GO Health: Youth vaping is growing public health concern

Posted 28 September 2025 at 11:27 am

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Vaping or using e-cigarettes is a growing and urgent public health concern in Genesee and Orleans counties.

The 2023 Youth Survey (CLYDE) survey, done by UConnectCare, shows that vaping remains a concern among local youth. In the survey, 6% of 9th graders, 5% of 10th graders, 8% of 11th graders, and 13% of 12th graders reported using a vape with nicotine in the past 30 days. Additionally, 8% of 11th graders and 10% of 12th graders surveyed indicated that they used a vape with marijuana during that same period.

“This trend is a growing concern for parents, schools, and health officials,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Starting nicotine use at a young age can harm brain development, create long-term dependence, and raise the risk of future substance use.”

Protecting the youth in our community is a shared responsibility. By staying informed about vaping and talking openly at home, you can make a meaningful difference in helping young people avoid or quit vaping.

For guidance on how to effectively support youth, explore the tips and strategies below.

For parents, caregivers, and supportive adults:

Be a role model: Set a positive example for your children by living a tobacco-free lifestyle. If you use tobacco, make efforts to quit.
Create a tobacco-free home: Keep your children safe by preventing exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and vapes.
Start the conversation early: Talk with your kids about the risks and harms of vaping. Keep them informed about how no form of tobacco is safe. Start the conversations early and be consistent.
Be informed: Find the facts about vaping at trusted sites like CDC.gov/Vaping. You can also ask your child’s health care provider for more information.

How to talk to your child about vaping:

Create a safe space: Stay calm, do not judge, and listen to your child more than you speak.
Choose the right moment: Use everyday moments, such as seeing a vaping ad or someone vaping, to start a conversation.
Be honest and clear: Answer questions with the truth and share science-based facts. Talk about how nicotine can harm the brain and general health.

Get Help Today

If you want to quit, or know someone who does, there is help:

New York State Smokers’ Quitline: Call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487) or visit their website to get more information and support on quitting. You may also qualify for a free starter kit with nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges, and you can talk with a quit coach.
Drop the Vape: A free and anonymous text program for youth and young adults. Text: DROPTHEVAPE to 88709
Talk to your healthcare provider. Ask about medications and counseling to help with cravings. Most health insurance, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

Learn More About GO Health Programs and Services

Visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.