Indian River School Board proclaims March 2025 Vaping Awareness Month; partners with Thrive for prevention

The Indian River County School Board on March 10 unanimously approved a proclamation declaring March 2025 Vaping Awareness Month and heard a presentation from Thrive, the nonprofit formerly known as the Substance Awareness Center.

Thrive CEO Carrie Lester told the board the organization remains focused on prevention, education, early intervention and recovery following a recent name change. "Our mission is to protect and empower our community by providing resources, prevention strategies and recovery services that address substance misuse and behavioral health promoting long term wellness," Lester said.

The proclamation — read by student Mimi Naul — cites federal findings and local data: it notes a federal declaration of youth e-cigarette use as a nationwide epidemic and records that in 2024, 14.5 percent of high schoolers and 9.1 percent of middle schoolers reported trying e-cigarettes. The proclamation text also highlights public-health risks of nicotine and e-cigarette aerosol and commits the district to local prevention and public-health initiatives.

Heather Holden, the district's director of student services, introduced the Thrive presenters and listed local activities tied to the proclamation, including classroom prevention lessons, parent education and community events. The board voted 5-0 to adopt the proclamation.

The board said Thrive and the district will continue collaborating on prevention education and public events during the month. The proclamation does not create a new program or funding stream; it formalizes the district's public messaging and local activities for the month.

The vote: the board approved the proclamation by voice vote with no recorded dissents (5-0).