Vaping Among Youth Targeted By Lorain County Task Force

LORAIN, OH — The Lorain County Vaping Task Force is trying to deter young vaping locally.

The group was formed in 2019. A coalition of local stakeholders came together to investigate vaping use in Lorain County, particularly among younger residents.

More than half of high schools students and nearly a quarter of middle school students reported trying tobacco products at least once, according to the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey. More than a third of high school students are currently using tobacco products.

“According to the 2018 PRIDE Survey, data shows that in Lorain County, the rate of e-cigarette use by youth has tripled in the past five years,” explains Erin Murphy, program manager, Lorain County Public Health. “That’s why it’s so critical to have a strong group of partners addressing this issue together.”

The vaping task force meets in person and via video meetings to review local data trends. Group members then address vaping in various ways, including: introducing a comprehensive educational campaign for schools; spearheading a media campaign for youth; working with healthcare providers to develop best practice professional development and training specific to youth vaping; and implementing comprehensive tobacco free policies throughout Lorain County.

The Lorain County Vaping Task Force includes members of Lorain County Public Health, various health care and hospital networks, mental health and substance abuse agencies, school district, the Educational Service Center, the Avon Lake Public Library, local media, law enforcement, and the Lorain County Metro Parks.