South Central Public Health District proudly promotes one of Idaho's best vaping education programs. Our health educators are continually promoting change and adaptation within our communities to prevent vaping related health issues, promote public awareness, and protect our communities and youth from the negative consequences of vaping.
Cloud Chasing
Cloud Chasing is a free e-book providing an overview of current vaping devices, research, and dangers. Authored by our own vaping education specialist, it provides important information written with Idahoans in mind.
Cloud Chasing booklet in Spanish — Persiguiendo Nubes: Una Observación más Cercas a la Epidemia de Cigarrillos Electrónicos.
About the Author
Cody Orchard is one of Idaho's top vaping education experts. He graduated from Boise State University with a degree in health education and has more than 5 years of experience in vaping education. Orchard is an enthusiastic teacher and is passionate about creating healthier communities in Idaho.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. The term is used because e-cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke, but rather an aerosol, often mistaken for water vapor, that actually consists of fine particles. Many of these particles contain varying amounts of toxic chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, as well as respiratory and heart disease.
Vaping has grown in popularity with the rise of e-cigarettes, which were introduced to the mass market in the U.S. in 2007. Vaping devices include not just e-cigarettes, but also vape pens and advanced personal vaporizers (also known as 'MODS'). E-cigarettes, which resemble smoked cigarettes, and vape pens, which resemble large fountain pens, are typically simpler in design and less expensive than devices that have been customized by the user.
Vaping Education Resources
Other Resources and Websites
Catch My Breath
CATCH My Breath is an evidence-based and SAMHSA-recommended vaping prevention program for students in grades 5–12. Informed by tobacco youth prevention researchers and practitioners, years of real world implementation, and a youth advisory board, it is the only school-based vaping prevention program proven to reduce the likelihood of vaping among youth. For more information including parent resources in English and Spanish, please visit catch.org/program/vaping-prevention.
Catch My Breath Parent Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to help parents identify behaviors of their youth who might be actively pursuing or using vapes. Additionally, the toolkit helps start conversations between parents and youth to help youth be more open, and offers ways to get them help.
Ready to Quit Vaping?
You don't have to do it alone. My Life My Quit offers a text line to help you quit vaping or tobacco.
South Central Public Health District offers cessation programs that can help you quit smoking, vaping, chewing, and more. The programs are five sessions long, free, and are offered in groups or one-on-one in a public area. We offer programs specifically designed for pregnant women, adults, and teens. For more information call (208) 737-5968, or email the program coordinator.
Teen Vaping Cessation and Information Program
This is a 5-week quit vaping program offered to teens. The classes help youth recognize habits and triggers, develop coping skills, and set and commit to quit dates. SCPHD also offers a two-day alternative to suspension class — an in-depth tobacco and vaping education class that helps teens develop coping skills, teaches effective steps to quit, and helps teens understand how living without nicotine will impact their future.