NYCHA Youth “Air the Truth” at Smoke-Free Workshop
Change requires a community, especially when it comes to smoking. This issue is particularly important for young people, because while traditional cigarette use has declined, vaping among youth is rapidly increasing. According to national smoking prevention organization Truth Initiative, over 5,700 kids start vaping every day and more than one third of all young people are at risk of a lifetime of nicotine addiction.
Smoke-Free NYCHA recently partnered with Truth Initiative and several community partners to host a workshop for NYCHA youth called “Airing the Truth.” The workshop aimed to educate young people on the harms of tobacco use and vaping, share youth-focused resources to help them quit, and help young people build advocacy skills to support healthier, smoke-free communities.
The October event brought together NYCHA teens and young adults to talk openly about tobacco, vaping, community health, and advocacy. It was held at the Grand Street Settlement community center at Gompers Houses in collaboration with the Public Housing Community Fund and Public Health Solutions’ Reality Check program.
“This event was a chance to amplify youth voices and inspire leadership in community health,” said Jyoti Parth, NYCHA’s Smoke-Free Administrator. “It was important to us to create a safe space for our youth to learn and be heard.”
Thirty-one youth leaders from four boroughs attended, ranging in age from 13 to 21. In addition to accessing health resources, youth also learned about leadership opportunities within NYCHA. Two of the workshop participants have since been accepted into NYCHA’s Youth Leadership Council. Several of the young people disclosed that they were current tobacco or vape users who wanted help to quit, and a coaching session for these young people was held immediately following the workshop.
Michael Tavares,18, shared, “From what I’m learning, our generation is normalizing tobacco more and more, and it’s killing our communities…killing moms, dads, children, friends, cousins, and so many more.”
After the workshop, parents and young people who reached out for support with their own quit-smoking journeys have been connected to services. And other youth participants shared their thoughts about why education on smoking and health matters:
“I learned more about vaping and health. If parents sit down and have a conversation with their kids about risks, some may make different decisions.” – Shantia
“In my experience, kids start experimenting around age 12 and 13, and sometimes even younger. As a young person, I believe we need more parents to step up to help kids know the risks and make better decisions.” – Jayshawn
“I have a history of breast cancer in my family. My mom talked to me about the risks of using weed and also how someone could put dangerous drugs in it. She took the time to talk to me.” – Danielle
The conversations have just begun. Smoke-Free NYCHA plans to host additional youth workshops in 2026.
You can learn more about youth vaping prevention at Youth vaping, smoking & nicotine use and Vaping Nicotine = Brain Poison for Teens.
Do you want to see more youth-centered smoke-free activities at your development? Interested in quitting or cutting back? Smoke-Free NYCHA is here to support you in 2026! Visit the Smoke-Free NYCHA webpage to learn more. Contact the team by emailing smoke-free@nycha.nyc.gov.