In a pioneering move to combat substance misuse among high school students, the state of New Mexico is extending its wastewater drug testing program to schools in Cibola County. This expansion, which is set to include Grants High School, Laguna-Acoma High School, and Early College High School, marks a significant milestone in the statewide initiative.
The Wastewater Drug Monitoring Dashboard, launched earlier this year, provides schools, parents, and policymakers with valuable data to address the critical issue of drug use among students. This first-of-its-kind program employs science-based wastewater testing to detect drug residues in sewage, shedding light on drug trends without identifying individual users.
The initiative was set in motion by the Department of Health following a public health order issued in response to Governor Lujan Grisham declaring substance misuse a public health emergency in September.
'Knowledge is power, and having more data about the presence of illicit substances in schools informs our collaborative efforts at the school, community, and government levels,' Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized.
The wastewater testing program operates by collecting samples every 15 minutes throughout a school day from sinks, toilets, and dishwashers within the school premises. These samples are then combined and analyzed for the presence of 15 different opioids, stimulants, or their metabolites. This comprehensive approach covers both illicit drugs like heroin and methamphetamine, as well as prescription drugs prone to abuse, such as oxycodone and illegally manufactured substances like fentanyl.
However, it's important to note that while the results can indicate the presence and quantity of drugs consumed, they do not distinguish between legal drug use, such as ADHD medications, and illicit drug use. The program also can't pinpoint whether drugs were used by students, staff, or visitors, nor can it specify where the drug use occurred within the school.
The initial results from the program have been revealing. Among the first 24 schools tested, 88 percent tested positive for cocaine or its metabolite, 29 percent for fentanyl or its metabolite, and 92 percent for methamphetamine or its metabolite. Notably, heroin or its metabolite was not detected in any of the results.
Health Secretary Patrick Allen highlighted the importance of open communication and proactive prevention efforts, particularly concerning the widespread presence of cocaine. 'These results emphasize the importance of proactive measures, open communication with parents, and a united effort to safeguard our students,' Secretary Allen stated.
As the program expands to include high schools in Cibola County and other regions, it aims to offer a clearer picture of drug use trends within diverse communities. The data collected will help inform strategies at all levels of government and facilitate collaboration with schools, families, non-profits, and community leaders to implement effective solutions.
In Cibola County, where the program will be employed, officials are keenly aware of the program's potential. Environment Secretary James Kenney noted, 'As we continue to receive results from public schools around the state, we will better understand the geographic differences in substance misuse within communities and develop strategies accordingly.'
Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero stressed the importance of community involvement and the interconnectedness of schools with their communities. 'This data highlights how what affects the community also impacts the schools,' Secretary Romero commented, expressing optimism that the data would lead to safer and healthier schools.
Parents are encouraged to use the information provided by the wastewater testing program as a basis for conversations with their children about drug use, focusing on prevention as the primary defense against substance misuse.
As the New Mexico Environment Department expands the program to additional schools across the state, it aims to continue providing regular updates on the Wastewater Drug Monitoring Dashboard, typically within three to four weeks of sample collection. For those with questions about the program or its results, the NMED Office of Strategic Initiatives can be reached at strategic.initiatives@ env.nm.gov