The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has introduced a new online program aimed at reducing tobacco and vaping use among young people in the state. The E-Cigarette and Tobacco Awareness Program (ETAP) is designed for Texans under 21 who have been referred by courts or schools after being found with tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Developed in partnership with Texas State University’s Texas School Safety Center, ETAP meets the requirement that individuals under 21 cited for possession of tobacco products must participate in a DSHS-approved awareness program.
“This course provides young people with the knowledge and tools they need to avoid and even break tobacco and vaping addiction that may already negatively affect them,” said Manda Hall, MD, DSHS Deputy Commissioner for Community Health Improvement. “We encourage schools and educators to use the ETAP course as an alternative to school suspension or the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program in their districts.”
The program also includes a prevention course available for students in grades 6-12. Schools can add this course to their anti-tobacco initiatives to help educate students about health risks linked to tobacco and vaping.
ETAP is accessible statewide online at no cost to both schools and participants. It replaces the previous Texas Youth Tobacco Awareness Program, which was only offered through live instruction and often required payment.
For more information about ETAP, visit the program’s website or contact DSHS directly.
