The new policy will go into effect for the 2021/2022 school year for students, staff and visitors
MCKINLEY COUNTY – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Tobacco Use Prevention and Control program (TUPAC) and the 24/7 campaign recognize the Gallup McKinley County Schools’ Board of Education for their recent vote on June 14 to adopt a comprehensive, tobacco-free school policy. Gallup-McKinley County Schools has joined 14 other school districts across New Mexico in using 24/7’s guidelines and will be protecting approximately 11,631 students and 1,819 staff members from the harms of tobacco while on campus property or at off-site school events.
“Our students’ wellbeing is top priority, and we are pleased to join several other districts in Northwest New Mexico in adopting 24/7’s tobacco-free policy,” said Superintendent Mike Hyatt. “We look forward to making the 2021/2022 school year the best one yet, and an important step is making sure our campuses are tobacco-free.”
The 24/7 campaign partners with school districts to help them update their tobacco policies to meet the Department of Health’s comprehensive standard, which is more stringent than the current required laws in the state of New Mexico.1 By this standard, the definition of tobacco products must include e-cigarettes and nicotine liquid containers, and the policy must apply to students, staff, and visitors at all school property owned, leased, or rented by the district, as well as all school-sponsored activities whether on- or off-site. In addition, the 24/7 tobacco-free guidelines require schools to provide cessation resources as well as progressive and supportive discipline measures to assist those struggling with addiction.
To help promote its new comprehensive policy, Gallup-McKinley County Schools will be receiving free resources from the 24/7 campaign for all 34 district schools, including the 24/7 Toolkit and bilingual tobacco-free signs for all school buildings and grounds. Other free resources include faculty training and bilingual pre-written announcements, staff memos and parent letters explaining the policy.
“We consider this a huge win for the 24/7 campaign to see Gallup-McKinley County Schools adopt our 100% tobacco-free policy,” says David Tompkins, TUPAC Community Health Initiatives Manager. “Lives are on the other side of this work, and we are thankful for the district’s support in promoting a healthy learning environment for everyone.”
1 6.12.4 NMAC, TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE SCHOOLS RULE
About the 24/7 campaign
The 24/7 campaign is an initiative fueled by students and funded by the NMDOH TUPAC program with a vision to help all school districts in New Mexico adopt, implement, and enforce comprehensive tobacco-free policies. For more information, visit www.247NewMexico.com.
About the TUPAC program
The Tobacco Use Prevention and Control (TUPAC) program and its partners use a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to promote healthy lifestyles that are free from tobacco abuse and addiction among all New Mexicans. The program works with communities, schools, and organizations across the state to implement activities and services that decrease the harmful and addictive use of commercial tobacco, outside of its traditional, sacred or ceremonial purposes. TUPAC follows recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit www.nmtupac.com to learn more.
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