Vermont middle schoolers are working to reduce the impact of tobacco and vaping
WHAT: Students from middle schools across Vermont will gather in Burlington on Thursday for a day-long tobacco prevention summit. These teens are members of VKAT – Vermont Kids Against Tobacco, a youth-lead organization that focuses on reducing the influence and impact of tobacco and vaping.
The VKAT Annual Youth Summit is an opportunity for information sharing, learning and networking for teens, young adults and their advisors. This year’s summit features a keynote address by policy equity and environmental health consultant and former Vermont State Representative Kesha Ram, followed by learning opportunities facilitated by the Governor’s Institute of Vermont. Closing remarks will be made by Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. Workshops taking place throughout the day will focus on facilitating dialogue, coalition building and community organizing skills.
Results from the 2017 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) found that, overall, 7% of middle students reported ever trying cigarette smoking, with 3% saying they tried one before age 11. Nearly one in 10 middle school students have ever tried an e-cigarette or other vaping products. Vaping use nearly doubles with each increasing grade level.
WHEN: November 7, 2019
8:00 a.m. - Registration
9:00 a.m. - Keynote
2:00 p.m. - Remarks by Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD
3:00 p.m. - Closing
WHERE: Hilton Burlington
60 Battery Street
Burlington, Vermont
WHO: VKAT (Vermont Kids Against Tobacco) is a middle school aged youth-led movement promoting a tobacco-free Vermont. Their recent focus has been to raise awareness among students and in their communities about the potential harms of flavored tobacco, and about how the tobacco and vaping industries use flavors and sleek, electronic designs to appeal to youth. VKAT provides the opportunity and space for students to grow their leadership skills and become strong, effective leaders in their schools and communities.
Interviews: Vermont Department of Health staff will be available to the media upon request. Interviews with members of VKAT and their advisors can also be arranged. Contact Ben Truman at [email protected] or call 802-951-5153 or 802-863-7281.
Resources: Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Tobacco Control and Prevention
healthvermont.gov/wellness/tobacco
E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)
healthvermont.gov/vapinginjury
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