Local Leaders and Students Team Up for Community Conversation on Vaping Epidemic

The American Heart Association is at the forefront of conversations on the dangers of vaping.

The organization will bring local volunteer leaders and high school students and parents in St. Louis together from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Parkway West Middle School, to discuss the epidemic among youth.

The conversation is part of the AHA’s massive #quitlying initiative to help expose the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping. With funding of $20 million, the End the Lies: Youth Vaping and Nicotine Research Initiative will fund groundbreaking projects that focus on understanding how nicotine impacts young people.

The latest data show that more than 5 million high school students are now using e-cigarettes – or more than one in five high school (compared to approximately one in 10, just two years ago). The goal is to turn the tide in the St. Louis region. 

Students and parents will share what they experience daily in school and their social circles, followed by a discussion on the epidemic, including an up-close look at the products available and how they are marketed to children and teenagers.

The meeting will conclude with a conversation on the next steps the schools and parents can take to make an immediate impact.

Teens, parents and educators are encouraged to learn more and join the campaign at quitlying.org.