One in four high school students vape and the number of students vaping in middle schools has tripled. Vaping can increase the risk of cancer in young people because of the toxic chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol. Studies indicate some youth and young adults who've experienced cancer have vaped. That’s cause for serious concern among parents, health and education officials, and community advocates who gathered at the town hall presented by The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, a program of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center.

Sheriff Steven McCain has watched vaping explode in Grant Parish in the last ten years. He shared his disbelief that most kids don't know what they're inhaling, and with new products and flavors flooding the market, healthcare providers can't be sure either. When he asked a classroom of students what is in a vape, "The first one that raised his hand said it was Kool-Aid,' Sheriff McCain recounted.“Most of this is not being marketed to somebody in their 40s or 50s. They don't fill it with bubble gum or fruity flavors and bright colors to attract somebody my age. It's done to attract somebody that's 10, 12, 14 or 15 years old, to get them hooked.”

Chrishelle Stipe of the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, an LCRC program, knows this - cancer causing agents like nicotine, benzene, heavy metals and other harmful chemicals are being ingested by those who vape, raising their risk of lung cancer and more.

“Brain changes can definitely occur when being exposed to nicotine. There are long-lasting effects on attention in youth learning and memory and vaping does increase heart rate.There's increased anxiety, and trouble with focusing and learning.” Stipe also said that studies confirm that vaping is a gateway to other drugs. When teens and young people use an addictive substance at a young age, they're more likely to be addicted as an adult.

So what should a parent do if their child starts smoking?

Shelby Johnston, a student at LSU Alexandria, insisted the most effective strategy is to be more understanding than stern. “You have to be understanding to the reason why [they're vaping] and slowly offer the resources. Take a more softer tone with your voice and approach them with true sincerity instead of being angry or accusing … you have to truly sit down and have a calm conversation for the conversation to be effective.”

The good news is that there is an organized and effective statewide effort to combat the spread of vaping through policy initiatives like smoke-free municipal ordinances and the multitude of programs to help youths and adults quit smoking, vaping and and other tobacco products.

The Louisiana Tobacco Quitline, 866.457.QUIT (7848) offers  counseling and referral to resources. Youth can text "VAPEFREE" to 873373 or visit wearenextera.org for more information and resources.

Earl “Nupsius” Benjamin-Robinson, Director of the LCRC Office of Community Engagement, urged attendees to utilize available resources and share what they learned. “I hope you will take it back to your homes and to your schools and to your places of faith and share information.”

In addition to the LCRC, other sponsors of the town hall include Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital and Rapides Parish Healthy Initiatives Coalition & Children's Cabinet.

‍