The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has introduced a new online program aimed at young Texans under 21 who have been cited for possessing tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. The E-Cigarette and Tobacco Awareness Program (ETAP) was developed in partnership with the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University.
Under current regulations, individuals under 21 found in possession of tobacco products are required to complete a DSHS-approved awareness program. ETAP fulfills this requirement and is now available online statewide at no cost to schools or participants. This replaces the previous Texas Youth Tobacco Awareness Program, which involved live instruction and often charged a fee.
“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.”
Alongside the mandatory course for those cited for possession, ETAP also includes a prevention curriculum for students in grades 6-12. Schools can use this component as part of their anti-tobacco education efforts.
For more information about ETAP, visit the program’s website or contact DSHS media relations.
