It’s important to celebrate success at every stage in your journey. Here are a few stories from our network to encourage you.
OUR JOURNEY
“The realization that our campus environment is becoming a healthier place for the entire UNM community is an accomplishment that so many people can be proud of.”
As a UNM staff member who served on the Tobacco-Free Campus Taskforce, I can tell you it took nearly two years of planning to revise the new policy which was implemented in the Fall of 2017. The Task Force faced numerous challenges but we had a number of committed hard workers among us, and we got the job done! After setting a timeline, we coordinated intricate changes to include the installation of updated campus signage, the elimination of designated smoking areas, and the communication of the new policy to students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
The highlight of this dedicated work is in the change to our campus culture which has been like night to day. As a Health and Wellness professional, I find it truly refreshing to not be exposed to second-hand smoke from walking behind a smoker or having to hold my breath as I pass through a cloud of smoke on my way across campus. The realization that our campus environment is becoming a healthier place for the entire UNM community is an accomplishment that so many people can be proud of.
To anyone who is thinking about striving to become a tobacco-free campus, I would encourage you to take advantage of the valuable resources at your fingertips, including the Tobacco-Free Campuses New Mexico network. The path to a Tobacco-Free Campus may be an arduous journey, but it’s undeniably worth it.
Tracey L. Briggs
Supervisor, UNM Employee Wellness
“At San Juan College the success of our students is our top priority. Part of that includes providing a safe and healthy learning environment, as well as encouraging healthy habits that will serve them well now and as they enter a workforce that is increasingly becoming tobacco free.”
“We should not have to go out of our way to be in a healthy environment.”
“I think having the college smoke free is an asset to the college and the students. Going outside to get a breath of fresh air is amazing until you go out and all you smell is smoke. It’s disgusting.”
“There are so many reasons such as the smell, the litter, and the health effects. Being a smoke-free campus has eliminated all these aspects and allows me to achieve my education goals without these distractions and/or health effects.”
“I feel that having a smoke free campus sets a good example for our younger generation of living a healthy lifestyle. I would stress to anyone who was considering using tobacco just to be a part of the ‘cool kids’ that it’s not worth risking your health, it’s not worth the addiction or the financial ramifications. Your health is more important than fitting in.”