New Mexico
Report: New Mexico earns failing grade for tobacco prevention
The American Lung Association issued a report Wednesday, finding New Mexico could do more to prevent tobacco use and save lives.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A new report from the American Lung Association shows New Mexico isn’t doing enough when it comes to preventing tobacco use.
The report also shows our state can do more when it comes to tobacco prevention.
“When it comes to tobacco prevention and control program funding, the state receives an F. Despite receiving $135 million from tobacco settlement payments and tobacco taxes, New Mexico only funds tobacco control efforts at 23.5% of the level that the CDC recommends,” said JoAnna Strother of the American Lung Association.
They also describe tobacco use as the number one preventable cause of disease and death in New Mexico and the U.S.
The report calls on the state to use more of its funding toward tobacco use and prevention programs. It also says the state comes up short when it comes to ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products.
New Mexico got a D when it came to the state tobacco tax rate.
“We also know that tobacco taxes are another way that we call a win-win-win for the state. So what it does, when we raise tobacco taxes, it helps adults to quit and helps youth to not start or initiate tobacco products,” Strother said.
The report also highlights how New Mexico teens are vaping more.
“In fact, they are vaping at a 37% rate which is actually higher than our neighboring states and it’s the highest in the southwest,” Strother said.
It’s not all bad news, though. New Mexico gets an A when it comes to coverage access and services to quit tobacco.
We also get a B when it comes to smoke-free workplace laws. For the first time, e-cigarettes and tobacco products are banned from public schools because of a new state law.
“We understand that with a lot of the students, they’re using the e-cigarettes as a mechanism and as a vehicle to not only use the e-liquid but also use marijuana, fentanyl and other hard drugs within that. So with that, we’re hoping to decrease the use of not only nicotine use but also other substances on campus,” said Esther Hoang, the program manager of the New Mexico Department of Health’s Nicotine Use Prevention and Control.
Another resource New Mexico residents have is a quit smoking hotline (1-800-QUIT-NOW). The hotline helps people quit smoking with things like patches or gum.
The report also calls on the Biden administration to end the sale of menthol cigarettes. It also calls for banning flavored cigars as those are most popular among young people.
To read the full report, click here.
SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe County and Edgewood approved a new agreement and ordinance that secures ongoing fire and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
According to a joint announcement from the Town of Edgewood and Santa Fe County on June 19, the two governments negotiated and adopted a new Joint Powers Agreement and ordinance to keep the Santa Fe County Fire Department serving the town.
County and town representatives drafted the agreement together. The town adopted the ordinance unanimously at a special meeting on June 16, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty.
Santa Fe County District 3 Commissioner Camilla Bustamante said, “I believe we are all relieved to know that the people of Edgewood will continue to have the fire and EMS services necessary to protect their homes, their families, and their community. This community deserves nothing less.”
The announcement said the ordinance takes effect five days after final publication. The statement also said no further action or approval is needed to guarantee continued fire suppression, fire prevention, and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
Both governments noted the agreement will continue indefinitely unless either side ends it with five years’ notice.
New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said the parasite has spread to New Mexico, though officials say they have not found any human cases.
“This is also not a political issue this is a nationwide issue that we all need to address because it affects all warm blooded animals including humans,” Holeck said.
U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez support the Protect America’s Herds Act.
The bill would create a grant program to train people to identify, treat, prevent and report screwworm. It would also support more livestock inspections and education for ranchers.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said she heard concerns from tribal leaders about the cost of protecting cattle herds.
“I spoke with one of our tribal leaders today and they have cattle operation and they’re worried, and they’re talking about how much more money they’re having to pay to go make sure they check on their herds and there are extra costs,” Leger Fernandez said.
Funding would prioritize states and tribal communities most at risk for screwworm outbreaks.
State health officials said screwworm is not a food safety issue. They also said ranchers should stay alert but not alarmed.
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