Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) and the Fruita Youth Initiative (FYI) are partnering to offer Teen Vaping Prevention Jan. 31 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Fruita Middle School, 239 N. Maple St. This educational event is for parents interested in learning more about vaping devices, youth vaping in our community and how to talk to your kids about vaping.
Nearly half of Mesa County high school students report ever using an electronic vapor product and one-third said they were currently using one. Contrary to popular belief, most vape e-juice contains nicotine and other harmful chemicals – not just water.
“Only 45 percent of Mesa County high school students think vape products are harmful and 60 percent said it would be easy or very easy to get vapor products if they wanted. This educational gap paired with easy access is alarming for us at Mesa County Public Health,” MCPH Program Manager Heidi Dragoo said. “Parent education is key in reducing the number of Mesa County teens using electronic vapor products. They are on the front lines with their kids, every day, so their involvement is vital.”
FYI is committed to empowering teens to make healthy behavioral choices to avoid poor health outcomes including substance misuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school dropout, violence and mental health issues. FYI and MCPH officials noted education is one of the larger components in making that happen.
“We’re taking steps in Fruita to create healthier spaces for our community and especially our youth. This educational event is key in keeping that momentum going,” said City of Fruita Parks & Recreation Director Ture Nycum.
Child care will be available for preschool age children and older, and dinner will be provided. Be sure to register at bit.ly/fruitavaping.
