Springfield Township High School took a proactive approach to combat teen vaping by participating in a vape buy-back program in partnership with Montgomery County. Funded by the JUUL Lawsuit Settlement through the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, this initiative offered students an opportunity to turn in their vape devices and participate in a nicotine cessation program. Incentives such as prom tickets and Dunkin gift cards were given to those who completed the process.
On January 28, students who wished to take part in the program turned in their vape devices along with a signed parental permission form. They then committed to an eight-week nicotine cessation program led by the American Lung Association.
Mr. LaRocco, the driver of the Springfield side of this program, shared that “the initiative was brought to the district by the county, which offered the school the opportunity to participate.” The district saw “no downside in implementing the program,” recognizing its “potential benefits for students struggling with nicotine addiction.”
“The idea that we are opening a dialogue is a good positive regardless of the other aspects,” said LaRocco. “The goal is to have the students not vape anymore and get the help they need to stop.”
One of the biggest hurdles was getting students to sign up because there was a “requirement to tell their parents about their vaping habits.” However, the program has been “designed to maintain as much privacy as possible, with only the county and school administration aware of participants’ involvement.”
Despite this challenge, the program saw a “respectable turnout,” making it a success for both the school and the county.
As for long-term support, LaRocco acknowledged that while the county does not currently have an extended plan in place, the school is open to reaching out to additional programs for continued assistance.
With vaping remaining a widespread issue among teenagers, Springfield Township High School’s buy-back program was a promising step toward raising awareness about the risks of nicotine addiction and providing chances for cessation.
For more information on the program, students and parents can contact Mr. Pierre LaRocco at [email protected].
