Prevention
Prevention is defined as intervening before health effects occur, altering risky behaviors and reducing or eliminating substance use known to be associated with chronic disease and negative health conditions.
The Sullivan 180 Prevention Program supports evidence-based strategies and interventions known to decrease unhealthy or risky behaviors associated with poor health outcomes for youth. These initiatives are data-driven and align with the Sullivan 180 mission to build a healthy community through people, places and policy; with an intentional focus on prevention and youth. Additionally, they support the Sullivan County Community Health Improvement Plan and are developed through a lens of health equity.
โNicotine use of any kind at an early age can re-wire the developing brain and set a young person up on a path towards additional substance use. Empowering a child with the facts about e-cigarettes and real ways to confidently get out of situations involving substances, helps them take control of their own health and resist peer pressure.โ
โ Amanda Langseder, Senior Director of Prevention Programming
Vaping Prevention
Through an investment in vaping prevention, Sullivan 180 aims to prevent and reduce e-cigarette use among youth, addressing the potential health risks and addictive behaviors associated with vaping. By discouraging nicotine addiction and substance experimentation at an early age, this effort can reduce the likelihood of future substance misuse.
CATCH My Breath
Sullivan 180 facilitates the implementation of CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) My Breath, an evidence-based program designed to prevent electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among students grades 5 - 12. The program offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the risks and consequences associated with vaping, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their health.
CATCH My Breathโs peer-led teaching approach empowers students with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about e-cigarettes and resist social pressures to vape.
Learn more about CATCH here. To bring the CATCH My Breath to your Sullivan County school, community or organization, e-mail Laura@Sullivan180.org.
Coalition for a Vape-Free Sullivan
Sullivan 180 facilitates the Coalition for a Vape-Free Sullivan: a collective of organizations working to support a long-lasting, collaborative approach to the shared public health concern of youth vaping. The Coalition includes representation from , education, law enforcement, policy development, prevention work and cessation. The Coalition is intended to be action-oriented, working in a grass-roots fashion, to support young people in their journey to quit or stay vape-free.
Vape-Free Advisors
Sullivan 180 works with Sullivan County public schools to offer a Vape-Free Advisor role for an existing full or part-time school faculty or staff member to serve as a school-based liaison between the District Wellness Committee, the school, the community, and Sullivan 180. The Advisor receives a stipend and completes certification as a CATCH My Breath (CMB) Facilitator and Train-the-Trainer. Vape-Free Advisors share the CATCH My Breath curriculum and lead a school based Vape-Free Champions Club. These clubs engage students in vaping prevention activities and inspire vape-free lifestyles for the improved health and well-being of students.
โSullivan 180โs vape-free initiatives are rooted in the idea that youth can lead positive change right now. By reducing stigma, strengthening peer support, and promoting informed choices, we help create a healthier, vape-free community.โ
To learn more about vaping prevention, contact Laura Avelino, Prevention Coordinator.
Email | 845-295-2676
Recommended Resources
American Lung Association
The American Lung Association's mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, achieved through public education, advocacy for clean air and tobacco control, funding vital research, and providing support for people with lung conditions like asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and COVID-19. They work to defeat lung cancer, champion clean air for all, create a tobacco-free future, and improve the quality of life for those with respiratory illnesses.
CATCH My Breath
CATCH My Breath is an evidence-based youth nicotine vaping prevention program that will provide your students with the skills to resist peer pressure and media influences to try e-cigarettes. The sessions can be taught during a normal class period, during homeroom, student enrichment time, after-school, or at other non-school activities and clubs. CATCH My Breath is offered as an additional unit to the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Middle School Program, and is part of the CATCH pre-Kโ8th grade collection of healthy nutrition and physical activity programs.
Tobacco Free Action Communities
Tobacco Free Action Communities in Ulster, Dutchess and Sullivan (formerly SmokeFree Dutchess and Tobacco Free Action Coalition of Ulster) is part of a network of statewide partners working to support New York State's tobacco-free goal.
Parents Against Vaping e-Cigarettes (PAVe)
Parents Against Vaping is a grassroots community of passionate parents and concerned individuals committed to protecting children from the dangers of vaping and other flavored tobacco use.
Truth Initiative
Truth Initiative is committed to a future free from lifelong addiction, fostering healthier lives and a more resilient nation. They are the nationโs largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all.