CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) has released a series of fact sheets: Adolescent Health: What Works In Schools. The series translates scientific literature and expertise about what is most likely to be effective in reducing adolescent risk for HIV infection and other STDs. The series summarizes recommended approaches and information from DASH’s evidence-based approach to school-based HIV and STD prevention. It includes providing quality sexual health education, connecting students to sexual health services, and establishing safe and supportive school environments. These evidence-based strategies benefit all students. Further, activities related to health education and health services can be tailored to address health outcomes other than sexual behaviors, including high-risk substance use, violence victimization, and mental health. Promoting safe and supportive environments can address all of these health outcomes.

Boulder Valley (CO) School District is trying to educate kids about vaping, rather than suspending them the first time they get caught vaping on campus. The Denver Post showcases how this approach could become a national model. Kudos to Boulder Valley School District and Boulder County Public Health for taking a prevention and educational approach to addressing this critical health issue.

Alternatives to suspension that keep students in school and include individualized support, education, and progressive disciplinary strategies can decrease incidents of problem student behaviors and support positive learning outcomes. RMC Health can work with you to create disciplinary practices that meet the needs of your school community. As mentioned in the article, RMC Health also offers an alternative to suspension education program for youth who have violated a tobacco policy at school or in the community. The Second Chance program is a web-based, interactive, and self-directed program designed to increase student awareness about the skills and strategies to resist risky behaviors that impact their health.

RMC Health had the opportunity to contribute to Education Dive’s recent article Vaping’s rise necessitates rethinking of nicotine education. The article highlights the need to implement prevention and education approaches that are non-punitive, support cessation, and increase protective factors for young people.

RMC Health can support your school and community based organization to address youth vaping and use of electronic nicotine devices utilizing these approaches. RMC offers skills based workshops for a variety of audiences, including local public health, school leaders, community organizations, parents, guardians, community members and other trusted adults to build capacity to confidently focus on education and prevention efforts, provide support for youth using electronic nicotine products, and to foster protective factors for youth to resist nicotine and other substance use.