New DSHS anti-tobacco and vaping program now online at no cost to young Texans

The Texas Department of State Health Services launched a new online anti-tobacco and vaping program this month for Texans under the age of 21 who have been referred by the courts or schools after being found in possession of tobacco products. The new E-Cigarette and Tobacco Awareness Program, or ETAP, was developed in collaboration with Texas State University's Texas School Safety Center.

Under the Texas Health Safety Code, Texans under the age of 21 who are cited for possession of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes or vapes, must participate in a DSHS-approved e-cigarette and tobacco awareness program.

"This course provides young people with the knowledge and tools they need to avoid and even break tobacco and vaping addiction that may already negatively affect them," said Manda Hall, MD, DSHS Deputy Commissioner for Community Health Improvement. "We encourage schools and educators to use the ETAP course as an alternative to school suspension or the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program in their districts."

In addition to the required course, ETAP also offers a new tobacco use prevention course for students in grades 6-12. Schools can integrate the course into their anti-tobacco efforts as a way to educate students about the harmful health effects of tobacco use and vaping.

ETAP is available online statewide at no cost to schools or participants. It replaces the Texas Youth Tobacco Awareness Program, which was taught only via live instruction and often required a fee.

To learn more about ETAP, visit the program's website at https://txssc.txstate.edu/about/programs/etap or reach out to [email protected].

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(News Media Contact: [email protected])