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Local nonprofit presents Department of Health grant to tackle youth vaping in Smith County schools
Summary
The Spot's Barbara Knappell told the board the group has a four-year Department of Health grant to pilot the evidence-based Catch My Breath curriculum and partner with schools on nicotine-free policy and cessation services; the board will consider the request in a future meeting.
Barbara Knappell, representing Youth and Family Resource Network (The Spot), presented a four-year "Nicotine-Free Futures" grant from the Tennessee Department of Health and asked the Smith County Board of Education to consider piloting the Catch My Breath evidence-based prevention curriculum in guidance and wellness classes. Knappell said the grant would support three goals: introduce the prevention curriculum, partner with schools and juvenile court to update nicotine-free policies and access evidence-based disciplinary alternatives, and offer cessation classes for students with nicotine dependence.
Knappell said the program would be offered at no cost to the Smith County School System, outlined a proposed pilot in the fall, and invited board members to review curriculum materials provided in the board packet. Board members asked logistical questions about class length and delivery; Knappell said lessons could be approximately 45 minutes and delivered through existing guidance or wellness class time.
The chair thanked Knappell and said the board would discuss the grant and likely vote in a subsequent meeting. Several board members and attendees praised the long-term community partnership between The Spot and Smith County Schools and noted the urgency of addressing flavored-vape products among youth.
