Farmingville, NY - Councilwoman Valerie M. Cartright has announced that Youth Vaping Cessation classes are now being offered at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville. The classes, which are presented by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Tuesday evening classes are part of a monthly, four-week series program that began in November and continue until the school year ends in June. The initiative is aimed at reducing youth and teen vaping in Suffolk County. The classes, which are believed to be the first of their kind in New York State, offer school age youth the tools to develop the skills necessary to address their vaping and addiction.
Classes are open to all Brookhaven youth. School districts may refer students to the program as an alternative to in school or out of school suspension for vaping related offenses. Currently, over five Brookhaven school districts and six high schools are participating as an alternative to suspension program. All school districts in Brookhaven are encouraged to participate and refer students. Students may also sign themselves up or be referred by a parent.
"Vaping is such a critically important health issue in our country. Youth vaping has serious personal and health consequences and it is important to have resources in place to address this problem. This initiative came out of the collaborative work of the Drug Prevention Coalition in my district, but it is a Town wide resource," stated Councilwoman Valerie Cartright. "Brookhaven is proud to be leading the charge in helping to address this public health issue and to provide resources to the community."
For vape-out! planning, please contact: John Martin, Supervising Public Health Educator @ (631)853-3136 or email: john.martin@suffolkcountyny.gov. For more information about the Council District One Drug Prevention Coalition please visit www.drugpreventioncoalition.com or contact Councilwoman Cartright’s office at 631-451-6963.
Vaping & Tobacco Intervention Resources
- S.C. Department of Health, Office of Health Education: 631-853-3162 www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health (Click “Preventive Medicine/Health Education”)
- “VAPE OUT!” Program: Customized trainings for school and community workshops, peer education, alternatives-to-suspension
- The “Learn To Be…Tobacco Free” Cessation Program (6 classes)
- Enforcement: Call to report any locations suspected of tobacco and vaping product sales to minors
- NYS QUITLINE: 1-866-697-8487 or www.nysmokefree.com for free nicotine replacement medications, Opt-to-Quit tobacco program, educational resources
- [www.truthinitiative.org%20]www.truthinitiative.org Youth centered vaping education and quit tips
- [www.becomeanex.org%20]www.becomeanex.org Tobacco cessation program TEXTING TO QUIT
- Vaping Cessation support: Text “QUIT” to 202-804-9884 or Text “DITCHJUUL” to 887-09
- Parents: To receive supportive text messages designed specifically for Parents of students who vape: Text “QUIT” to (202) 899-7550 3. Tobacco Cessation support: Text “QUITNOW” to 202-759-6436
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- CDC: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention www.cdc.gov/tobacco
- VAPING ILLNESS CONCERNS:
- For concern about symptoms: POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222
- For suspicious product concerns: CDC VAPING HOTLINE: 1-800-232-4636
- NIDA: National Institute on Drug Abuse www.drugabuse.gov Look for “NIDA TEENS”•Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids: www.tobaccofreekids.org Lessons for youth and parents on tobacco and vaping
- Partnership for Drug Free Kids: www.drugfree.org/vaping “How to Talk to Your Kids about Vaping” guide
- www.smokefree.gov Sections for: teens, veterans, español, women, 60+
- www.mayoclinic.org Search “Nicotine” for in-depth nicotine information
- POSTERS & PAMPHLETS FDA: Free vaping prevention posters www.digitalmedia.hhs.gov/tobacco
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone 631-451-6595