The West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention (WVDTP) is the lead state agency for comprehensive tobacco prevention, cessation, and control. The WVDTP saves lives and money by preventing and reducing tobacco use in West Virginia - the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States.
The WV Division of Tobacco Prevention has compiled a
comprehensive five year strategic plan addressing tobacco prevention and
cessation in West Virginia. To view this report click here: WV Tobacco Use Reduction Plan
Through with Chew Week is a national, week-long
tobacco-free event, dedicated to stopping the use of smokeless tobacco.
It takes place each year during the 3rd full week of February (Feb
19-23, 2024). See the page on the Cessation tab of this website for more information.
The Division of Tobacco Prevention (DTP) works with local coalitions, community agencies, and state and national partners to implement and evaluate effective tobacco prevention and cessation activities that strive to:
- eliminate secondhand tobacco smoke
- promote quitting among adults and youth,
- prevent youth tobacco use initiation, including vaping and other electronic delivery devices
- identify and eliminate disparities among populations.
For more information on the TIPS campaign click here
Youth Vaping is an epidemic in West Virginia and across the US. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are also known as “e-cigarettes,” “e-cigs,” “vapes,” or “vape pens.” They use a nicotine liquid, also called e-liquid or e-juice, or fluid-filled pods. Many are fruit or candy flavored. E-cigarettes were developed as a safer
alternative to combustible cigarettes, but they have quickly become an on-ramp for nicotine addiction for young people. The CDC has warned that e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or non-smoking adults.
The American Lung Association in collaboration with the Division of Tobacco Prevention offers information on West Virginia’s Comprehensive Approach to
Ending the Youth Vaping Epidemic. To view please click here.
Catch My Breath is a
peer-led teaching approach that empowers students with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about e-cigarettes and resist social pressures to vape. Informed by tobacco prevention researchers and practitioners, years of real world implementation, and a youth advisory board, it is the only school-based vaping prevention program proven to reduce the likelihood of vaping among youth.