New Virginia CSB | Youth Vaping Prevention One-Pager
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New Virginia CSB
Clearing the Air:
Our Youth Vaping Prevention Story
Data, voices, and results from our community prevention program
Program Report
2026
Vaping is a serious and growing problem in our community. More than half of the high school students we surveyed had already used a vape, and nearly a third believed there was no risk involved. Youth are being exposed early — many before they even reach high school — and many don't understand the real health consequences. That's why New Virginia CSB launched a multi-year, evidence-based prevention program in local middle and high schools. We came back to the data to show you what changed.
Our goal: Reduce youth vaping and shift attitudes about the risks of vaping among students in our community through targeted, evidence-based prevention education.
The Problem
53%
of high school students in our community had ever used a vape when we began
68%
of young adult vape users first used before age 18
71%
of young adults say it's easy to get a vape under 21
30%
of young adults perceive no or slight risk from vaping
$15B
vaping costs the U.S. annually in health care — over $2,000 per person
What We Did
Our Prevention Approach
  • Prevention Trainings
    Multi-year, evidence-based trainings delivered in local middle and high schools
  • Pre & Post Surveys
    Measured changes in vaping behaviors and attitudes before and after each training
  • Student Focus Groups
    Gathered qualitative data on how youth feel about vaping and peer pressure
  • Community Art Contest
    Youth submissions now on display at the community center
  • Virginia Data Finder
    Used the Young Adult Survey / VASIS to compare community trends to statewide patterns
What Changed
Pre/Post Training Results
Ever Used a Vape
Middle School↓ 2 pts
Before
15%
After
13%
High School↓ 8 pts
Before
53%
After
45%
"No Risk" Belief Among Students
Middle School↓ 17 pts
Before
27%
After
10%
High School↓ 9 pts
Before
18%
After
9%
In Their Own Words — Student Voices from Post-Survey
"
I thought vaping was ok because it's just vapor. I didn't realize it was actually making you sick.
— Training participant
"
My friends started vaping but I didn't say anything because I thought it was better than using other things. I want them to stop now.
— Training participant
"
My parents vape. They told me it's fine but now I know it's not.
— Training participant
Community Trend
Lifetime Vape Use Declining
60%
2022
→
52%
2024
→
43%
2026
Young adult lifetime vape use has fallen 17 percentage points since prevention programming began in our schools in 2022
Return on Investment
Prevention Pays for Itself
$1
→
$5
For every $1 invested in our evidence-based youth training program, an estimated $5 is saved in future health care and social costs
The Cost of Inaction
Vaping Is Expensive for Everyone
$2,000+
Vaping costs more than $2,000 per person per year in health care costs. The U.S. spends $15 billion annually — prevention is the most cost-effective response
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The Problem
Vaping is prevalent, accessible, and misunderstood by youth
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Our Action
Evidence-based school trainings + surveys + focus groups
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The Results
Reduced use, shifted attitudes, and real student change
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The Value
$5 saved for every $1 invested in prevention
New Virginia CSB  ·  Prevention Services
Serving our community through evidence-based prevention, education, and connection.