Hooked on a Cloud: Understanding the Risks and Appeals of Vaping Among Youth

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center's upcoming virtual series, "Hooked on a Cloud: Youth Vaping Products, Risks, and Intervention Opportunities ECHO," aims to explore the use and appeal of vaping among young adults, and the pharmacology and harms of nicotine and other substances in vapes. The series, designed for primary care providers and teams, school personnel, and others interacting with youth, will examine environmental factors that shape youth's use of vaping products, including product appeal, marketing, and public policies. By understanding these factors, attendees will be prepared to recognize, intervene, and support youth in harm reduction or elimination of vaping using evidence-based approaches.

Key Takeaways:

• The series will cover six sessions, from September through December, focusing on topics such as the physiology and health effects of vaping, interventions for vaping, and strategies to engage youth and young adults in conversations about vaping.
• Vaping products contain highly concentrated nicotine that can lead to rapid development of nicotine dependence and other harmful chemicals that put users at risk for cardiac and respiratory problems.
• The series aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and intervene in youth vaping, using strategies such as behavioral health interventions, medications, and self-guided strategies.
• Dartmouth Health provides access to over 2,000 providers across northern New England, including the flagship hospital, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, which is consistently named the #1 hospital in New Hampshire by U.S. News and World Report.
• The series recognizes the importance of addressing the environmental factors that contribute to youth vaping, such as product appeal, marketing, and public policies, and seeks to identify opportunities for change.
• Primary care providers, school personnel, and others working with youth are encouraged to participate in the free educational series.
• Dartmouth Health drives innovation and care delivery at its network of hospitals and clinics across New England.

Statistics:

• The series will run for six weeks, from September 24 to December 3.
• The events will take place on Wednesdays from 12 pm to 1 pm.
• Dartmouth Health's network includes over 2,000 providers across northern New England.
• Dartmouth Cancer Center is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation.
• Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire serves patients across the region with in-home care and support.

Sources:

• Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
• Dartmouth Health, "Dartmouth Health"
• U.S. News and World Report
• National Cancer Institute
• Dartmouth Cancer Center
• Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire