LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Mercy Health Lima is working to address the growing issue of youth nicotine use across Allen County by partnering with local organizations to expand awareness and access to support services.
The medical center is seeking community-based groups that work with teens to help promote its evidence-based program, “Live Vape Free,” which is designed to help young people quit nicotine use. Health officials say nicotine addiction among youth can negatively impact academic performance, strain finances and lead to long-term dependence.
The program offers a personalized approach, allowing participants to connect with trained coaches and develop individualized plans to quit.
“It is a text based program and an online program so the youth can text with a trained Quit Coach develop their own quit plan that is unique and customized to them, which is really, really important. We don't want a cookie cutter plan for any child or young adult, and then they're able to get educated on the topic through those online lessons,” said Catherine Sevitz, community health coordinator.
Mercy Health Lima encourages organizations and individuals interested in participating or helping to spread awareness to reach out to Sevitz by emailing clusky@mercy.com for more information about the “Live Vape Free” program.
