According to the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17% of Burnett County high school students and 11% of Burnett County middle school students said they vape. Research also shows the average age for a child to start vaping is age 13, with some cases as early as elementary school. This is an important statistic to address in our community.
 
We would like to highlight Michelle Arneson, Cardiac Services RN and Tobacco Cessation Specialist at Burnett Medical Center (BMC). She is doing fantastic work to help decrease vaping amongst youth in Burnett County. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, Michelle talked to students at all three school districts in Burnett County about vaping, providing them with education and free quit resources. Since Michelle has been working with the schools, she has surveyed students and parents/guardians to assess vaping prevalence and their baseline knowledge about vaping; presented to parents/guardians during October’s Red Ribbon Week; provided informational posters that outline health effects, vape ingredients, and free quit resources; and continues to work diligently on offering a Not On Tobacco Program. This program focuses on helping teens quit tobacco products through a group discussion.
 
Michelle became a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist in 2016 and has been helping people successfully quit tobacco (smoking, chewing tobacco, and even vaping) ever since. In 2022 Michelle implemented the Tobacco Cessation Program at BMC and completes ongoing training in the field to maintain her certification. Michelle offers individual counseling to both BMC patients and the surrounding community. This is a free service. You do not necessarily have to be ready to quit to schedule a visit. No judgment; just help!