Redacted_Copy_IFB_3160007976 VitalCare.pdf

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT VAPING CESSATION PROGRAM

Proposal Submission

Submitted To:

Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)

Solicitation Title:

Youth and Young Adult Vaping Cessation Services

Project ID:

3160007976

Submitted By:

Vital Care Solutions, LLC Crista Lovette, Ed.S.

Executive Director

Contact Information:

Redacted for Public Record

Program Title:

Breathe Right Mississippi: A Comprehensive Youth Vaping Cessation Initiative

Submission Date:

May 2026

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 2 Introduction and Overview 3

Organizational Expertise and Staffing Capacity 3 Demonstrated Experience and Measurable Outcomes 4 Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships 5 Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice 5 Public Health Need: Youth and Young Adult Substance Use 6 Organizational Commitment 6E

Scope of Services 7 Services to be Performed 7 Deliverables to be Provided 7

Program Development 7 Hybrid Service Delivery Model 8 Evidence-Based Framework 9

How the Model Works 11

1) Digital Engagement Layer (EX Program Platform) 12

2) Behavioral Support Layer 12

3) Community Integration Layer (Be Calm and Care + Breathe Right MS) 13

4) Outcomes & Reporting Layer 13

Messaging and Resources 13 Service Requirements 14 Reporting 14

Delivery Requirements 15 Timeline 15 Geographic Coverage 15

Implementation Plan: Breathe Right MS Hybrid Service Delivery Model 15 Implementation Approach 15 Phase 1: Program Development and Infrastructure — Days 1–60 16 Phase 2: Identification, Recruitment, and Enrollment — Days 30–90 16 Phase 3: Program Launch and Participant Engagement — By Day 90 17 Phase 4: Retention, Follow-Up, and Long-Term Support 17 Phase 5: Reporting, Quality Improvement, and Sustainability 18 Community Relationships as an Implementation Asset 18 Implementation Statement 19 General Service Delivery Protocol 19 Evidence-Based Strategy to Achieve Program Goals 19

1. Prevention of Initiation 19

2. Cessation Support 20

3. Engagement and Retention 20

4. Continuous Improvement 21

Organizational Readiness and Record of Success 22 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.rtnu11rwd6ka https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.el5trcarsx6q https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.o9pxukn7sro7 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.o9pxukn7sro7 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.e0uyziqgnf3f https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jvhpolt0bg5l https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.hwyjqd507yby https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.fboiiqvmzuoc https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ao9bo0rfs5n7 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.v9a3vlj7duwx https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.qt9oa6h0ihe4 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.40quep8lxud6 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.f5ed61q2adgh https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.u71t6ib0q4za https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.h1ai9z9qobvg https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.cshpcjhi9ubx https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.eo8f76vjl1ke https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.76wnsht4ieop https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.gqe2gsvpqfz8 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.5x0s7pj78mw0 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.c1z7a6qocasw https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.p3zr3ftco2p0 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ap9x9wymawy6 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.no2ewyln6z6g https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jyvlapyecpe7 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.siir4mega7td https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.yf0m78c80rkp https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.4zzhrhn7e87a https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.7kl50zomx8gj https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.bcupdqd0gx3t https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.uvoejhh3qqr3 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.q75y8v10qdmg https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.fsjsi3kzed3u https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.7vhlnwb0fklo https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ri4xu6ytfagn https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.9g4y3t8bahdr https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.7nxnbm4pf8h4 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.sc3krq4tmhe6 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.9zbhh5xa3apy https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.juua9cocb473 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xI7TaslojrJikyJCQdPab9aEWTjHm8HUjOeJxLmYkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.oy8dut5gasps

Executive Summary

“Vital Care Solutions builds upon continuous operational experience established in 2019 through its predecessor entity, Infiniti Healthcare Services, meeting and exceeding the minimum three-year requirement for similar services.”

Vital Care Solutions, LLC (VCS) is a Mississippi-based, minority-owned organization delivering evidence-based, community-driven solutions to address youth and young adult tobacco and vaping use. Through a combination of clinical expertise, workforce capacity, and deep-rooted community partnerships, VCS is uniquely positioned to implement effective, scalable cessation programming aligned with state public health priorities.

VCS offers a comprehensive approach that integrates prevention, early intervention, cessation support, and long-term behavior change strategies. Services are designed to reach youth and young adults across multiple access points, including schools, community organizations, and first responder systems. Programming incorporates evidence-based methodologies, including behavioral interventions, trauma-informed care, and digital cessation tools to maximize engagement and outcomes.

A key strength of VCS is its established presence within the community. The organization maintains active partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders across West Central Mississippi, including leadership involvement with United Way of West Central Mississippi, engagement with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and coordination with local entities such as school systems, law enforcement, and youth-serving organizations. These relationships enable rapid program deployment, trusted engagement, and sustained participation among target populations.

VCS is also advancing targeted initiatives, including Breathe Right Mississippi (Breathe Right MS), focused on tobacco and vaping cessation, and the Be Calm and Care Initiative, which supports behavioral health awareness, crisis response, and prevention across schools and first responders. These initiatives enhance the organization’s ability to deliver holistic, community-integrated services that extend beyond cessation alone.

To support program delivery, VCS will implement an evidence-based digital cessation platform, with final vendor selection pending contract award to ensure alignment with program requirements and reporting expectations. Anticipated solutions include nationally recognized platforms such as those developed by Truth Initiative or equivalent providers offering text-based, web-based, and behavioral support interventions.

VCS is prepared to initiate services immediately upon award, with a structured implementation plan ensuring onboarding, stakeholder engagement, and program launch within the first 30 days. The organization is committed to measurable outcomes, including increased program participation, reduced nicotine use among youth and young adults, and improved long-term health behaviors.

As a community-rooted organization, Vital Care Solutions operates not as an external vendor, but as a trusted partner, dedicated to strengthening systems of care and improving health outcomes across Mississippi.

Vital Care Solutions brings demonstrated outcomes in behavioral health and youth engagement, including measurable recovery success and sustained participation rates across community-based programming.

Introduction and Overview

Breath Right MS powered by Vital Care Solutions, LLC

Vital Care Solutions, LLC (VCS) is a Mississippi-based, minority-owned healthcare and community services organization committed to delivering evidence-based, community-centered solutions that improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and strengthen systems of care across the state. VCS brings a multidisciplinary approach that integrates clinical expertise, workforce staffing, behavioral health programming, and community engagement to address complex public health challenges—particularly among youth and young adults.

Vital Care Solutions is also advancing Breathe Right Mississippi (Breathe Right MS), a targeted initiative focused on tobacco and vaping cessation among youth and young adults.

This initiative complements the organization’s broader behavioral health and prevention efforts by incorporating education, early intervention, and evidence-based cessation strategies designed to reduce nicotine dependence and improve long-term health outcomes.Vital Care Solutions, LLC builds upon the operational foundation of Infiniti Healthcare Services (IHS), originally established in 2019, with an expanded scope of services and enhanced programmatic focus.

Organizational Expertise and Staffing Capacity

Vital Care Solutions, LLC represents an evolution of Infiniti Healthcare Services (IHS), founded in 2019, which provided healthcare staffing and community-based support services. The transition to Vital Care Solutions reflects strategic growth, expanded service lines, and a strengthened focus on integrated behavioral health, prevention, and community-driven programming.

Vital Care Solutions has demonstrated capacity in healthcare staffing and program implementation across a range of settings, including long-term care, correctional facilities, outpatient services, and community-based initiatives. The organization is led by Crista Lovette, Ed.S., Owner & Executive Director, whose background spans psychometry, behavioral health, nursing, and education—providing a unique foundation for integrated service delivery.

VCS maintains access to a network of qualified healthcare professionals, including nurses and allied health staff, and has experience coordinating staffing solutions that ensure continuity of care, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This infrastructure supports the organization’s ability to scale services rapidly while maintaining quality and accountability.

The organization’s leadership and operational experience date back to 2019 through its predecessor entity, Infiniti Healthcare Services (IHS), demonstrating continuity of service delivery and organizational capability.

Demonstrated Experience and Measurable Outcomes

Vital Care Solutions, LLC brings a strong record of measurable outcomes across behavioral health, substance use recovery, and community-based engagement, demonstrating the organization’s capacity to deliver effective youth and young adult vaping cessation services.

Through leadership and program involvement in sober living and recovery support initiatives, a total of 27 individuals have been served within structured recovery environments. Of those individuals, approximately 41% (11 individuals) have successfully transitioned to independent living while maintaining recovery and adhering to ongoing cessation plans. These outcomes reflect the organization’s ability to support sustained behavior change, relapse prevention, and long-term stabilization.

In addition to recovery-focused programming, Vital Care Solutions has demonstrated consistent success in youth engagement through community and school-based outreach. During volunteer-led initiatives within local school systems, programming has achieved approximately 60% active engagement rates among participating youth. This level of engagement reflects the effectiveness of culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate strategies designed to reach adolescents and young adults.

The organization’s leadership brings a multidisciplinary background that directly supports program implementation, including:

● 10 years of nursing experience, supporting clinical understanding of addiction and health outcomes

● 5 years of experience in education, providing expertise in youth engagement, curriculum delivery, and behavioral reinforcement

● 5 years of experience as a mental health therapist, including 3 years focused specifically on substance use treatment and recovery

This combined experience supports a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach that integrates clinical knowledge, behavioral health strategies, and community engagement to achieve measurable outcomes.

These demonstrated results and professional qualifications position Vital Care Solutions as a responsible and capable provider, with the proven ability to engage high-risk populations, support cessation efforts, and deliver measurable, sustained outcomes aligned with the goals of the Mississippi State Department of Health.

Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Vital Care Solutions, LLC builds upon the established foundation of Infiniti Healthcare Services (IHS), founded in 2019, reflecting an evolution in scope, capacity, and service delivery. This progression has enabled the organization to expand from traditional healthcare staffing into comprehensive, community-based behavioral health and prevention programming.

Vital Care Solutions is deeply embedded in the West Central Mississippi community and actively collaborates with key stakeholders to address behavioral health and social determinants of health.

Leadership within VCS serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of West Central Mississippi, contributing to strategic planning, funding decisions, and community impact initiatives. VCS has also partnered with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at both local and state levels to support mental health awareness, education, and advocacy efforts.

Additional community engagement includes:

● Co-founding One Way Sober Living, providing recovery support and transitional stability

● Active collaboration with Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD), Vicksburg Police

Department (VPD), and Fire Department (FDP) to develop and launch the Project Be Calm and Care Initiative, focused on crisis response, prevention, and behavioral health support

● Service on the Juneteenth Committee, supporting culturally responsive community programming

● Volunteer involvement with the Becoming U Mentoring Program, supporting youth development and mentorship

● Collaboration with the Youth Development Center in Warren County to assist families and children in addressing systemic disparities

● Engagement with Youth Court and Child Protective Services (CPS) to support diversion efforts and reduce the criminalization of youth

Through these partnerships, VCS has established trusted access points for outreach, referral, and sustained engagement with vulnerable populations.

Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice

Vital Care Solutions combines a nationally validated digital cessation platform with deeply embedded community engagement strategies, ensuring both scale and sustainability in reducing youth vaping across Mississippi. By integrating the EX Program platform with initiatives such as Breathe Right MS and Be Calm and Care, VCS delivers a comprehensive, community-driven approach that extends beyond cessation to prevention, education, and long-term behavioral change.

Vital Care Solutions is committed to implementing evidence-based and data-driven interventions that align with national public health standards. Programming incorporates best practices in:

● Behavioral health prevention and intervention

● Tobacco and vaping cessation

● Trauma-informed care

● Motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral strategies

● Community-based participatory approaches

These methodologies are designed to improve engagement, enhance outcomes, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Public Health Need: Youth and Young Adult Substance Use

Substance use among youth and young adults remains a significant public health concern.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 5 high school students report current use of e-cigarettes, making vaping the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. Additionally, early initiation of substance use is strongly associated with increased risk of addiction, mental health disorders, and long-term health complications.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that individuals who begin using substances before age 18 are significantly more likely to develop substance use disorders compared to those who initiate use later in life. In Mississippi and similar rural and underserved regions, disparities in access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services further exacerbate these risks.

These data underscore the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based interventions that address both prevention and cessation, while integrating community support systems.

Organizational Commitment

Vital Care Solutions, LLC is committed to making a measurable and lasting impact by delivering programs that are:

● Accessible to underserved and high-risk populations

● Culturally responsive and community-informed

● Outcome-driven, with measurable performance indicators

● Collaborative, leveraging existing community resources

● Scalable and sustainable across diverse settings

As a community-rooted organization, VCS does not operate as an external vendor but as a trusted partner, dedicated to improving health outcomes and strengthening communities across Mississippi.

Scope of Services

Breathe Right MS powered by Vital Care Solutions, LLC

Vital Care Solutions, LLC (VCS) will deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based vaping cessation and prevention program tailored to youth and young adults ages 13–24 across Mississippi. The proposed program integrates behavioral science, digital engagement, and community-based strategies to prevent initiation and support sustained cessation.

Vital Care Solutions will implement an evidence-based digital cessation platform through a strategic partnership with Truth Initiative (EX Program), a nationally recognized leader in youth vaping cessation. This platform will be integrated into a broader community-based hybrid service model to maximize engagement, accessibility, and long-term outcomes.

Services to be Performed

VCS will design, implement, and manage a customized mobile text-to-quit and virtual cessation program that is accessible, confidential, and developmentally appropriate for youth and young adults.

The program will utilize evidence-based interventions, including:

● Motivational Interviewing (MI) to enhance readiness to quit and support behavior change

● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-informed strategies to address triggers, cravings, and relapse prevention

● Social norms and peer influence strategies to counteract pro-vaping perceptions

● Digital health interventions (mHealth), including text-based engagement and virtual support

Research demonstrates that text-based cessation programs significantly improve quit attempts and engagement among youth populations (Truth Initiative, 2023; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2022).

Deliverables to be Provided

Program Development

VCS will:

● Design a culturally responsive, evidence-based vaping cessation program aligned with national best practices

● Customize messaging and engagement strategies specific to Mississippi youth and young adults

● Incorporate:

○ Behavioral support and empowerment messaging

○ Confidential, text-based counseling support

○ Structured quit plans, including individualized quit dates and milestone tracking

● Ensure accessibility across diverse populations, including underserved and rural communities

Evidence-based programming will align with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute on Drug Abuse, emphasizing early intervention and sustained engagement.

Digital Cessation Platform Integration

Vital Care Solutions, LLC (VCS) has secured access to a nationally recognized, evidence-based digital cessation platform powered by Truth Initiative EX Program. This platform will serve as the foundation for delivering a customized, youth-focused vaping cessation program across the State of Mississippi.

VCS will implement this platform to support youth and young adult engagement through mobile text messaging and virtual interventions, providing scalable, confidential, and accessible cessation support. The platform includes:

● Text-based cessation support with automated and live engagement

● Behavioral coaching and evidence-based messaging

● Personalized quit plans, including quit date selection and milestone tracking

● Automated enrollment and ongoing participant engagement

● Comprehensive data collection, reporting, and analytics capabilities

The EX Program platform will be fully customized to meet Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) requirements, including state-specific keyword development, branding integration, and reporting expectations. Final configuration and deployment will be aligned with MSDH guidelines upon contract award to ensure full compliance and optimization for the target population.

Hybrid Service Delivery Model

Vital Care Solutions will integrate the EX Program platform within a broader hybrid service delivery model, combining digital engagement with community-based outreach and support.

This approach ensures that participants receive both scalable digital services and personalized, locally grounded support.

The hybrid model includes:

● Digital engagement through the EX Program platform

● Community-based recruitment and outreach through schools, youth programs, and local stakeholders

● Behavioral health support informed by Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles

● Ongoing follow-up and retention strategies to support long-term cessation

This integration allows for seamless coordination between digital services and in-person engagement, maximizing participation, retention, and program outcomes.

Evidence-Based Framework

The proposed program is grounded in nationally recognized, evidence-based practices and public health frameworks. Vital Care Solutions will leverage programmatic guidance and resources informed by:

● American Lung Association

● National Cancer Institute

● Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

These frameworks support the use of digital interventions, behavioral strategies, and community engagement to reduce tobacco and vaping use among youth and young adults.

Hybrid Model: EX Program–Powered Digital + Community-Integrated Cessation System

│ DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT LAYER │

│ (EX Program – Truth Initiative) │

│ • Text-to-Quit Messaging │

│ • Automated Enrollment & Engagement │

│ • Personalized Quit Plans & Reminders│

│ • Virtual Coaching/Support │

│ • State-Specific Keyword Tracking │

│ • Data Tracking & Analytics │

│ BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT LAYER │

│ • Motivational Interviewing (MI) │

│ • CBT-Informed Strategies │

│ • Relapse Prevention │

│ • Youth-Centered Engagement │

│ • Reinforcement Messaging │

│ COMMUNITY INTEGRATION LAYER │

│ (Be Calm and Care + Breathe Right MS) │

│ • Schools (VWSD) │

│ • Youth Programs (Becoming U, YDC) │

│ • First Responders (VPD, FDP) │

│ • Community Stakeholders & Mentors │

│ • Recovery Networks (AA, GriefShare) │

│ • Parent & Family Education │

│ OUTCOMES & REPORTING LAYER │

│ • Real-Time Enrollment & Engagement Metrics │

│ • Quit Rates / Reduction in Use │

│ • Automated Data Collection (EX Platform) │

│ • Semi-Annual MSDH Reporting │

│ • Continuous Quality Improvement │

How the Model Works

Vital Care Solutions, LLC (VCS) will deploy a hybrid service delivery model powered by the EX Program platform developed by Truth Initiative, integrating advanced digital engagement with deeply embedded community-based support systems. This model is designed to maximize statewide reach, increase engagement, and support sustained behavior change among youth and young adults ages 13–24.

1) Digital Engagement Layer (EX Program Platform)

Participants enter the program through the EX Program’s customized text-to-quit and virtual engagement platform, which serves as the digital engine of the model. This platform provides:

● Automated enrollment through a Mississippi-specific keyword

● Personalized quit plans, including quit date selection and milestone tracking

● Real-time reminders and reinforcement messaging

● Evidence-based behavioral messaging tailored to youth and young adults

● Confidential, mobile-first engagement accessible statewide

● Automated and live engagement features to maintain participation

● Built-in data tracking, analytics, and reporting capabilities

This layer ensures immediate accessibility and scalability, particularly for rural and underserved populations, while reducing barriers to entry and increasing participation through youth-friendly, technology-driven engagement.

2) Behavioral Support Layer

Digital engagement through the EX Program platform is reinforced with evidence-based behavioral interventions delivered through both automated messaging and VCS-supported engagement strategies. These include:

● Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to enhance readiness and commitment to quitting

● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-informed strategies to address cravings, triggers, and high-risk situations

● Ongoing coaching and reinforcement messaging to support sustained engagement

● Relapse prevention strategies and encouragement following lapses

This integrated behavioral approach strengthens participant outcomes by addressing both the psychological and behavioral components of nicotine dependence, increasing the likelihood of successful cessation and long-term adherence.

3) Community Integration Layer (Be Calm and Care + Breathe Right

MS)

Vital Care Solutions activates its established community network and public-service initiatives, including Be Calm and Care and Breathe Right MS, to support recruitment, trust-building, and long-term retention. This layer includes:

● Partnerships with schools and youth programs for early identification and engagement

● Collaboration with first responders for crisis-informed referrals and outreach

● Engagement with community stakeholders, mentoring programs, and youth-serving organizations

● Integration with recovery and support networks (e.g., peer support and family-based resources)

● Parent and caregiver education to reinforce prevention and cessation efforts

This layer transforms the program from a standalone digital tool into a community-embedded system of care, ensuring participants are supported through trusted relationships and local infrastructure.

4) Outcomes & Reporting Layer

All program activities are supported by a centralized data and reporting system, powered by the EX Program platform and supplemented by VCS oversight. This system tracks:

● Real-time enrollment and participant engagement

● Quit attempts and cessation outcomes

● Reduction in vaping frequency

● Program utilization and retention trends

Data will be aggregated and analyzed to produce semi-annual reports for MSDH, including program performance, outcomes, and continuous quality improvement recommendations. This data-driven approach ensures accountability, transparency, and ongoing optimization of program effectiveness.

Messaging and Resources

VCS will develop and deliver:

● Digital educational materials (youth-friendly, mobile-optimized)

● Social media campaigns, including:

○ Minimum of three (3) platform-specific posts (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)

○ Messaging aligned with Mississippi branding requirements

● A comprehensive Social Media Engagement Guide, including:

○ Best practices for youth engagement

○ Sample messaging and campaign strategies

● Print-ready materials:

○ Flyers (8.5”x11” and/or 11”x17”)

○ Wallet cards (4”x6”)

● Annual updates reflecting emerging trends and new cessation strategies

Messaging will be grounded in health communication theory, which has been shown to improve awareness and behavior change among adolescents (CDC, 2023).

Service Requirements

VCS will:

● Attend all required meetings with MSDH Office of Adult Health: Tobacco Control

● Host outreach and engagement events to recruit participants

● Utilize existing community partnerships to enhance program reach

● Provide ongoing follow-up support for a minimum of 12 months post-enrollment

Community-based engagement strategies are critical, as research indicates that youth are more likely to engage in programs delivered through trusted local networks (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022).

Reporting

VCS will implement a robust data collection and evaluation framework to monitor program effectiveness.

Reporting will include:

● Participant enrollment and engagement metrics

● Quit attempts and cessation rates

● Reduction in vaping frequency

● Program utilization trends

Semi-annual reports will be submitted to MSDH, including:

● Aggregate outcome data

● Program performance analysis

● Identified challenges and corrective actions

Data-driven evaluation aligns with federal best practices for public health programming

(SAMHSA, 2022).

Delivery Requirements

Timeline

VCS will meet and exceed all required timelines:

● Within 60 days: Program development and customization completed

● Within 90 days: Program implementation initiated statewide

● Ongoing: Continuous engagement and follow-up services for 12 months

Geographic Coverage

The program will be accessible statewide through:

● Mobile text-based services

● Virtual engagement platforms

● Community-based outreach partnerships

This approach ensures equitable access across rural and underserved populations.

Implementation Plan: Breathe Right MS Hybrid Service Delivery Model

Breathe Right MS, powered by Vital Care Solutions, LLC, will serve as the primary platform for implementation of the youth and young adult vaping prevention and cessation program. The platform is designed as a public-service initiative focused on reducing vaping initiation, increasing cessation access, building community capacity, and bridging service gaps for youth, young adults, and families across Mississippi.

Implementation Approach

Vital Care Solutions will implement Breathe Right MS through a hybrid service model that combines digital access, community outreach, behavioral support, parent education, and data-driven reporting. This approach is designed to meet youth where they are—on mobile devices, in schools, in community spaces, and within trusted local support systems.

The program will prioritize four implementation goals:

1. Identify youth and young adults at risk for vaping initiation or continued nicotine use.

2. Recruit and enroll participants through trusted community access points.

3. Provide confidential digital cessation support, behavioral education, and follow-up.

4. Track outcomes, improve engagement, and report measurable progress to MSDH.

Phase 1: Program Development and Infrastructure — Days 1–60

Within the first 60 days of award, VCS will finalize the Breathe Right MS implementation framework, including platform workflow, referral pathways, participant enrollment procedures, messaging templates, outreach materials, reporting tools, and MSDH approval processes.

Activities will include:

● Finalizing digital/text-to-quit platform selection upon contract award.

● Customizing Breathe Right MS messaging for Mississippi youth and young adults ages

13–24.

● Developing referral and enrollment workflows for schools, youth programs, community partners, and digital campaigns.

● Creating parent/youth education materials focused on vaping risks, nicotine dependence, quit planning, and relapse prevention.

● Establishing data collection procedures for enrollment, engagement, quit attempts, reduction in use, and participant outcomes.

This phase will be grounded in evidence-based digital cessation practices. National data show that youth e-cigarette use remains a major public health issue: in 2024, 1.63 million middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use, including 7.8% of high school students and 3.5% of middle school students. Among current youth users, 87.6% used flavored e-cigarettes, 38.4% used them on at least 20 of the past 30 days, and 26.3% used them daily.

Phase 2: Identification, Recruitment, and Enrollment — Days 30–90

VCS will use a multi-channel recruitment strategy that combines digital promotion with community-based access. Recruitment will not rely solely on online advertising; instead, Breathe Right MS will be introduced through trusted local networks that already interact with youth, young adults, families, and vulnerable populations.

Recruitment channels may include:

● Schools and student support teams.

● Youth-serving organizations.

● Mentoring programs.

● Community events.

● Parent education sessions.

● First responder and public safety referrals.

● Social media outreach.

● QR-code flyers, wallet cards, and digital campaign materials.

● Youth Court, CPS, and family-support referral pathways when appropriate.

This approach is supported by community-based participatory research principles, which emphasize that community members and stakeholders should be meaningfully involved in program planning and implementation to improve trust, relevance, recruitment, and retention.

Phase 3: Program Launch and Participant Engagement — By Day 90

Implementation will begin within 90 days of award. Participants will be enrolled into Breathe Right MS through confidential mobile or virtual access. The program will provide youth-friendly messaging, quit planning, behavioral support, and follow-up engagement.

Core engagement strategies will include:

● Confidential text-based support.

● Personalized quit dates.

● Craving-management tips.

● Trigger identification.

● Motivational Interviewing-informed messaging.

● CBT-informed coping strategies.

● Encouragement after relapse or lapse.

● Parent and caregiver education when appropriate.

● Referral to additional behavioral health or community supports when needed.

Text-based vaping cessation programs have demonstrated measurable success with youth and young adults. Truth Initiative reported that young adults ages 18–24 using its text-message quit-vaping intervention had nearly 40% higher odds of quitting compared with a control group, and a teen study found enrolled teens were 35% more likely to quit vaping nicotine within seven months.

Phase 4: Retention, Follow-Up, and Long-Term Support

Breathe Right MS will place strong emphasis on follow-up because cessation is not a one-time event. It is a behavior-change process. Participants will receive ongoing support for quit attempts, relapse prevention, and reduction in vaping frequency.

Follow-up support will include:

● Scheduled check-ins through text or virtual engagement.

● Encouragement after missed milestones.

● Reinforcement of progress and reduction goals.

● Linkage to community support when needed.

● Education for parents and trusted adults.

● Continued access to resources for at least 12 months after program completion.

Motivational Interviewing has been widely used with adolescents to support substance-use behavior change by improving readiness, autonomy, and commitment to healthier choices.

Phase 5: Reporting, Quality Improvement, and Sustainability

VCS will collect and analyze aggregate data to measure program reach, engagement, and outcomes. Semi-annual reports will be submitted to MSDH and will include program activities, enrollment, engagement, quit attempts, reduction in vaping frequency, quit rates when available, challenges encountered, and corrective-action steps.

Metrics may include:

● Number of participants reached.

● Number of participants enrolled.

● Source of referral/enrollment.

● Engagement rates.

● Quit dates selected.

● Quit attempts reported.

● Reduction in vaping frequency.

● Participant completion or continued engagement.

● Success stories and testimonials, when permitted.

● Community outreach activities completed.

● Materials distributed.

● Social media engagement.

VCS will use continuous quality improvement to adjust messaging, outreach, and engagement strategies based on participant response and MSDH feedback.

Community Relationships as an Implementation Asset

Breathe Right MS will be strengthened by Vital Care Solutions’ existing community relationships and public-service presence. VCS has worked closely with NAMI locally and statewide, serves through the Board of Directors of United Way of West Central Mississippi, co-founded One Way Sober Living, volunteers with Becoming U Mentoring Program, has served on the Juneteenth committee, and has worked with the Youth Development Center in Warren County to help families and children bridge gaps in services and disparities.

VCS has also engaged with VWSD, VPD, FDP, Youth Court, CPS, and community stakeholders through the development of Project Be Calm and Care. These relationships allow Breathe Right MS to function as more than a digital cessation tool. It becomes a community-facing public health platform that educates youth, supports parents, builds people, and connects participants to trusted systems of care.

Implementation Statement

Breathe Right MS will be implemented as a statewide, youth-centered, public-service platform designed to reduce vaping initiation, support cessation, and address disparities through education, digital access, trusted community relationships, and evidence-based behavioral strategies. Vital Care Solutions will use this initiative to reach youth and young adults where they are, support families with practical education, and build sustainable community capacity across Mississippi.

General Service Delivery Protocol

VCS will ensure full compliance with all MSDH requirements, including:

● Staff access to required technology (computer, internet, email)

● Participation in all required trainings and meetings

● Submission of all materials for MSDH approval prior to dissemination

● Inclusion of required funding acknowledgment language

● Use of Grammarly and quality assurance processes to ensure all materials are publication-ready

Evidence-Based Strategy to Achieve Program Goals

To meet the IFB goal of reducing vaping prevalence among youth and young adults, VCS will implement the following strategies:

1. Prevention of Initiation

● Targeted education campaigns addressing risks of vaping

● Peer-informed messaging to counteract social influences

● School and community-based outreach

2. Cessation Support

● Personalized quit plans with milestone tracking

● Continuous engagement through text-based interventions

● Behavioral coaching and relapse prevention support

3. Engagement and Retention

● Youth-friendly, mobile-first design

● Incentivized participation and milestone recognition

● Integration with community programs and trusted partners

4. Continuous Improvement

● Data monitoring and program adjustments

● Feedback-driven enhancements

● Annual updates based on emerging research

Organizational Readiness and Record of Success

Vital Care Solutions demonstrates readiness through:

● Established community partnerships and outreach networks

● Experience in healthcare staffing and behavioral health programming

● Development of initiatives such as Breathe Right MS and Be Calm and Care

● Proven ability to engage high-risk populations and deliver community-based services

VCS is committed to achieving measurable outcomes and delivering a program that is scalable, sustainable, and aligned with public health priorities.

Redaction Statement

This document is a redacted version of the original proposal submitted by Vital Care Solutions, LLC in response to IFB 3160007976.

Redactions have been made solely to protect confidential personal contact information. No redactions have been made to conceal pricing, scope of services, deliverables, or program structure.

All redactions have been applied in good faith and in accordance with the Mississippi Public Records Act.