State Rep. Kathy Kennedy moderated a community forum on vaping Nov. 21 in Milford. Contributed photo.
The Milford community came together on Nov. 19 to have a conversation about the uptick in teen vaping across the state. The Milford Youth Vaping Forum was held by state Reps. Kathy Kennedy, Charles Ferraro, Kim Rose, and state Sen. James Maroney along with the Milford Prevention Council and the Milford Health Department.
Approximately 100 parents, students, educators and other concerned residents showed up to share their stories, gain insight from the experts and discuss solutions.
“This educational forum is an important step in continuing a statewide conversation about how we can all work together to educate our youth on the serious health risks of vaping and initiate other prevention strategies in order to put a stop to the increased number of injuries and deaths we are seeing on a day-to-day basis,” said Kennedy, a member of the Public Health Committee and moderator of the panel discussion.
“Vaping among teens and young adults is a serious issue,” Ferraro said. “It was great to see so many students and parents attending this forum to learn about the problems and health risks associated with vaping. I want to thank everyone that attended and will continue to push for policies that will help keep vaping products out of the hands of our children.”
According to a study conducted by the state Department of Public Health, the number of Connecticut high school students using vaping products doubled between 2015 and 2017.
Local high school students and their parents were in attendance to hear from panelists about the vaping issue and learn how to get help if they need it.
In addition to the lawmakers, the panel included Tricia Dahl, of the Yale University School of Medicine; Max Berkowitz, principal of Foran High School; Fran Thompson, principal of Jonathon Law High School; Steve Gottlieb, principal of Harborside Middle School; Milford students Zach Merchant and Bella McPadden; former vaper Todd Forti; Veronica Weser, a postdoctoral associate in the play4REAL Lab at the Yale Center for Health and Learning Games; and Dr. Andrew Carlson, a community/school medical advisor.
Lawmakers this year overwhelming passed legislation to increase the age of legal use of vaping products from 18 to 21. In addition, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services launched unannounced compliance checks on e-cigarette dealers this fall.
In the last three months, over three dozen people have died and about 1,500 vape users have suffered lung injuries. One death in Connecticut has been attributed to vaping.
Residents and students were encouraged to reach out to teachers, administrators and the Milford Prevention Council if they had questions or concerns about vaping.
Lawmakers will be headed back into session in February and are expected to discuss additional legislation to address vaping issues in Connecticut.