Reid Health urges non‑punitive responses to youth vaping, offers local resources

Andrew Hoover, Tobacco Control Coordinator at Reid Health, told the Richmond Community Schools board that youth tobacco and vaping remain a public‑health concern and urged non‑punitive approaches that address addiction rather than rely on suspensions.

Citing the 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey, Hoover said about 1 in 20 high‑school students and 1 in 30 middle‑school students reported using a tobacco product in the past 30 days, with e‑cigarettes the most common device and flavors particularly popular. “The industry knows that the kids like these flavors and the industry knows that these mask that harsh taste of tobacco,” he said.

Hoover summarized the science of nicotine addiction and warned that punitive responses such as suspension or expulsion can exacerbate harms by increasing stress and isolation. He recommended free, evidence‑based, non‑punitive programs for students caught with tobacco on campus: INDEPTH (American Lung Association) and Healthy Futures (Stanford Medicine’s REACH Lab). Both are designed as short, facilitator‑led curricula and can be delivered by trusted school adults rather than outside medical personnel. Hoover also highlighted teen cessation resources available in Indiana, including Live Vape Free (a texting‑based support program) and Quit Now Indiana’s teen option.

Hoover said Reid Health and the Tobacco Free Wayne County Coalition — funded through an IDOH grant — have delivered prevention programming to hundreds of students locally and will continue outreach, including a Kick Butts event at RHS lunches on March 27. He invited district staff to join coalition meetings and requested the district consider non‑punitive disciplinary alternatives in cases involving student tobacco use.

The presentation concluded with trustees thanking Reid Health and affirming interest in educational and cessation resources as complements to school discipline policies.