Tobacco Use Prevention

Tobacco use and vaping among young people can have serious health consequences. Nicotine can harm the developing brain, affecting learning, memory, and attention. It can also lead to addiction and increase the risk of future substance use. Vaping products can contain harmful chemicals and metals, including formaldehyde and lead, which can damage the lungs and other organs. The use of tobacco and vaping products can increase the risk of developing various health conditions, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. It is important for parents, educators, and caregivers to talk with youth about the dangers of tobacco use and vaping and to seek help for youth that may be struggling with addiction or other related issues.

Healthy Acadia actively engages with youth in school and community settings to promote peer-to-peer discussions around the risks of substance use in an effort to deter use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other substances through programs such as DownEast Teen Leadership Camp (DETLC), Prime for Life, and Sidekicks.

Sidekicks

Sidekicks is an initiative of the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence implemented by Healthy Acadia, with funding from Maine Prevention Services, Maine CDC, DHHS. Sidekicks is a peer mediation and advocacy program designed for middle school and high school health classes. Sidekicks consists of four engaging and interactive lessons that equip young people with the skills to talk to their peers about risky behaviors such as vaping.

Using the Sidekicks curriculum, we work directly with youth and their adult advisors to help teens find the words to talk with their peers about tobacco use and vaping. Sidekicks empowers youth to build their skills and confidence to hold respectful conversations with their peers about tobacco use and other risky behaviors and connects them to a network of Adult Advisors and Adult Ambassadors for questions, resources, and additional support.

For more information please contact Corrie.Hunkler@HealthyAcadia.org or visit the Sidekicks website.

Vaping Risks, Myths, and Facts

Our tobacco prevention team offers in-person and/or virtual interactive discussions around vaping risks, facts and myths for parents, caregivers, teachers, and teens.

To learn more or inquire about tobacco prevention resources and programming for your school, classroom, or group, please email tobacco@healthyacadia.org or call 207-667-7171 or 207-255-3741.