Sullivan 180 Hosts CATCH My Breath Vaping Prevention Training for Teachers, Youth Workers & Community Health Champions

[Liberty] Sullivan 180 will hold a training on November 1st, 2023 for individuals to become facilitators of the evidence-based CATCH My Breath Vaping Prevention Program.  Managing Director of Sullivan 180, Amanda Langseder, shares that “big tobacco is looking for their next customers. They are spending an average of one million dollars every hour of every day in advertising to get their next smokers, our kids.  We have a big fight on our hands, really a war against the vaping industry, but we can make a difference now by teaching our youth the dangers of highly addictive e-cigarettes.”

The intended outcomes of CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) My Breath are to ensure that students will:

·    Resist their own curiosity, peer and advertising pressure to experiment with e-cigarettes

·    Understand that e-cigarettes are addictive, unhealthy, and not as popular as they think

·    Influence friends and peers not to use e-cigarettes

Sullivan County suffers from the highest rates of smoking in the Hudson Valley according to the Mid-Hudson Regional Community Health Needs Assessment.  The average age of a new smoker in New York State is 13 years old so education for school students on the dangers of e-cigarettes can play a major part in turning the tide of youth vaping and improving the health of the next generation.  According to studies, 7 out of 8 students who participate in CATCH My Breath say they are less likely to use or try e-cigarettes. 

Sullivan 180 is seeking educators, youth workers, and volunteers who are passionate about community health and are willing to lead this program with young people across the county in school and after-school settings as well as youth groups.  Adults trained will be able to access the complete curriculum and guide young people, grades 5 – 12 through a program that is known to reduce the chances of youth starting a lifelong addition to nicotine.      

The CATCH My Breath Vaping Prevention program training will take place on November 1st from 12:30 – 3:30pm at the CVI Building in Liberty.  Educators will receive CTLE’s for completing this training thanks to an agreement with Sullivan BOCES.  Partnering organizations including Catholic Charities and Reality Check will also be on hand to provide schools with support and additional resources.  Registration for this training is required and can be done by calling Sullivan 180 at 845-295-2681 or by emailing info@sullivan180.org