Description

Parents have lots of questions about teen nicotine usage – many of them new ones, thanks to technology and social media: 

• What does it look like today? 
• Why are so many young people drawn to it? 
• Most importantly, how can we work together to keep students healthy and informed?

To help guide this conversation, this episode features experts from the Douglas County Health Department, who bring a public health perspective and deep experience working with youth and families in our community. Both are Community Health Educators: Jenny Fisher is also a certified American Heart Association Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and Ashley Scollard is a Mental Health FIRST AID Instructor.
Whether you’re a parent of an elementary student, a middle schooler, or a high schooler, this conversation provides you with practical tools, reassurance, and resources you can use at home.

An important way listeners can participate in the discourse is by participating in the Douglas County Nicotine/Vaping/Tobacco Survey through March 31, 2026.

Guests this week: 

• Jenny Fisher, community health educator for the Douglas County Health Dept.
• Ashley Scollard, community health educator for the Douglas County Health Dept.

Host: 

• Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD

Resources

• Douglas County Health Department - Resources Support for Quitting Smoking, Vaping, and Tobacco
• My Life My Quit - We get you. Thousands of teens have joined My Life, My Quit for free, non-judgmental support, 1:1 help to quit, and easy-to-follow tips from our friendly Coaches. Start now.
• Colorado QuitLine – Free support and coaching to help adults quit tobacco. NRT is available.
• Colorado Quitline - Spanish
• EX Program – A digital program developed with Mayo Clinic to help people quit smoking, vaping, and other nicotine products. 
• Ex Program - Spanish
• Truth Initiative - Vaping Lingo Dictionary
• Douglas County Survey Link  (open through March 31) - Nicotine/Vaping/Tobacco Survey

 

About Parent University

Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production. 

Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.