Health Centered Approach to Youth Vaping
Schools are grappling with challenges associated with the youth vaping epidemic and the Auburn School District is no exception. In Washington state, 14% of 12th graders regularly use e-cigarette (vape) products.
From hindered academic performance and mental health concerns to an elevated risk of heart and respiratory diseases, e-cigarette use poses a serious threat to the 17,000 students served by the district.
Located in Southeast King County, nearly two-thirds of families in the district are low-income and face intersecting health challenges, like food insecurity, that can compound nicotine’s health threats and make it difficult to access supportive resources to break the cycle of addiction.
Though the district utilizes policies that focus on supportive discipline, staff needed training and tools to assist students caught vaping to steer clear of nicotine. While prevention specialists are stationed at a few schools, their ability to reach all schools, let alone maintain a constant presence, is limited.
The Auburn School District collaborated with the American Heart Association to provide nurses and counselors with training workshops on tobacco, including screening, motivational interviewing and referral. Referencing the customized training, nurses and intervention staff now have the skills to assess, counsel and refer students caught violating district tobacco policies to local cessation resources, equipping crucial non-disciplinary staff to support students. To extend support beyond school gates, staff now engage parents to shift the focus to students’ health rather than stigma.
“Partnering with the American Heart Association, Auburn School District continues its fight against youth vaping. Students avoiding bathrooms due to vaping concerns have led to health issues. Collaborations with the American Heart Association, Auburn Prevention Club, and the City of Auburn have introduced strategies like the Breathe Easy Parks Initiative, vape detectors, and youth dialogues. We deeply appreciate the American Heart Association’s support and remain committed to this cause,” said Ashley Boyd, Assistant Director for Prevention and Intervention Services for the Auburn School District.
The Auburn School District and the American Heart Association informed the community about the project through the Auburn Prevention Coalition, a group that encompasses parents and community members. The coalition’s Key Leader Town Hall received backing from both the Heart Association and the district. At this gathering, participants, including youth and parents, learned about the issue of youth tobacco use and were provided with strategies to assist friends and family members who are trying to quit.
Download a printable resource for youth who want to quit tobacco.
