Anti-vaping information and resources

Easily recognized as one of the most popular substance use trends among teens, vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, often referred to as vapor, produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or similar device. These devices often contain flavored e-liquids, nicotine and/or marijuana. There continues to be challenges around the banning of all flavored e-liquids, with big tobacco finding loopholes wherever they can in order to continue selling to our teens. We also know that teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes than their peers who do not vape. In addition, e-cigarette use among young people, many of whom were not smokers in the first place, has skyrocketed in recent years.

It is important to know that vaping is not safe. Thousands of illnesses and even several dozen deaths have been linked to vaping over the past few years. Anoka-Hennepin believes teens and parents alike should be educated about vaping and the potential for harm. The information listed here is a starting point! If you have any questions please feel free to connect with the chemical health prevention specialist, Colleen O’Neil, colleen.oneil@ahschools.us, 763-506-1145.

Vaping 101:

• Truth Initiative: America's largest nonprofit public health organization committed to making tobacco use and nicotine addiction a thing of the past.
• Partnership to End Addiction: Partnership to End Addiction is a result of the cohesive joining of two pioneering and preeminent addiction-focused organizations — Center on Addiction and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

Need help quitting?

• My Life My Quit.
• Become a Smoke-Free Teen.
• Become an Ex.

VapeEducate is an online, educational course that teaches teens about the negative effects of vaping and was originally designed to be completed by middle and high school students. Anyone can benefit from learning more about e-cigarettes, vaping and Juuling. It can also be used as an educational program for teachers, parents, and other community members. The program is designed to be used as a tool that provides supplemental material to educate students about vaping.

How is Anoka-Hennepin using VapeEducate?

Anoka-Hennepin has purchased a set amount of licenses to be used in conjunction with those students who receive a chemical health violation due to vaping.  Used as an educational tool, students will have the opportunity to learn about the negative effects of vaping and to learn how it can negatively affect their lives in school, home and the workplace.

How can I access VapeEducate?

As of now, Anoka-Hennepin is using this program for those students who receive a vaping violation, either in the community or in the school setting. Students are referred by a school administrator or support staff. Each secondary school has an identified “group leader” who will enroll the student in the program. There may be a situation where a student is referred and asked to complete the program before returning to school after a suspension or a student may be asked to complete the program in order to minimize the number of days suspended.

Additional Information

Please refer to the following resources for more information on VapeEducate, vapeeducate.com; Parent letter, (versión en español).

View this guide from Partnership for Drug Free Kids to get more information before having your conversation.

View this resource, A Parent's Guide to Vaping. 

View the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey results.