Help Us Reduce Nicotine Use Among our Youth!

Kick the Pouch, Save Youth Health!

UPDATE: Our Substance Use Prevention programs, specifically those focused on vaping education, are at a crossroads. Until now, state-level grant funding has enabled us to provide vital vaping prevention education to youth across our communities. Unfortunately, recent funding changes have significantly reduced—or in some cases eliminated—this support for our vaping prevention efforts. With your support, we can reach more youth before they start—and protect an entire generation from the dangers of nicotine addiction.

We are asking a few of our key partners to rally their friends, family, and networks to support our work. By becoming a fundraiser for McMillen Health, you will help us serve more students in Northeast Indiana in grades K-12 on the negative impact of nicotine pouches and vaping through our Substance Use Prevention programs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), youth nicotine pouch use has risen from 1.5% in 2023 to 1.8% in 2024. These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges in reducing nicotine use among youth, despite some progress in decreasing e-cigarette use.

ZYN nicotine pouches have gained popularity among youth, raising significant health concerns. These smokeless, tobacco-free pouches deliver nicotine through the mouth's lining, making them appealing due to their discreet use and variety of flavors.

Health Risks Associated with ZYN Nicotine Pouches:

• • Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, and its use can lead to dependence, especially in adolescents whose brains are still developing.
  • Cardiovascular Effects: Nicotine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially elevating the risk of heart disease over time.
  • Oral Health Issues: Users may experience gum irritation, mouth lesions, and other oral health problems.
  • Potential Gateway to Other Substances: Early use of nicotine products like ZYN may increase the likelihood of future use of other tobacco products or substances.

Educators in our area are reporting that students are finding vaping products as young as Kindergarten. Students as young as 8 years old are reporting a nicotine addiction due to vaping. The accessibility and aggressive marketing of these devices make it easy for young people to fall into patterns that can lead to lifelong addiction and serious health consequences.

Starting a fundraiser is easy to do, and it's fun. We'll even give you all the tools you'll need to make a difference. With your help we can ensure serve 2,500 students with Substance Use Prevention Education.