Mohave County Tobacco Use Prevention Program Reports Decline in Youth Vaping Rates and Expands Outreach Across the County

The Mohave County Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MCTUPP) is proud to announce promising results in youth nicotine prevention efforts, including a marked decline in vaping among high school seniors. Between 2022 and 2024, vaping rates among local seniors fell from 19.2% to 15.5%, a significant step forward in addressing nicotine addiction at its source.
MCTUPP aims to reduce tobacco and nicotine use among both youth and adults by implementing evidence-based educational initiatives, youth diversion programs, and fostering collaboration within the community.
“The use of tobacco and nicotine continues to be the top preventable cause of death in the United States. Initiatives such as MCTUPP aim to prevent young people from starting these habits in the first place, which is essential for fostering healthier communities,” said Kelsea King, Program Coordinator.
Education and Early Intervention at the Core
MCTUPP’s outreach includes:
- Catch My Breath, an evidence-based program recognized by SAMHSA, reached more than 700 students across 11 schools and youth organizations between 2023 and 2024.
- ASPIRE, a digital prevention curriculum developed by MD Anderson Cancer Center, reached 1,641 students, with more than 946 completing the program successfully.
- Diversion programs through Lake Havasu City Youth Court and recently expanded to Kingman Justice and Municipal Courts in October 2024. These efforts ensure youth cited for vaping violations receive education, support, and structured accountability. Since the program’s implementation, re-offense rates have dropped to zero.
Even with advancements, the vaping rates among Arizona’s youth are still a bit higher than the national average, highlighting the importance of ongoing education and
prevention efforts. Data from 2024 reveals that 15.5% of high school seniors in Mohave County reported using vape products regularly, which is above the state average of 12.5% and the national average of 7.8%.
Smoking-related health issues cost Arizona billions in healthcare expenses annually. MCTUPP empowers young individuals by providing them with the skills to advocate for themselves and their communities, promoting leadership, critical thinking, and better health outcomes in the long run.
This initiative is supported by funding from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) using state tobacco tax funds.
The Mohave County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and improving the health of our communities. Guided by the vision of "Healthy People in Healthy Communities," MCDPH offers a wide range of programs and services, including immunizations, family planning, disease prevention, nutrition assistance, environmental health oversight, and emergency preparedness.
