especially focuses on connecting youth with positive role models, as she believes this can act as a deterrent to underage drinking and drug abuse.
Both awardees expressed gratitude for their recognition, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in fostering change. Romo and Adame strive to make a positive impact on society by actively working towards a safer environment, free from drunk and drugged driving.
The author of the article, Felina Martinez, is a Valencia County native. A 2021 graduate from the University of New Mexico, she studied film, digital media, and journalism. Currently, she covers Los Lunas village, Los Lunas Schools, the School of Dreams Academy, and the town of Peralta.
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