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Sacramento County Office of Education

Sacramento County Office of Education

Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) is a state-funded program in California designed to prevent tobacco use among youth and raise awareness about the dangers, including newer products created to target young people. Funded by tobacco taxes imposed under California Proposition 99 (1988) and Proposition 56 (2017), TUPE provides resources, education, and activities that help young people build the skills and knowledge to make healthy choices. TUPE also offers intervention support and cessation services for youth who are currently using tobacco products.

In Sacramento County, TUPE also supports schools and community programs by offering resources and guidance to create effective tobacco prevention initiatives. The Prevention & Early Intervention Department at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) oversees local work, provides training, technical assistance, and resources for educators, prevention providers, community members, and parents who want to help young people stay tobacco/vape free.

Dangers of Vaping (Videos)

Effects and Dangers of Vaping

Vaping has been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth since 2014. E-cigarettes use a battery to heat a liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives, producing an aerosol that users inhale. This aerosol is not harmless; it can contain nicotine, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals. Others can also be exposed to harmful secondhand aerosol. E-cigarettes come in youth-appealing flavors like candy, fruit, and mint, and they can also deliver marijuana or other drugs. Youth are especially vulnerable due to curiosity, social media influence, and the false belief that e-cigarettes are safe.

What’s Changed About Vaping

  • High-nicotine disposable vapes are now the most common products
  • Flavors and device designs intentionally mimic everyday items
  • Nicotine levels can equal a pack of cigarettes or more
  • Vaping is closely linked to anxiety, sleep disruption, and attention issues

Video Resource

  • The Effects and Dangers of Vaping—highlights the dangers and effects of using e-cigarettes. Produced by the Sacramento County Coalition for Youth, the video features an interview with a doctor and his patient, a personal trainer and a former military service member.
  • Signs That Teens are Vaping—SCOE-produced public service announcement reminding families to watch for signs of vaping

Order Free Vaping Quit Kits

  • Free Youth Vaping Quit Kits (English and Spanish)—designed to help young people take the first steps towards quitting vaping and stay vape-free. Quit Kits include helpful tools and small items that support cessation efforts and encourage healthy coping strategies. Available to schools, programs, and youth.
Vaping “Quit Kits” are available from SCOE in English and Spanish to help support people who are trying to quit vaping. Email ocampoverde@scoe.net for information.

TUPE Services

  • Free Youth Vaping Quit Kits (English and Spanish)—designed to help young people take the first steps towards quitting vaping and stay vape-free. Quit Kits include helpful tools and small items that support cessation efforts and encourage healthy coping strategies. Available to schools, programs, and youth.
  • Free Youth Vaping Presentations—help faculty and staff build awareness and strengthen on-site student support. Parent presentations are also available, covering common warning signs, what vaping products look like, what to watch for, and how to provide support. Additional free resources and materials are available.
  • Tobacco-free school certifications
  • Grant writing support
  • Technical assistance to districts preparing applications for grades 6–12 funding
  • Current research on adolescent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use, as well as effective intervention strategies
  • Increasing student awareness of the dangers of tobacco
  • Countywide training coordination

TUPE Newsletter

TUPE Newsletter

Get the latest prevention updates, data, and educational resources. To receive the TUPE newsletter—or to share an article, resource, or event—please email ocampoverde@scoe.net.
Photo of Quit Kit items

SCOE offers free English and Spanish “Quit Kits” to help young people quit vaping and stay tobacco free.