The Hanley Foundation is advancing the goals of the Florida Tobacco Strategic Plan by preventing youth initiation of tobacco and nicotine use across the state. In 2025, the Foundation’s Marijuana and Vaping Prevention Program reached students in 36 of Florida’s 67 counties through interactive, school-based education.
Youth vaping remains a serious concern, with many students believing e-cigarettes are safer than traditional tobacco products. Flavored products, social media influence, and peer pressure continue to drive experimentation. Schools and families often face challenges correcting misinformation and responding to rapidly evolving nicotine devices.
To address these issues, the Hanley Foundation partnered with school districts, administrators, and community stakeholders to deliver age-appropriate, science-informed prevention programming. The Marijuana and Vaping Prevention Program educates students about the risks of nicotine addiction and marijuana use, dispels common myths about vaping, and builds refusal, coping, and decision-making skills that empower youth to manage peer pressure and make healthy choices.
As a result, over 25,000 students received classroom-based prevention education in 2025. Schools reported strong engagement and positive feedback from students and staff. Increase in knowledge results and post-program feedback indicate an increase in student knowledge about the health risks of vaping and marijuana use. Survey results also showed improved awareness that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking and a stronger understanding of how nicotine addiction develops.
Through strong partnerships and expanded prevention outreach, the Hanley Foundation continues to protect Florida’s youth and reduce the risk of lifelong addiction.
Meredith Shuler, MPH
Prevention Specialist
Hanley Foundation-Manatee, DeSoto, Hardee & Highlands Counties
Email: MShuler@hanleyfoundation.org
Website: hanleyfoundation.org
