On April 17, Bayhealth brought an energetic and impactful anti-tobacco event to Georgetown Middle School, engaging more than 600 students in a mission to fight youth vaping and address health literacy challenges—particularly within Sussex County’s Hispanic community.
Spearheaded by Respiratory Therapy Navigator Elizabeth A. Hurley, RRT, AE-C, the initiative was rooted in her growing concern over how language barriers prevent families from understanding the risks of tobacco use.
“Becoming certified in health literacy helped me realize just how much these barriers are leaving families unaware of the dangers,” Hurley explained. “We had to speak directly to the kids in a way that was both honest and culturally meaningful.”
Bayhealth joined forces with the American Lung Association, the Delaware COPD Coalition, and the Delaware Kick Butts Generation to make the event possible. Their efforts were met with open arms by Principal David Carter and the Georgetown Middle staff.
A standout moment of the day was a dynamic assembly led by Sterlen Barr, a motivational rap artist and health advocate, who used music, dance, and vibrant storytelling to drive home the realities of vaping. Students were then invited to make a personal pledge to live tobacco-free.
“Many teens think vaping isn’t dangerous — that it doesn’t count as smoking,” said Hurley.“But some devices actually deliver 10 to 20 times more nicotine than a cigarette. That means they’re getting hooked much faster, often without realizing it.”
The event also highlighted a pressing issue: in many Hispanic households, language barriers can prevent parents from spotting signs of vaping.
“Schools are doing their best—removing bathroom doors, installing vape detectors—but they can’t do it alone,” Hurley added.
Bayhealth views this initiative as a vital piece of its broader goal to support lifelong health in the communities it serves.
“As both a respiratory therapist and educator, my mission is to help young people and their families make empowered, healthy choices,” said Hurley.
Looking ahead, Bayhealth is planning a follow-up event this September, with a focus on educating parents in both English and Spanish. The upcoming session will include support from the Delaware Quit Line and bilingual healthcare professionals to ensure every family has access to the tools they need.
By reaching kids before they reach high school, Hurley believes there’s a real chance to create lasting change. “We want them to know that saying no is powerful — and they have what it takes to lead the movement.”
To learn more about Bayhealth’s community wellness efforts, visit Bayhealth.org/community-wellness.
