The community is being invited to a youth vaping epidemic forum being put on by the American Heart Association on Wednesday in Girard.
Local volunteer leaders and high school students will discuss the epidemic of e-cigarette use, or vaping, among youth and start taking steps to turn the tide locally.
The E-cigarettes & Youth – Addressing an Epidemic forum will be held on Wednesday, November 20th at 5:30 p.m. at VEC, 979 Tibbetts Wick Road | Girard, OH 44420.
Local high school students will share what they experience daily in school and their social circles, followed by a discussion on the epidemic, including an up-close look at the products available and how they are marketed to kids. The meeting will conclude with a conversation on the next steps the community can take to make an immediate impact.
The latest data show that more than 1 in 4 high school students are using e-cigarettes, compared to approximately 1 in 10 just two years ago. More than 5 million high school students are now using e-cigarettes.
The community dialogue is part of a larger effort driven by the American Heart Association to begin conversations about e-cigarette use among youth. The Association is leading sessions across the country to bring students, parents, legislators, educators, community members, and health organizations together to shed light on this issue and make a local plan to fight this rapidly growing epidemic.
Over the weekend, at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions event, the organization announced a three-pronged initiative that will urgently address the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use.
The initiative includes:
A new $20 million research investment, called the End the Lies Youth Vaping and Nicotine Research Initiative, which will focus urgently on the impact of vaping and nicotine use on youth, funding two or three scientists who will work intensely over the next two years to address the fact that there is no knowledge about the long-term health effects in youth;
A nationwide youth, school and community engagement and awareness campaign, dubbed #QuitLying, (QuitLying.org) designed to hold e-cigarette companies publicly accountable for their lies; and
A multi-year fund dedicated to public policy change at all levels of government to prevent youth vaping and nicotine addiction, with foundational support from Kaiser Permanente.
“E-cigarette use by youth is an epidemic in this country and our community, and it requires swift action,” says Tracy Behnke, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Youngstown. “The opportunity to connect with local students who are facing the pressures of this epidemic is both insightful and invaluable as we determine the best next steps we can take as leaders for health in our community.”
Those taking part in Wednesday's forum include Kevin Spicher, Superintendent, Howland Local Schools; Denise Holloway, TSAC/Guidance Counselors/Nurses Coordinator, Trumbull County Educational Service Center; four local high school students.
Additional Resources and Related News:
Vaping industry faces a triple threat - science, advocacy and community action
New research shows flavors play a role in initiation, addiction to e-cigarette use
CDC: Outbreak of Lung Disease Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping
Kids pick e-cigarettes for first tobacco use, increases their odds of later cigarette smoking