LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — As vaping continues to trend among high school and middle school students, one local hospital is working to help young people break the habit.
Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center has partnered with the Ohio Department of Health and the confidential youth cessation program “Live Vape Free.” The initiative provides one-on-one support with a trained quit coach who offers personalized assessments for students who want to stop vaping.
The initiative provides one-on-one support with a trained quit coach who offers personalized assessments for students who want to stop vaping.
While hospital staff have already been visiting local schools to raise awareness, they acknowledge that not every teen is comfortable speaking up in a group setting.
“When we're talking with students, a lot of them aren't necessarily interested in coming up to us that day,” said Catherine Lusky, community health coordinator for Mercy Health. “They might be embarrassed or feel some shame. They get addicted, and it becomes more of a mental health issue. They need to have a sit-down conversation with a trusted, licensed adult to work through a quit plan and access reliable support.”
Students can sign up for the program virtually at LiveVapeFree.com, allowing them to connect confidentially with coaches from the comfort of their own space.
In addition to offering cessation support, Mercy Health will dispose of confiscated e-cigarettes collected by schools during its upcoming E-Recycle Day on Tuesday, April 22.
