WILLIAMS COUNTY — Schools across Williams County are now displaying student-designed banners aimed at preventing youth vaping and encouraging conversations around mental health, thanks to a collaborative effort led by the ECHO Coalition at the Williams County Health Department.
Funded through the Drug Free Communities grant, the initiative empowers local students to take the lead in shaping messages that resonate with their peers.
Each participating school received a custom banner featuring original student artwork and messaging focused on the risks of vaping, the importance of mental well-being, and making healthy choices.
The campaign is rooted in the understanding that youth voices are powerful drivers of change. By allowing students to design the banners themselves, the project aims to shift social norms around vaping and create a more open, supportive environment for discussing mental health.
“This initiative is about more than just prevention — it’s about connection,” said Katie Lantzsch from the Williams County Health Department. “When students see messages created by their peers, it makes the topic more relatable and impactful.
“We want young people to feel comfortable talking about both the pressures they face and the choices they make.”
The banners highlight key facts about youth vaping, including the ongoing concern around nicotine exposure and its impact on adolescent brain development, while also reinforcing positive lifestyle choices and emotional well-being.
Messaging encourages students to think critically about vaping and to seek support when it comes to mental health.
Health educators involved in the project worked closely with students to guide content development, ensuring that messages were both accurate and meaningful.
The campaign also aligns with broader efforts by the ECHO Coalition to reduce substance use among youth and promote protective factors like resilience, peer support, and healthy coping strategies.
By combining tobacco prevention with mental health awareness, the initiative reflects a holistic approach to youth health — recognizing that substance use and mental well-being are often interconnected.
The ECHO Coalition and Williams County Health Department plan to continue expanding youth-led prevention efforts, with the goal of fostering healthier, more informed communities across the county.