3 days ago
Essex community discusses tobacco use among teens
ESSEX, Vt (ABC22/FOX44) – In Essex on Friday, community members were focused on young Vermonters, especially when it comes to vaping and tobacco.
According to data from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, just over 16% of high school students in Vermont use e-cigarettes.
'What we're doing here is really trying to create an understanding of what is really a new market for some very dangerous products,' says Marcus Aloisi, field director for Flavors Hook Kids – a Vermont based organization.
Founded just last year, the group works to raise awareness about the dangers of kids using tobacco products – especially flavored ones like vapes and nicotine pouches.
In the past year, the organization has participated in health and wellness events, as well as health and safety fairs at local schools.
They also hosts community breakfast events – like the one on Friday at Leo and Co. in Essex.
Aloisi says it's a great opportunity for folks to ask questions and share personal experiences in a safe, judgment free space.
'And hopefully, we can get them education and resources that might make an impact.'
This is the second time Flavors Hook Kids has hosted an event like this, both times in partnership with the organization Vermont Moms.
'Obviously vaping and all of those things are of great importance,' says Anne Sharp, a blog writer for Vermont Moms.
'Trying to help parents understand it better is something we're very passionate about.'
A mom of two teenagers, Sharp says she's learned a lot by attending the meetings.
Something that shocked her the most – the plethora of options kids now have at their fingertips.
'When I was a kid, it was just cigarettes and beer, basic things, but now there us this big variety that is almost exciting for kids to try and it doesn't even seem like a bad thing,' Sharp explains.
The groups were also joined by Tom Fantana, a mental health and drug and alcohol counselor with the University of Vermont.
He says nicotine is always a big topic of conversation.
'So many kids come in wishing they'd never even started,' says Fontana, and it's this message he hopes to get across to the younger generations.
'There are some questions around whether one form better than the other, and it's all reasonable but you have to understand that nicotine is nicotine.'
Last year, Flavors Hook Kids worked on the bill S.18, which looks to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in Vermont.
While the Governor ultimately vetoed it, campaign director Jill Sudhoff-Guerin says they're not giving up.
Currently, they're working to rebuild support for the campaign in the community.
'What we're hearing is a response of, 'we want to help our kids not spend money on or use these products.'
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