Since the 24/7 campaign began in New Mexico, our goal has been to make New Mexico Schools 100% Tobacco-Free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To achieve this goal, we work at both the local and state levels, engaging with schools and their districts to foster tobacco and nicotine-free environments through policy change.

Over the last couple of years, we have been able to work together with the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) to make substantial changes to the statewide rules that public school districts and some charter schools follow regarding nicotine and tobacco use. In November 2023, rule NMAC 6.12.4 was repealed and replaced with a stronger more comprehensive rule. This was thanks to our student activists as well as our community members across the state stating loudly that there is support for stronger policies.

The updated policy prohibits the use, possession and distribution of all commercial tobacco and nicotine products at schools by anyone, anywhere at any time: 24/7. It also mandates that progressive and supportive discipline is to be used when students are found in violation of the policy. One other key component of the policy is ensuring cessation resources are available to faculty, staff and students who violate the policy as a way to make sure the school community has the tools they need to be tobacco and nicotine-free at school. 

This is a huge victory! However, we need the help of every district in New Mexico to help make these rules a reality across the state. Many districts still have outdated policies, and 24/7 will be working with these schools to identify changes needed and assist with the transition to be fully compliant with these new rules and better protect students across the state. 

Reach out to sam@247newmexico.com for information about how we can help your school or district adopt and implement new and improved policies to create a tobacco and nicotine-free environment!

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2. Influencing Statewide Change