Escape the Vape is Suffolk County’s alternative-to-suspension program designed for middle and high school-aged students caught vaping on school property. Instead of completing a typical out of school suspension, students now have the option to complete this digital program during an in-school suspension, with participating schools.

Escape the Vape is designed for a 3-day in-school suspension. It contains three, 40-minute modules, that include videos, activities and assessments for students to complete. Module 1 features facts and myths about vaping using an interactive true/false format. Module 2 features nicotine addiction and its effect on the brain, risks and signs of addiction, as well as a brief THC component. Module 3 features habit change and response skill development. The purpose of this program is to educate the student about the product they're consuming and the unintended consequences of that use, prepare them with the steps necessary for successful behavior change, and provide supportive resources, especially if addiction is present.

To be eligible to use this program for an in-school suspension, a student must be referred by their school. Once a student is referred, school staff will register a student for them to access the course. This program is compliant with Educational Law 2-D.

If you are interested in becoming a participating school or for more information about this program, please contact the Office of Health Education at healtheducation@suffolkcountyny.gov or 631-853-3162.