Natalie Moore, of Live Well Kosciusko, is shown educating students in 2024 about the harms of vaping. Photo by Live Well Kosciusko.

News Release

WARSAW — The Breathe Well Coalition has announced “significant” progress in reducing youth vaping and tobacco use in Kosciusko County schools. The success was made possible through funding from Health First Kosciusko, K21 Health Foundation and the Indiana Department of Health.

“We couldn’t do it without our funders and our partners at the schools here in Kosciusko County. Every meeting we’ve had with school officials has been so productive thanks to the amount of care they have for their students’ well-being,” said Austin Rhodes, Breathe Well Coalition coordinator. “Our high school students are also taking action and educating younger students in their districts. That type of passion is key to driving change, and I’m very proud of what they’ve been able to do.”

Since the start of the 2023 school year, the coalition has expanded its evidence-based prevention and intervention programming from one school to nine schools, reaching students across multiple grade levels.

2023-2024 Program Growth Highlights

Students Chris Marquez, Colton Crabb, Diego Gonzales, Kaylynn Miller and recent graduate Jetta Hughes, from Tippecanoe Valley High School Voice Club, educated middle school students in 2024 on the harms of vaping. Photo by Live Well Kosciusko.

Last year, nine schools across Kosciusko County engaged with at least one Breathe Well program, demonstrating a commitment to addressing youth vaping and tobacco use. Schools implemented evidence-based prevention programs like Catch My Breath, while others adopted intervention programs such as Indepth or Vaping: Know the Truth as alternatives to suspension. Some schools adopted both prevention and intervention programming. Additionally, youth-led Voice clubs have empowered students to take an active role in combating youth vaping. This collective effort marks a significant step forward in creating healthier, tobacco-free environments for local students, according to the Breathe Well Coalition.

“If we can curb tobacco use and vaping in a person’s youth, that will make a significant difference in their health throughout their life,” said Kurt Carlson, Health First Kosciusko coordinator.

A Message Of Gratitude

“The growth of evidence-based programs into nine schools is a significant step in protecting youth from the harms of vaping and tobacco,” said Lisa Harman, president of Live Well Kosciusko, lead agency of the Breathe Well Coalition. “We deeply appreciate the support from our local schools, Health First Kosciusko, K21 Health Foundation and the Indiana Department of Health. Together, we are helping students embrace healthier, tobacco-free lives.”

Looking Ahead

The Breathe Well Coalition is dedicated to fostering a healthier, tobacco-free future for Kosciusko County. With ongoing support and collaboration, the agency aims to expand its reach and impact even further.

For more information or to get involved, contact Rhodes, coalition coordinator, at [email protected].