The Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at reducing youth tobacco and nicotine use. The meeting focused on resources available for both youth and school administrators, emphasizing the importance of education and support in combating vaping and tobacco use among young people.
The session began with an overview of the LivVapeFree platform, which offers a youth cessation program specifically designed for individuals aged 13 to 17. This program includes personalized text coaching and interactive resources to assist young users in quitting vaping. Additionally, the LiveVapeFree Adult Advocacy Program provides communication techniques for adults to support youth in their cessation efforts.
Participants were informed about the Louisiana Tobacco Quit Line, which is accessible to youth tobacco users and offers digital coaching. The Quit With Us LA initiative was highlighted as a comprehensive resource for youth seeking to quit all forms of tobacco, including vaping. The platform provides peer support and personalized coaching, catering specifically to the needs of young users.
The meeting also introduced Unfiltered Facts, Louisiana's award-winning youth brand that delivers straightforward information about nicotine and tobacco products. This platform aims to educate youth on the risks associated with vaping and tobacco use, addressing their need for direct and clear information.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the School Administrators Vape Free Training, which was launched on July 14, 2025. This training was distributed to all schools in Louisiana and aims to equip administrators with the knowledge to identify vaping devices, understand addiction cycles, and implement comprehensive tobacco-free policies within schools.
The council also discussed the importance of youth empowerment and advocacy in tobacco control. Programs like NextEra were mentioned, which engage students in prevention education and advocacy skills. The meeting concluded with a call for increased youth involvement in promoting tobacco-free living and the need for ongoing support and resources for both students and school staff.
In summary, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between various programs and initiatives aimed at reducing youth tobacco use in Louisiana. The council emphasized the importance of education, support, and advocacy in creating a healthier environment for young people. Future steps include expanding outreach and improving existing resources to further combat the challenges posed by vaping and tobacco use among youth.