The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has launched an online anti-tobacco and vaping program for Texans under the age of 21. The new E-Cigarette and Tobacco Awareness Program (ETAP) is designed for young people referred by courts or schools after being found in possession of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. The program was developed with the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University.
Under state law, individuals under 21 cited for possessing tobacco products must participate in a DSHS-approved awareness course. ETAP fulfills this requirement through an accessible online format.
“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 component, ETAP offers a prevention curriculum aimed at students in grades 6-12. Schools can incorporate this material into their broader anti-tobacco initiatives to educate students about health risks related to tobacco use and vaping.
The online delivery makes ETAP available statewide at no cost to both schools and participants. It replaces the previous Texas Youth Tobacco Awareness Program, which required live instruction and often charged a fee.
For more information about ETAP, visit the program’s website or contact DSHS media relations.
