The CATCH My Breath Vaping Prevention Curriculum: An Evaluation of Impacts in Central Appalachian Middle and High Schools, 2019-2023

The CATCH My Breath program is a school-based initiative aimed at preventing e-cigarette use among middle and high school students in Central Appalachian counties. This report discusses its implementation and potential impacts from 2019 to 2023.

Given the high rates of tobacco use and related health issues in this region, such programs are crucial for public health efforts to reduce youth vaping and improve community health outcomes.

Preventing youth from starting to use e-cigarettes is vital for reducing long-term health risks associated with tobacco products. School-based programs like CATCH My Breath are essential tools in this public health effort.

By addressing vaping early, communities can curb the rise of tobacco-related health issues and promote healthier lifestyles among young populations.

This evaluation highlights a targeted intervention in a high-risk region, emphasizing the importance of school-based prevention programs in reducing youth tobacco use and associated health disparities.

Effective prevention strategies can lead to significant public health benefits, including lower rates of tobacco-related diseases and improved community health outcomes.

The findings support the need for policies that promote and fund school-based tobacco prevention programs. Such initiatives are crucial for comprehensive tobacco control strategies.

Policymakers can leverage this evidence to strengthen regulations and allocate resources toward effective youth prevention efforts in high-risk areas.