LIBERTY, NY — Sullivan 180 will hold a training for individuals in the CATCH My Breath Youth Vaping Prevention Program on Friday, November 1 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the CVI Building. 

You can join over 100 other local facilitators in Sullivan County who lead CATCH My Breath in their schools and community. 

The training is open to anyone wanting to learn more about youth vaping trends and those who might be interested in leading programs for youth and parents in Sullivan.

In September 2024, new data released from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey showed a drop in e-cigarette and vape use in U.S. middle and high school students, from 2.13 million (7.7 percent) in 2023 to 1.63 million (1.59 percent) in 2024. 

“Vaping is everywhere and Sullivan County students have not been spared from this issue. Prevention programs like CATCH My Breath are impactful, but there is still so much more work to do to make sure young people have the truth about the dangers of e-cigarettes,” said Amanda Langseder, senior director of prevention programming. 

Of the 1.63 million students who vape, over 25 percent use an e-cigarette or vape product daily and more than 1 in 3 reported using a vape at least 20 out of 30 days. 

At a training recently held for educators at Eldred Junior Senior High School, a new CATCH My Breath facilitator and Eldred teacher said that the training “gives answers to questions you might not know to ask.” 

Another said that it is “nice to have specific information to give kids instead of ‘vaping is bad.’”

Partnering organizations, including Tobacco Free Action Communities - Reality Check Program, Catholic Charities and Restorative Management Corp., will be presenting resources for schools and opportunities for students to get involved in a youth-led movement against Big Tobacco. Adults trained will receive free access to the complete CATCH My Breath curriculum to guide young people in grades 5-12 through the program, which is proven to reduce the chances of youth starting a lifelong addiction to nicotine.

To register for this training or to learn more about upcoming facilitator trainings, email trainings@sullivan180.org.