Youth smoking and vaping cessation program to be launched by YSUP Rowan

SALISBURY — YSUP Rowan is launching a new youth smoking and vaping cessation class designed to support teens, ages 13-19, who want to quit or reduce tobacco and vaping use.

Kristen Estepp serves as project director for YSUP Rowan, which is a volunteer coalition whose mission is to engage the community in creating conditions that will lead to the prevention and reduction of substance use by young people in order that they may build healthy, safe and successful lives.

In a release, it was noted that the program will utilize the nationally recognized, evidence-based NOT: Not On Tobacco curriculum, which has been shown to help youth build skills, confidence and healthier coping strategies.

Estepp said that they learned about this program after doing some research on “youth cessation as we identified the problem of youth smoking/vaping and wanting more support in quitting and learning healthy coping strategies.” She also said that the youth had been asking for that support and help to quit in multiple settings.

This 10-week program will meet once a week on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the YSUP Rowan office, located at 1322 S. Fulton St., Salisbury, with each session lasting one hour. Because the curriculum builds from week to week, participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions to get the full benefit of the program.

Scheduled to begin on Feb. 24, Estepp said that those who are interested in participating should register before Feb. 23. The class will be limited to 6-10 participants, and Estepp said that if this “pilot goes well, we will be continuing the program.” The release said that NOT: Not On Tobacco is an interactive, non-punitive program that focuses on stress management, decision-making, goal setting and understanding the effects of tobacco and nicotine use.

The class is designed to be supportive and judgment-free, meeting youth where they are and empowering them to take control of their health.

“Youth in our community are asking for support when it comes to vaping and tobacco use,” said Estepp. “This program provides a safe space for teens to learn practical skills and receive encouragement without fear of punishment or shame.” Youth who are interested in participating are asked to complete an interest form. By submitting the form, participants give permission for program staff to contact them and a parent or guardian to share additional information and discuss next steps.

In speaking of the program, Estepp said that what she hopes youth will get out of participating in it is “not only support in quitting vaping or smoking, and confidence to make healthy decisions,” but also knowing they are not alone in this. She said that vaping and tobacco use are real issues facing youth in the community, “and open conversations between parents and youth are an important part of prevention.” For more information or to access the interest form, contact Estepp at kristen@rowanysb.org.

Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2026/02/05/youth-smoking-and-vaping-cessation-program-to-be-launched-by-ysup-rowan/