Challenge:

With rising concerns about teen vaping in public schools, the Washington Department of Health sought non-punitive, evidence-based policy solutions to address the issue. The goal was to develop strategies that focused on education, prevention, and community engagement rather than enforcement measures like vape detectors, ensuring a healthier school environment while addressing the root causes of youth vaping.

Solution:

Our team developed a comprehensive white paper outlining local and state-level policy options to reduce teen vaping. Key components included:

• Review of best practices from other states to identify effective interventions.

• Stakeholder analysis to assess key influencers and policy adoption pathways.

• Implementation plans for educational initiatives and community-based prevention programs.

• Recommendations tailored to Washington’s regulatory landscape, ensuring feasibility and impact.

Results:

The white paper was highly praised for its actionable and adaptable policy solutions, offering a strong alternative to punitive approaches. The stakeholder analysis played a crucial role in identifying key voices for policy adoption, while the separate summary document of recommendations added further clarity and accessibility. The report was particularly impactful given the complexity of Washington’s commercial tobacco regulations and was recognized as a model example of our team’s capabilities in tackling public health challenges.