In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products has become a growing concern in the United States. The popularity of these products has surged, particularly among young people. Clatsop County public health leaders are alarmed by the increasing rates of vaping among youth in the North Coast area, which has surpassed the Oregon average. To address this problem, the public health officials are partnering with neighboring Columbia and Tillamook counties on a regional anti-vaping media campaign.
The upcoming campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and tobacco use and prevent future addiction to nicotine among youth. This article will provide an overview of the anti-vaping campaign and discuss the issues surrounding vaping and tobacco use among young people.
Vaping among youth in Clatsop County
According to data collected by the Oregon Health Authority, nearly 15% of eighth graders in Clatsop County reported vaping in the past 30 days in 2020. This rate surpasses the state average of 5%. In addition, the survey data revealed that youth surveyed in the sixth grade also reported vaping more than the state average, while students in the 11th grade reported vaping less.
The high rates of vaping among youth in Clatsop County are alarming and require immediate action. The use of e-cigarettes and vaping products can have serious health consequences and can lead to addiction to nicotine.
The anti-vaping media campaign
To prevent tobacco use and increase access to certified cessation services, Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties are partnering on a regional campaign. The campaign will be developed by IZO, a Woodburn-based public relations and marketing company, and will be launched in the summer of 2023 in English and Spanish.
The initiative will be funded using revenue from Measure 108, which was approved by voters in 2020 and increased taxes on cigarettes and cigars and established a tax on e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping devices. The Clatsop County Public Health Department has received nearly $130,000 in revenue from the taxes, $18,000 of which will be used toward the campaign. The funds will also be used for health equity education and prevention and cessation education.
The goal of the campaign is not to create stigma or blame towards individuals who use tobacco. Rather, it aims to create avenues for people to have more education and awareness about the dangers of tobacco and vaping products. Education is power, and by providing information, the campaign hopes to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
The impact of tobacco and vaping on young people
The use of e-cigarettes and vaping products can have serious health consequences, particularly among young people. Data shows that youth who become addicted to nicotine usually start using before the age of 18, and vaping is usually the gateway. The tobacco industry has used fruity and sweet flavors for vaping products, which are appealing to youth.
Many vaping products are easy to conceal at school because they can look like flash drives, lipstick, or even hoodie strings. As a result, schools and teachers are having a harder time keeping up with and identifying vaping products.
Emily Reilly, a health promotion specialist for Clatsop County, said the county plans to hold listening sessions with students to understand more about why some choose to use tobacco products. While the high rates of use among youth in the county can be difficult to pinpoint, Reilly said students have reported higher levels of stress and anxiety. The tobacco companies market nicotine as something that's cool and also as something that is used for stress relief.
Reilly noted that many people perceive vaping as being less harmful than cigarettes. However, vaping still contains nicotine, which is quite addictive and has negative impacts on the body and brain that may not be perceived immediately.
The increasing rates of vaping among youth in Clatsop County and neighboring areas are a serious concern. The use of e-cigarettes and vaping products can have serious health consequences and can lead to addiction to nicotine. To address this problem, Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties are partnering on a regional anti-vaping media campaign.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and vaping products and provide avenues for people to have more education and awareness about the harms of these products. By empowering individuals with information, the campaign hopes to prevent future addiction to nicotine and reduce the rates of tobacco and vaping use among young people.
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