By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Data suggests that one out of every seven teens in Kansas vapes. That's why Youth Crew, Central Kansas Partnership, and Juvenile Services continue to spread the message of why teens should not vape or use tobacco. Wednesday, Youth Crew partnered with the Health Occupation Student Association (HOSA) Club at Great Bend High School as part of a "Blow Bubbles Not Smoke" event. Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee said some 1,200 pieces of gum - all wrapped with a message - were handed out.
"Last spring, we did 'Lei off Tobacco,' which was such a popular promotion at the high school," she said. "The kids decided they wanted to keep that one. I was like, what about this for the fall?"
The program includes information about the health impacts of vaping or using tobacco and resources to quit.
"When they get caught with tobacco or a vape, it's like why were you using?" Woodmansee said. "'I was stressed out.' Well, do you realize using the product can actually increase your anxiety or depression? Just making those connections for the kids to let them know these are real risk factors for you guys at this age group, but there is also help."
Wednesday's event over the Great Bend High School lunch period also included infographics and quizzes about the information. The prize for correct answers: more gum.