Vaping & E-cigarettes

Vaping is a growing public health issue across Kentucky and the nation.

Operation UNITE has developed an educational program, “The Truth About Vaping,” tailored for both youth (middle and high school students) and the community.

This program is designed to give parents, caregivers, teachers, and others who are around children the facts about these products. In addition, the presentation discusses some of the unknowns, and speaks to the potential dangers from using electronic cigarettes.

This program will provide:

  • An age-appropriate understanding of what a vape/e-cigarette device is.
  • An understanding how these devices work, the process of creating vapor, and what chemicals are being inhaled.
  • An understanding of language and terms used regarding vapes/e-cigarettes.
  • Strategies on how to say “no thanks” when offered the device.
  • An understanding of resources and individuals a person can speak with regarding issues within their circle of friends, schools, and communities.

This approximately one-hour long program is designed to give parents, caregivers, teachers and others who are around children in their lives the facts about these products. In addition, the presentation discusses some of the unknowns, and speaks to the potential dangers from using electronic cigarettes.

Nationwide more than 1 in 10 U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, and 1 in 4 reported daily use.

The 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey found 14.1% (2.14 million) of high school students and 3.3% (380,000) of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use. Overwhelmingly, current users (nearly 85%) used flavored e-cigarettes, with fruit flavors being the most popular, followed by candy, desserts, or other sweets. 

Resources

These vaping devices were turned over to Operation UNITE for destruction in October 2023 by a middle school principal. These are just a small sample of what is being confiscated in schools across the service region.

"The Truth Can Get Clouded"

by Whitley County UNITE Coalition

Copyright Steve Sack, Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Used with permission.