Chemical health event focusing on anti-vaping provides Anoka-Hennepin parents/guardians direct access to experts, resources
The Anoka-Hennepin School District hosted a chemical health event, focusing on anti-vaping, on April 16. The event was held at the district’s Educational Service Center, in Anoka, and approximately 40 Anoka-Hennepin parents/guardians were in attendance.
Dr. Jennifer Cherry, director of student services, and the chair of the district’s Chemical Health Committee (CHAC), knew how important it was during this year’s event to provide a focus on anti-vaping. “There has been an increase in teen vaping in our district, and across the state,” Cherry said. “We are here to educate parents on the consequences and risks of youth and teen vaping, and keeping kids in class, healthy and safe.”
The event was emceed by Champlin Park High School Principal Mike George, who is also a member of the CHAC, and a long-time supporter of grassroots efforts that have now led to increased information and resource sharing with parents/guardians.
Watch CTN's coverage from the event.
The evening began with George sharing information about the CHAC, its efforts with families and students, along with resources Anoka-Hennepin provides.
He then introduced the event’s keynote speakers — representatives from the American Lung Association, Heidi Larson and Alex Dusek. They provided details on current smoking rates, local data, key findings from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Youth Tobacco Survey and current trends. Larson and Dusek also brought samples of different types of e-cigarette/vaping devices so attendees could see the products up close, hold them in their hands and ask one-on-one questions.
The main focus of Larson and Dusek’s presentation was to educate parents/guardians and community members on the impact of tobacco, with a focus on youth and brain development.
Larson explained how e-cigarettes/vaping are proven to cause “irreversible damage to the lungs” and how youth and teens that are vaping have described how they can feel ‘nic-sick,’ which ultimately describes the harmful effects from nicotine.
In addition, she stressed that e-cigarette/vaping juice is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and oftentimes e-cigarette shops are making their own juice, and anything can be in the final product and sold.
They ended with with what can be done, aiming at what parents/guardians, schools districts and the community can do to educate and prevent tobacco use by youth and teens.
Following the keynote presentation, Detective Andy Dickman of the Brooklyn Park Police Department provided information around different types of e-cigarette/vaping devices and lingo used by teenagers, various drug paraphernalia and things that parents/guardians need to look for when concerned about their kids vaping. He reminded everyone that it’s illegal to possess an e-cigarette as a minor. He showed images of different ways that teens will hide their illegal substances, such as using dugouts, and different ways to spot on social media, such as SnapChat and through text message, with how teens discuss vaping or marijuana.
Dickman stated to parents/guardians that “it is okay to check your kid’s room and their cell phones” if concerned. Also, to utilize the Urban Dictionary app on your mobile device if you’re unsure of a word your teen is using. It could be code for vaping or other substances.
Greg Cole, principal of Compass Programs and the district’s secondary discipline coordinator, then addressed attendees, and took a personable approach to connecting with parents/guardians on how “parenting is hard work.” Cole provided techniques on how to talk to teens, and how asking questions is key. He shared that even if a discussion turns into a teen getting mad and walking away, “they will always circle back again.” “Parents have the biggest influence with their teens,” said Cole.
The evening ended with a panel discussion with questions from the audience facilitated by George with district experts, Cole; Kristina Kothrade, school social worker from Andover High School; Rachel McHargue, school nurse from Coon Rapids Middle School; and guests and experts Dickman; Amber Hewitt, prevention advocate with Know the Truth; and parent and Our Young Addicts advocate Rose McKinney. Resource tables from local organizations and partners were also there to provide support and information. Those in attendance were Thrive!, American Lung Association, Know the Truth, Lee Carlson, Melrose, Al-Anon Family Group, Headway, People Incorporated, MedExpress and the Association for Nonsmokers, Minnesota.
George emphasized for parents to stay alert, be involved with their kids and to educate themselves and be prepared for discussions around substance use. “If you don’t expect, you don’t expect to know.”
If you’re concerned about your student vaping, please contact your child’s school nurse or Cindy Hiltz, the district’s health services coordinator at cynthia.hiltz@ahschools.us.
For those who were unable to attend, and are interested in a video of the presentation (available soon), and for additional information and resources, visit ahschools.us/antivaping.