Washington County launches vaping awareness PSA campaign

Washington County, New York, has launched a vaping awareness and education PSA campaign with Trellis Marketing and NYSAC to warn residents about nicotine addiction and youth vaping risks. The campaign includes a public resource site and is aimed at helping families access support.

Why it matters: - Washington County is trying to reach residents with public health messaging about vaping, nicotine addiction and youth health risks. - The campaign is meant to connect people with help resources, not just raise awareness. - NYSAC says youth vaping in New York State is 18.7%, nearly double the national average of 10%.

What happened: - Washington County launched a Vaping Awareness & Education PSA Campaign in partnership with Trellis Marketing, Inc. and the New York State Association of Counties. - The campaign uses multimedia creative to educate residents on the dangers of vaping use. - Washington County Public Health Director Tina McDougall said the county wants residents to have accurate information and access to resources. - The campaign website is more information. - Counties interested in participating can visit the campaign page.

The details: - The campaign addresses health risks tied to youth vaping and nicotine addiction. - McDougall said the effort aims to raise awareness, encourage informed decision-making and connect individuals and families with support services in the community. - The vaping initiative grew out of Washington County’s earlier Opioid Awareness & Education Program, which began in 2018. - That opioid effort started after members of the New York State Coroners Association pushed for action on overdose deaths. - Trellis Marketing developed creative and a media plan that delivered messaging across New York State for the opioid campaign. - NYSAC Executive Director Steve Acquario said today’s vaping landscape includes high-nicotine, flavored disposable devices that are often illegal, concealed easily and used to cope with anxiety and depression. - Acquario said the organization sees youth vaping as a serious public health concern and endorses the PSA campaign. - Washington County Public Health operates a tobacco cessation program called Commit 2 Quit.

Between the lines: - The county is extending a proven public health campaign model from opioids to vaping, suggesting local officials see similar urgency in both crises. - The messaging focuses on youth, addiction and mental health, signaling that Washington County wants the campaign to feel practical and prevention-oriented, not abstract. - The partnership with NYSAC gives the effort broader credibility and may help other counties copy the model.

What's next: - Washington County is directing residents to the campaign website for more information and help resources. - Trellis Marketing is inviting other counties nationwide to join the PSA initiative. - The county’s existing tobacco cessation program may serve as a support path for residents seeking to quit nicotine use.

The bottom line: - Washington County is using a public service campaign to turn vaping awareness into a direct call for prevention, education and quitting support.