Community Approaches to Youth Vaping with Keri-Lyn Coleman

The rise of youth vaping presents a new and significant challenge in the field of substance use prevention. Despite celebrating the decline in cigarette smoking as a public health win, nicotine use has now moved to vapor products and pouches. This issue is closely linked with concerning trends in youth mental health, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Understanding the connection between these two factors and exploring how communities can create supportive environments to address them is crucial for effective prevention efforts. Keri-Lyn Coleman, a national expert in substance use prevention, joins us to discuss how leveraging data collection tools and building collaborative partnerships between schools, universities, and local organizations can improve our efforts. By integrating these approaches into community initiatives, we can create more effective and sustainable solutions to support youth well-being and prevent substance use. You’ll Hear: (02:04) The unique challenges that youth vaping presents compared to more traditional substance use prevention efforts. (08:57) The tension between implementing strict school policies, such as zero-tolerance policies, and the need to keep students engaged in school without resorting to punitive measures. (14:28) What challenges organizations are facing with data collection on student vaping, and how they are addressing these issues. (18:36) How in states like California and Colorado, organizations leverage statewide surveys and local data to assess substance use and mental health at various levels. (31:24) Why the future of prevention efforts will require considering the intersection of mental health and substance use. Connect with Keri-Lyn Coleman and learn more about Collaborative Planning Group and Wellscreen.