Douglas County Spotlights Nobody’s Perfect Podcast: A Vital Discussion on Teen Vaping

The Nobody’s Perfect Podcast is making waves once again—this time, by shedding light on an urgent issue affecting teens in Douglas County: vaping. In a recent article, the Douglas County Health Department recognized the podcast’s role in raising awareness about the dangers of teen vaping, featuring a compelling conversation between Jason Hopcus, President/CEO of NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties, and Community Health Educators Ashley Scollard and Alissa Huff.

The Startling Reality of Teen Vaping in Douglas County

Did you know that vaping among teens in Douglas County is nearly twice the national average? According to the CDC, about 5.8% of middle and high school students across the U.S. use e-cigarettes. However, the Douglas County Community Health Survey reports local numbers as high as 12.2%.

So, what makes vaping such a concern? Many teens mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes are a harmless alternative to smoking. The truth is, vaping devices often contain up to 30 harmful chemicals, including high levels of nicotine, which can rewire a young person’s brain, increasing the risk of addiction, mood disorders, and attention issues.

The Hidden Dangers Parents Need to Know

One of the biggest challenges parents face is that vaping is easy to hide. Vape pens are being designed to resemble everyday items like hoodies, pens, highlighters, and even water bottles. What’s more, some companies market discrete shipping on social media so teens can order products online without parental knowledge.

Ashley Scollard, a Douglas County Health Educator, emphasized that fun flavors and “smart” vape devices with built-in games make these products especially appealing to teens. This marketing strategy, combined with the ease of access, has contributed to a growing public health concern.

What Can Parents and the Community Do?

Douglas County Health Department is taking action by providing free Quit-Kits to help individuals struggling with nicotine addiction. They are also collaborating with School Resource Officers, the Care Compact Program, and WIC to educate families, schools, and community leaders on the risks of teen vaping.

As Jason Hopcus pointed out during the podcast, “We need to continue to have these conversations that make us more aware of the challenges our youth are tackling. Recognizing these issues and listening to our youth can lead to greater outcomes for everyone.”

Listen to the Full Conversation

We are incredibly grateful to the Douglas County Health Department for their collaboration and for highlighting the work of the Nobody’s Perfect Podcast. Conversations like these help drive awareness and empower parents, educators, and teens to make informed choices about their health.

Listen to the full episode featuring Jason Hopcus, Ashley Scollard, and Alissa Huff wherever you get your podcasts. Stay connected with Nobody’s Perfect Community for more important discussions on the mental health and wellbeing of youth.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

If you found this discussion valuable, share this post with parents, educators, and youth advocates. Together, we can create a healthier future for our teens. You can share with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.