For South Durham Parents: Vaping Prevention Tele-Town Hall

News release issued by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services:

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Wednesday, May 29, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss vaping prevention and resources for youth in North Carolina, as well as ways parents and caregivers can support their families.

Event participants include state and local experts on vaping prevention and support, as well as a parent with firsthand experience of the consequences of youth vaping:

• Shayla Hayes, Youth Engagement Coordinator, Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch, Division of Public Health, NCDHHS.
• Ray Riordan, Director of Local Policy and Programs, Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch, Division of Public Health, NCDHHS.
• Tricia Howard, MSN, MHA, PMHNP-BC, Lead Nurse, Durham Public Schools.
• Charlene Zorn, parent advocate.

E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States. More than two million students currently use vapes, and one in four of these students vape every day. However, most middle and high school students who vape want to quit and have tried to quit.

Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:

• Signs a child or teen may be vaping and how to help.
• Ways parents and caregivers can talk to youth about vaping.
• How to find health information, care, and providers for youth.
• Resources to help prevent youth from vaping or help them quit.

It’s important to talk to kids about vaping early, even before they are teens, as most tobacco use starts during youth. Resources are available across the state to help parents and caregivers navigate conversations with youth about vaping, access vaping prevention tips and guidance, and find support if a young person is vaping.

The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, inviting people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can also dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 106458.

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