GMSD Launches Vaping Cessation Specialists to Support Student Health

GMSD is taking a proactive step toward student wellness with the launch of its new vaping cessation specialist program—a coordinated effort between Coordinated School Health (CSH) and Student Services designed to educate, empower, and support students in making healthier choices.

As vaping continues to rise among adolescents nationwide, GMSD’s initiative is focused on education, compassion, and lasting behavior changes. Specialists across each school will provide targeted education on the health risks of vaping, create individualized quit plans, and connect families to supportive resources and tools.

“A vaping cessation specialist helps students understand the risks of vaping and supports those who want to quit,” explained Nurse Sarah Nail of Riverdale School. “This work is important because it represents a key time in a child’s life to prevent nicotine addiction and promote a vape-free school culture.”

At Houston High School, Counselor Beth Handy shared that the program extends beyond students to include families: “Many believe vaping is safer than cigarettes and don’t realize the drugs that can be in vape pods. Vaping has evolved into the ‘cool thing to do,’ and everyone needs to understand the negative effects on developing brains and bodies.”

Her colleague, Counselor Denise Fisher, agreed, adding, “Supporting students in making healthy choices is at the heart of what we do. Vaping prevention and education help us empower students with tools to make informed decisions.”

For Nurse Celeste Waldrup, the effort connects deeply to her passion for helping students manage health challenges. “Addictive behaviors can be addressed through therapeutic listening,” she said. “When students feel overwhelmed, having a nonjudgmental and nurturing space to process their experiences is imperative for healing. Witnessing them become the healthiest versions of themselves is beyond rewarding.”

Counselor Jonathan Pritchett at HMS emphasized the importance of early intervention: “We want to provide every opportunity possible for students to be successful and live full, healthy lives. I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it is for teens to stop once they’ve started, and this program gives them a real chance to do that.”

Through a balance of education, family engagement, and individualized support, GMSD’s vaping cessation specialists are creating a new model of care with the goal to replace stigma understanding and punishment with progress.

“When education meets compassion,” said district leaders, “healthier choices follow.”