Recent academic and public health updates reveal a decline in national youth tobacco use alongside specialized advancements in equine-assisted services instruction at Utah State University.
Declining youth tobacco usage statistics
According to data from the FDA and CDC released in October 2024, approximately 2.25 million middle and high school students reported current use of any tobacco product in 2024, a decrease from 2.80 million students in 2023. This decline was driven largely by a significant drop in e-cigarette use, which fell from 2.13 million users in 2023 to 1.63 million in 2024.
Record low cigarette smoking rates
The FDA report also noted that cigarette smoking reached its lowest level ever recorded by the survey, with only 1.4% of students reporting current use in 2024. While e-cigarette and hookah use saw declines, youth nicotine pouch use remained relatively stable, moving from 1.5% in 2023 to 1.8% in 2024.
New equine-assisted services courses
At Utah State University, lecturer Sarah Andersen continues to expand instruction in equine-assisted services. Andersen, who holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Education from USU, is scheduled to teach several courses in the Fall 2025 semester, including Principles of Equine-Assisted Services and Training and Conditioning of the Lesson Horse.
Specialized clinical social work practice
In the field of clinical social work, Kristin Hodson, the founder and CEO of The Healing Group, maintains a specialized practice in sexual health and trauma. According to her professional profile, Hodson holds degrees from the University of Utah, BYU-Hawaii, and Salt Lake Community College, and specializes in treating sexual shame and postpartum mood disorders.
Summary of regional developments
These developments reflect ongoing shifts in both public health trends and specialized educational curricula across the region.
