Tobacco and Vaping Prevention

Healthy Oxford Hills and the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence work together to reduce tobacco use, vaping, and secondhand smoke exposure throughout Oxford County. According to the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS), Oxford County has some of the highest rates of vaping among youth in the state. In 2019 30.9% of High School Students in Oxford County reported that they had used an electronic vapor product in the last 30 days compared to 12.3% in

2017.

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke and exposure can increase the risk of health issues, especially in children. Tobacco policies in settings such as multi-unit housing, healthcare and behavioral health organizations can prevent involuntary secondhand smoke exposure. Visit Breathe Easy Maine for more information about tobacco-free policies.

How does Healthy Oxford Hills help prevent and lower tobacco use?

Working with Youth

We partner with schools and local organizations to prevent youth from starting to use tobacco since nearly 9 o

ut of 10 people who smoke first tried smoking by age 18.

Smoke and tobacco-free policies are evidenced-based ways to:

  • Prevent youth from starting tobacco use
  • Reduce exposure of secondhand smoke
  • Reduce tobacco use
  • Reduce death and disease related to tobacco use
  • Promote healthy social norms around tobacco use.
Providing assistance and signs

Healthy Oxford Hills provides technical assistance to organizations that are looking to go tobacco-free. Organizations can also get free, high-quality signs about tobacco policies.

Connecting you with the Maine Tobacco Helpline

Healthy Oxford Hills promotes the Maine Tobacco Helpline through partnerships with different organizations. The Maine Tobacco Helpline is a free, confidential service for Maine residents. Trained Tobacco Treatment Specialists offer free coaching calls and can prescribe eligible participants up to 8 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy. Text, email and web-based support is also available. Visit The Quit Link for more information or to enroll.

SideKicks

Our coordinators are trained to deliver SideKicks, an educational program designed to teach youth how to talk with their peers about tobacco use and vaping. This is a four hour, skill-building program that is designed for middle and high school students. Visit SideKicks for more information.