Downeast Youth ‘CATCH’ Their Breath

Evidence-Based Vaping Prevention Reaches Hancock and Washington Counties

Article contributed by Dani Robbins, Community Health Coordinator, dani.robbins@healthyacadia.org.

In recent years, the use of electronic vapor products—often called vapes—has skyrocketed among young people, frequently surpassing the use of traditional tobacco products. While it is illegal to purchase these products under the age of 21, predatory marketing tactics, enticing flavors, and access loopholes continue to fuel youth use in Maine.

In the Downeast Public Health District, 44.7% of high school seniors who participated in the 2023 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey reported having used an electronic vapor product. This rate is higher than the state average of 37.8% and highlights a serious public health concern for our region’s youth.

Why Vaping Is a Concern for Downeast Youth

Vaping poses significant risks to adolescent health, particularly in rural communities like Hancock and Washington counties. Elevated risk factors and fewer positive opportunities can make young people in Downeast Maine more vulnerable to nicotine use and addiction. Preventing initiation—and supporting youth who are already using vape products—requires intentional, evidence-based approaches grounded in strong community relationships.

Our Approach: CATCH My Breath

To address this challenge, Healthy Acadia partnered with schools and students to reduce youth vaping by delivering the CATCH My Breath vaping prevention curriculum directly in middle and high schools across the Downeast District.

CATCH My Breath is an evidence-based program that combines substance-specific education with community-building activities. Healthy Acadia staff implemented the curriculum in a flexible and culturally responsive way, drawing on their deep knowledge of Downeast communities. This approach helped maximize program reach while building trust with both educators and students.

At a Glance

During the fall of 2025, Healthy Acadia delivered the CATCH My Breath curriculum to more than 180 students in seven schools across the Downeast District. This work is part of an ongoing effort to prevent youth initiation of electronic vapor products and to interrupt current vape use among young people in Hancock and Washington counties.

Results and What We’re Seeing

In fall 2025 alone, Healthy Acadia staff reached over 180 middle and high school students through the CATCH curriculum. Outreach about the program extended to 36 schools in Hancock County and 37 schools in Washington County, with additional prevention programming already scheduled in schools throughout the two-county district.

In schools where Healthy Acadia staff also provide treatment services, the implementation of CATCH has anecdotally increased student interest in tools to quit current nicotine use. This reinforces the value of integrating prevention and treatment efforts and meeting youth where they are with consistent, supportive messaging.

Learn More

For more information about Healthy Acadia’s youth vaping prevention work, contact: Dani Robbins, Community Health Coordinator at dani.robbins@healthyacadia.org.

This program is brought to you by the Maine Prevention Network, an initiative of the Maine CDC.