During quarantine, many people are setting goals for themselves, and the Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition (RDFC) is encouraging those who want to quit vaping by offering Quit Kits.

“These free kits contain a guide on how to quit vaping, tips for someone to support the person quitting, information on the Truth Initiative’s e-cigarette quit program, packs of mint gum and cinnamon toothpicks,” Lili Schliesser, RDFC Project Coordinator, said.

In order to gain publicity for the project, the RDFC has posted information on social media as well as reaching out to school counselors and social workers and student publication teams.

“It’s never a good time to be addicted to vapes, but it’s an especially bad time now. Vaping increases the risks [of getting] COVID-19,” Schliesser said. “It may be that some students who were used to getting steady supplies can’t right now, which can have a big impact on mental well-being. If a student is ready to put down the vape for good, we want them to feel supported.”

The Truth Initiative website states that 27.5% of high school students use e-cigarettes, which leads to lung damage and a weakened immune system. The Quit Kits are just one of many projects being put together to discourage vaping and tobacco use.

“I do classes on vaping for freshman seminar, and I have also done classes for parents on this topic. Many parents have no idea what their kids are doing and what the stuff looks like, so I show them,” Officer Jim McDonald said.

Reaching out for a kit follows a simple process.

“Email me at [email protected] or send a message on Instagram (rsd_drug_free), Twitter (@RcwdDrugFree) or Facebook (@RockwoodDrugFree),” Schliesser said. “If someone wants to get a kit more discreetly, they can tell us when they contact us and we’ll work with them.”

McDonald strongly supports what the RDFC is doing.

“Anything that helps kids overcome this stuff is good. A lot of kids don’t want their friends to know they want to quit, and they are scared to tell their parents [because they] don’t want to get into trouble. I have had many conversations with kids who want to quit,” McDonald said. “Ask for help. You will get it. There is no shame in admitting you have a problem. It takes a bold, strong person to admit that he/she has a problem and that they want to get help.”