Catch My Breath Program making a difference in youth vaping epidemic

• Asia Tabb
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  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
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 Keith Srakocic / AP Photo

In this photo made on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, a woman uses her vaping device in Harmony, Pa.

Aired; April 2nd, 2025.

The vaping epidemic among teenagers is a huge problem across the nation. To combat this issue, Steelton-Highspire High School has launched the Catch My Breath Program. This initiative is designed to engage students in meaningful conversations about the risks of vaping while providing them with the tools to resist peer pressure. In a recent interview on The Spark, teachers Mark Wise and Kara Mancini shared their experiences with implementing the program and the impact it has had on their students.

Unlike other anti-substance abuse programs, Catch My Breath is woven into the school schedule. Mark Wise, a history and math teacher at Steelton-Highspire since 2018, explained why this approach works best:

“We found that during the school day is the most effective way to reach students. That way, we don’t have to worry about after-school transportation or who is available to attend,” Wise said. “The program is broken into lessons, with different student groups participating throughout the week, making it more engaging and interactive.”

Mancini, who serves as the seventh-grade team lead, emphasized the role of peer pressure in the prevalence of vaping:

“Peer pressure is a huge problem, especially in middle and high school. We know students as young as elementary school are exposed to vaping, which is why we wanted to introduce a program that helps kids understand the risks and learn how to make good decisions,” Mancini shared.

She also highlighted a major challenge educators face—clearing up misinformation about vaping:

“Many students believe that vaping is just flavored water vapor. They don’t realize the harmful chemicals they’re inhaling and how it affects their brain development. Through this program, we provide them with the facts so they can make informed choices,” she said.

Both Wise and Mancini noted that Catch My Breath differs significantly from past prevention programs like D.A.R.E., which were often seen as lectures rather than interactive learning experiences.

“The Catch My Breath program is not about talking at kids; it’s about talking with them,” Wise said. “There are interactive elements, mini-games, and group discussions, which make the students feel like they are part of the conversation rather than just being told what not to do.”

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST TO HEAR THE FULL CONVERSATION.