Community Conversation On Vaping Risks Planning Wednesday In Bethany

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services have organized in-person “Community Conversations” across Missouri on the toll of tobacco and e-cigarettes. 1-hour small groups conversations will be held around the state intended to share concerns and ideas about ways to work together to prevent and reduce youth vaping. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to share their perspective about the impact of youth vaping on their community, ideas and feedback on solutions to end the youth vaping epidemic.

Two of the “Community Conversations” will be held on Wednesday at 6pm at the United Methodist Church in Bethany. There will be a conversation for youth, considered to be ages 13 to 18, and for parents and adults. Snacks will be provided, and there will be drawings for gift cards for participants.

The Department of Health reports statistics show that 19 percent of high school students vaped in 2021 and 17 percent of adults smoked. The Department says most e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other harmful substances.

These community conversations are an attempt for those who have a role in preventing and reducing vaping among youth to help identify gaps, needs and actions to address the youth vaping epidemic. The goal is to protect Missouri’s youth from becoming the next generation addicted to nicotine.

More information is available at VapeTalkMO.com.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Missouri Tobacco Prevention and Control Strategic Plan Workgroup sponsor this statewide project.