HPDICE, a non profit organization, is western Monroe County’s coalition that works within the community to raise awareness, educate, help with prevention and provide recovery strategies to families. On Tuesday, February 5, they are providing a free community event at Hilton High School to help educate the community on the facts about youth vaping.
The vaping industry is now a multibillion-dollar industry with teens among the fastest growing groups of users. According to recent research by the FDA, over 1.3 million youths are vaping. 2017 saw the largest spike of any substance use in the United States in the past 50 years. E-cigarettes are now at epidemic level of use in the U.S.
Teens and parents often do not realize the dangers of vaping. Studies have proven that vaping nicotine is seriously addictive, disrupts the brain development of teens and adversely affects learning, memory and academic performance. According to the FDA, 37 percent of middle and high school students have reported that they have used or currently use e-cigarettes. Studies show that youths who vape are more likely to become drug users; one-third have reported that they also used marijuana in the e-cigarettes.
Guest speakers at the Feburary 5 event will be Dr. Michael Mendoza, Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health, and Alexandra Popovici, Community Engagement Manager of the Smoking and Health Action Coalition. They will both be speaking and answering questions from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
The evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with “Hidden in Plain Sight.” Parents are invited to walk through a simulated teen bedroom to search for signs of drug and alcohol use. Professionals will guide the participants through what to look for. This is limited to 25 adult participants only. Register at www.hilton.k12.ny.us/Hidden.
Local agencies will be on hand for a Resource Fair beginning at 6:15 p.m., to provide information on mental health, substance abuse and community resources.
To learn more about HPDICE visit www.hpdice.org.
