HURLEYVILLE, NY — The Coalition for a Vape Free Sullivan celebrated World No Tobacco Day on Friday, May 30 at the O&W Rail Trail in Hurleyville. The event, created by the World Health Organization (WHO), describes the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what is being done to fight the epidemic and what people around the world can do to claim their health and protect future generations.
This year’s theme was “Unmasking the Appeal” and focused on giving young people the truth about the tobacco and nicotine industry’s products. According to the WHO, there are more than 16,000 unique vape flavors on the market today.
The Hurleyville event on Friday featured an art display titled “Airing Big Tobacco’s Dirty Laundry,” which was created by nearly 50 local high school students participating in the Sullivan 180 Warrior Teens program.
Dr. Jessie Moore, public health director for Sullivan County, said, “Tobacco and nicotine use remain major public health challenges, particularly among youth. At the Sullivan County Department of Public Health, we are dedicated to supporting prevention efforts, promoting education, and helping our community make healthier choices.”
A proclamation endorsing World No Tobacco Day and encouraging smoking cessation was read by Sullivan County Legislator Catherine Scott. Community leaders spoke about the local effects of nicotine addiction, the impacts on schools and the resources available to help people quit.
Celeste D’Andrea, a Monticello High School student, told the attendees, “As a society we need to start realizing that this is not simply teenage rebellion or a trend. Parents, educators and community leaders must shift from immediate discipline to proactive education and cessation for those teens who are hooked. Vaping is not a harmless trend. It is a threat to the health and future of our youth.”
After the remarks, the trailhead turned into a “quit party,” inviting the public to kickstart a quit journey with provided cessation resources and a fresh-air walk on the rail trail.
The American Lung Association, Ellenville Regional Hospital, Sullivan County Department of Health, Tobacco Free Action Communities, Restorative Management and Sullivan 180 had tables along the trailhead.
More information is available at www.sullivan180.org. Amanda Langseder, Sullivan 180 director of prevention programming, can be reached at 845/295-2681 or amanda@sullivan.180.org for help with resources to quit smoking.