Science-Based Drug Education for New Mexico Students
ORCNM brings the nationally recognized Safety First Curriculum to schools across the state — an evidence-informed program created by Stanford University’s REACH Lab that teaches youth how to make informed, safer decisions around substance use.
Exciting Announcement
Safety First Program for Juvenile Justice Youth
In June 2025, the Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORC) will be launching the Safety First program for youth involved in the Juvenile Justice system across our nine participating counties and their judicial districts!
This program is available to youth in the following counties:
- Catron, Cibola, Hidalgo, Socorro, Sierra, Valencia, Guadalupe, Luna, Grant, & the Village of Los Lunas
- As well as any counties within Judicial Districts 4, 6, 7, and 13
ORC will fully cover all training costs and will be responsible for training the trainers. We have streamlined curriculum into an 8-week program, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the integrity of the content. Additionally, we will be actively engaging with Juvenile Justice system staff to track participation outcomes.
Meeting the Moment in Our Communities
Why It Matters in New Mexico
New Mexico youth face increasing exposure to fentanyl, cannabis, alcohol, and vaping. ORCNM is proud to implement Safety First as part of our statewide prevention efforts — supporting educators, families, and students with accurate, age-appropriate information to reduce harm and foster resilience.
A Reality-Based Approach to Substance Education
Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens” highlights Stanford’s modern, fact-based approach to youth drug education. Featuring educators and students, the video shows how open, honest conversations help teens make safer, more informed decisions—moving beyond outdated scare tactics.
Let’s Connect
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you're a community partner, healthcare provider, policymaker, or someone seeking support—reach out and we'll guide you to the right resources. we’re here to help you move faster — and safer.