The Fall 2018 semester marked the one-year anniversary since The University of New Mexico became a tobacco-free campus. Since adopting this tobacco-free policy, UNM has observed a decreased in tobacco-use from 22.5 percent in 2017 to 13.7 percent one year later (UNM Student Lifestyle Survey, 2018).

With this significant decrease, the Campus Office of Substance Prevention (COSAP) wants to congratulate the UNM community on these great efforts in promoting a healthy environment.

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, from 11:30 to 2 p.m. in SUB Ballromm A, COSAP hosts a celebration for the UNM community. Students, staff, faculty and visitors can enjoy lunch while receiving promotional item giveaways via COSAP and UNM Wellness Alliance. This would be a great opportunity to speak with the COSAP team regarding feedback and how you may become involved in promoting UNM's tobacco-free policy.

The University began this initiative a few years back but lacked the necessary marketing and enforcement resources to make it effective. With financial assistance in the form of a grant from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), an awareness campaign with signage and plans for enforcement went into place. By utilizing Student Health Ambassadors along with many other modes of enforcement and compliance, UNM has been able to reduce the risk of negative health effects caused by second-hand smoke inhalation. Student Health Ambassadors have supplied the UNM community with health education and information for cessation services such as 1-800-QUIT NOW.

UNM would like to thank the following programs and organizations who have significantly contributed to our success:

  • UNM Student Health Ambassadors
  • UNM Security/Police
  • UNM Dean of Student Office
  • UNM Employee Health Ambassadors
  • UNM Employee Wellness

NMDOH’s Tobacco Use Prevention and Control program has also provided resources for COSAP to form Tobacco-Free Campuses New Mexico, a network of post-secondary institutions throughout the state to disseminate the results of the policy experiences learned here at UNM as well as other campuses across the state.

The UNM tobacco use policy can be found at: Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual - Policy 2250: Transition to a Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Campus.

Further inquiries about the policy or options for quitting can be directed to Kyle Smith 505-277-0531 or at email: kyews18@unm.edu.