According to the CDC, the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.
According to the Mid-Hudson Regional Community Health Needs Assessment, Sullivan County suffers from the highest rates of smoking in the Hudson Valley. The average age of a new smoker in New York State is 13 years old.
Sullivan 180 is partnering with Catch My Breath, a youth vaping prevention program that takes a peer-led approach to empower students to make informed decisions about E-cigarettes and resist social pressures to vape.
The program provides up-to-date information to teachers, parents, and health professionals to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about the use of e-cigarettes, including JUUL and disposable devices.
Tim Bruno spoke to Amanda Langseder of Sullivan 180 about the training program.