NCDHHS to host talk on prevention of vaping among youth, resources for those trying to quit

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The popularity of vaping among young people is a growing issue in many places, including in North Carolina. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among not just high school students, but also middle school students in the country.

The department says talking to young people about vaping early is crucial, “even before they are teens, as most tobacco use starts during youth.”

To help prevent kids from getting addicted to vaping, as well as to provide resources for those who are trying to quit the habit, NCDHHS is hosting a live “fireside chat” and tele-town hall today from 6 to 7 p.m.

According to NCDHHS, the topics discussed will include:

• Signs a teen or child may be vaping
• Different ways parents and other adults can talk to young people about vaping
• How to find information on health and providers for youth
• Resources for prevention or to help youth quit e-cigarettes

The event’s panelists include state and local experts on the issue as well as a parent who has firsthand experience of the consequences of youth vaping. The participants are:

• Shayla Hayes — Youth Engagement Coordinator for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch of NCDHHS’ Division of Public Health
• Ray Riordan — Director of Local Policy and Programs for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch of NCDHHS’ Division of Public Health
• Tricia Howard, MSN, MHA, PMHNP-BC — Lead Nurse for Durham Public Schools
• Charlene Zorn — Parent advocate

According to NCDHHS, the chat will stream live from the department’s Facebook, Twitter (X) and YouTube accounts, and viewers will be able to submit questions through those platforms.

During the tele-town hall portion of the event, people will be able to listen in by phone and ask questions through there. Those wishing to listen to the event can dial in by calling (855) 756-7520 ext. #106458.

A Spanish-language event on the same topic will also be held this week. It will include a “cafecito” as well as a tele-town hall and will be on Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m.

The panelists for the Spanish-language event are:

• Jeydri Urbina — Communications Manager, NCDHHS
• Rachael L. Joyner, DNP, APRN — Nurse Practitioner, Duke Smoking Cessation Program
• Pablo Silva Ortiz, MS, LCAS — Substance Abuse Counselor, El Futuro

Thursday’s Cafecito and tele-town hall will also be streamed on NCDHHS’s Facebook, Twitter (x) and Youtube accounts, where questions can be submitted by viewers.

Like the English-language event, callers can also listen in by phone and submit questions that way. The public can dial into the event by calling (855) 756-7520 ext. #106459.