Ditch The Vape: Community Campaign to Raise Awareness About Youth and Adult Vaping Set for September 8

PRESS RELEASE

Charleston, West Virginia — Community leaders, health advocates, government agencies, and residents are coming together on September 8, 2026, for Ditch The Vape, an initiative designed to raise awareness about the health risks associated with vaping and encourage individuals—particularly youth and young adults—to take steps toward quitting.

The Ditch The Vape campaign emphasizes that quitting vaping is more than breaking a habit—it is an investment in long-term health and well-being. The initiative will provide education, resources, and encouragement for individuals who want to stop vaping while helping families, schools, community organizations, and public officials understand how they can support prevention and cessation efforts.

“Ditch The Vape is about empowering our community with information, resources, and support,” said Dr. Robert L. Haley, pastor of A More Excellent Way Life Center Church. “We want people to know that if vaping has become part of their daily life, they are not alone—and there are resources available to help them take the first step toward quitting.”  A’Lynne Boles Dukes, PhD Founder and CEO and ABD Advocacy Agency LLC

Vaping has become an important public health concern, particularly because of the accessibility and popularity of electronic nicotine delivery products among young people. The campaign seeks to create greater awareness of nicotine dependence, the potential health consequences of vaping, and the importance of prevention and cessation support.

A Community-Wide Call to Action

Ditch The Vape encourages:

Youth and young adults to make a commitment to quit vaping.

Parents and caregivers to have open, informed conversations with children about vaping and nicotine.

Schools and educators to strengthen prevention and cessation education.

Healthcare providers to connect individuals with evidence-based quitting resources.

Community organizations to promote healthy, vape-free environments.

Government and public health agencies to support policies, education, and programs that reduce nicotine use and improve community health.

The September 8 proclamation is part of a broader commitment to advancing health equity, prevention, education, and access to health resources throughout the community.

Community members and partner organizations are encouraged to participate by sharing Ditch The Vape information through their networks, displaying campaign materials, encouraging conversations about vaping cessation, and connecting individuals with available cessation resources.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Dr. Robert L. Haley, III of A More Excellent Way Life Center Church will receive a proclamation from Mayor Amy Goodwin, and city council proclaiming Ditch The Vape Day for Kanawha County.

Media and Community Partners Invited

Media outlets, elected officials, government agencies, healthcare organizations, schools, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, businesses, and community leaders are invited to help amplify the Ditch The Vape message on September 8 and at the Westside Community Health Fair, Saturday, September 12, 2026, 116 Hills Plaza-Patrick Street, Charleston, West Virginia.

For additional details about the proclamation, please contact:

Aurora Ulbrich Constituent Services Liaison, Office of Mayor Amy Goodwin

O: 304.348.8174, 501 Virginia St East, Charleston WV 25301

For interviews, campaign information, partnership opportunities, or additional details, please contact: Dr. Robert L. Haley, III, Pastor, A More Excellent Way Life Center Church

Chief Executive Officer, Bright Futures Now, Inc.

504 Virginia Street West, Charleston, West Virginia 25302

304-319-9777 church phone number

304-319-9778 church fax number

About

A More Excellent Way Life Center Church is committed to strengthening communities through health education, advocacy, prevention, and increased access to resources that improve the quality of life for individuals and families.