Arizona High School Tobacco Use Rates Alarming, Vape-Free Schools Initiative Launched

Strategic Insights -

The American Lung Association has expressed concern over the alarming tobacco use rates among Arizona high school students, with 20.7% of teens using tobacco products. In response, the organization has launched the Vape-Free Schools Scholarship Fund, aiming to raise $400,000 to support schools in implementing the Vape-Free Schools Initiative. This initiative provides training and resources for educators to address vaping and tobacco use in schools, promoting a supportive environment for students to quit addiction and prevent future generations from getting hooked.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vape-Free Schools Scholarship Fund aims to raise $400,000 to support 1,000 schools in implementing the Vape-Free Schools Initiative by the end of 2021, at a cost of $400 per training seat.
  • The initiative provides school administrators and educators with training to offer an alternative-to-suspension program for students found vaping, smoking, or chewing on school property, and a voluntary vaping/tobacco cessation program for youth wanting to quit for good.
  • The program includes the Alternative to Suspension (INDEPTH) program, which teaches students about nicotine dependence and establishing healthy boundaries, and the Vaping Education and Tobacco Cessation Program (Not-On-Tobacco) for students who want to quit.
  • Participating schools will be recognized as part of the American Lung Association Vape-Free Schools Initiative in their communities.
  • Elizabeth Walton, executive director of the American Lung Association, emphasized the need for support in addressing tobacco use among Arizona's high school students, citing the alarming 20.7% tobacco use rate.

Statistics:

  • 20.7% of Arizona high school students use tobacco products (Arizona high school tobacco use rate).
  • 1 in 5 teens (20.7%) in Arizona use vaping products.
  • 1 in 4 teens (25%) use at least one tobacco product.
  • The Vape-Free Schools Scholarship Fund aims to support 1,000 schools by the end of 2021.
  • The cost per training seat is $400.
  • The goal is to raise $400,000 to fund the program.

Sources:

  • American Lung Association
  • Lung.org/scholarship
  • Lung.org/vape-free-schools
  • [email protected]