Masks and face coverings
Public Health strongly recommends wearing a mask in public indoor settings — regardless of vaccination status — in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
Teen Vaping
Youth in El Paso County are using e-cigarettes, also known as vaping at alarming rates. Teen vaping has risen to epidemic proportions across Colorado with youth vaping at rates more than twice the national average.
The Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (TEPP) and its community partners are working to prevent youth from using tobacco, including e-cigarettes by:
- Partnering with local schools to educate teachers, staff and students about tobacco and strengthen tobacco-free schools policy
- Collaborating with local governments and law enforcement in El Paso County to reduce illegal tobacco sales to minors
- Creating smoke-free public spaces across El Paso County
El Paso County 2017 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey Infographic
Talking to Youth
Sometimes it may feel like youth aren’t listening to what you say but research shows adults can have a big influence on their behavior. As an adult they trust, you can impact their choices. What you say, and the example you set, make a difference. The following resources can help you start the conversation about vaping with youth in your life.
Know the Facts: Talk to Youth About Vaping
Vape: Myth vs. Facts
FAQs for Parents and Adults Who Work with Youth
Tip Sheet: Talking to Youth
Vaping 101: What You Need to Know
Helping Youth Quit
The Colorado QuitLine now serves Coloradans as young as 12 years old who wanting to quit vaping, smoking or chewing. Youth can receive free, confidential coaching at www.coquitline.org or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Smoke-Free Teen, a website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also provides free quit support for youth, including texting services, a mobile app, trained coaches, and healthy tips to handle stress and social pressure.
Additional Resources
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Not On Tobacco (N-O-T) Program
Second Chance Tobacco
Tobacco is Nasty (tobacco education for teens 12-17 years old)
Enough With The Puff (tobacco education for young adults)