The City of Mukilteo will host a community forum to highlight the teen health and safety risks of vaping and e-cigarettes and the connection to drug prevention on Thursday, May 25, 2017. The lead presenter will be Shawneri Guzman, a Trauma Data Analyst & Injury Prevention Specialist at Providence Health & Services. Shawneri has over 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional and will educate parents, teens and community members about the risks associated with vaping and e-cigarettes, as well as the risk of broader drug abuse by these products.
“Vaping has become very popular among teens and adults in the community, but there are real health and safety risks from these products,” said Mukilteo Mayor Jennifer Gregerson. “We are committed to protecting public health in our community, and making sure that everyone has accurate information about the risks associated with e-cigarettes and vaping. I am grateful that we are convening this important community forum.”
Data collected from 2011 to 2015 have shown that e-cigarette use has increased among high school students 900 percent in the United States. Studies indicate that the rise in the use of vaping products and e-cigarettes among teens are driven by a lack of accurate information about their health risks.
“Often times there is a misperception among teens that vaping and e-cigarettes are safe. Not only is this not true, the use of these devices can perpetuate the use of more dangerous substances,” said Mukilteo Police Chief Cheol Kang. “I am pleased that we are organizing this forum to educate parents, teens and community members about the risks of vaping.”
This event is part of series of events the City will be organizing in 2017 to highlight health and safety issues for youth and families in Mukilteo. The initiative is the result of Mayor Jennifer Gregerson’s Action Agenda priority to reduce violence and promote healthy behaviors for youth.
Event Details:
Community Forum on E-cigarettes and Vaping
Thursday, May 25, 2017
6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Location:
Mukilteo City Hall
11930 Cyrus Way
Mukilteo, Washington 98275
Media Contact: Officer Myron Travis, Crime Prevention Officer
mtravis@mukilteowa.gov
City of Mukilteo
(425) 263-8104
