Salem Launches Vape Pen and E-Cigarette Buy-Back for Youth
The City of Salem, in partnership with North Shore Community Health and North Shore Medical Center, is launching a one-year pilot program of a new initiative to encourage high school age youth to give up vaping.
Starting on March 2nd, Salem residents who attend Salem High School, Salem Academy Charter School, New Liberty Innovation School, and Salem Prep High School can bring their e-cigarette device or vape pen to the Teen Health Center at Salem High School (Suite 127) and receive a $50 gift card to Target, Market Basket, Stop & Shop, or other area businesses.
To receive the gift card, students must also participate in and successfully complete four vaping cessation support sessions. The sessions are 45 minutes long and will take place in the Teen Health Center.
“The negative health effects from vaping are now clearly established, so I hope all Salem kids who might use these potentially deadly devices will consider bringing it in for the buy-back,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “By coupling the gift card with cessation services, we’re also hoping to help youth successfully break the vaping habit for good, too. I’m grateful to North Shore Medical Center, North Shore Community Health, our school nurses, the Salem Health Department, and the Salem Youth Commission, all of whom had a role in making this exciting pilot possible.”
Those looking for more information about the program can contact their school nurses or call the Teen Health Center at 978-740-1220.
Click here to listen to an audio version of this announcement.