Nicotine Prevention
Vaping Work Team
Welcome to Montcalm County's Vaping Work Team! Originally formed in 2018, the Vaping Work Team continues to address the growing number of youth who vape in Montcalm County. The Team decided to pilot an anti-vaping program in Greenville Public Schools with the hope that it will be replicated in other schools in the county.
Goals include:
- Addressing vaping in the student handbook
- Creating a discipline policy for vaping violations
- Developing an education package for students caught vaping. This package will reduce suspension time, add checks and balances within the school setting (bathroom checks, locker room checks, etc.), and create video PSAs for students and parents.
- Changing the existing Montcalm County ordinance which says that youth under 18 may not purchase but may possess to no purchase no possession.
The Vaping Work Team is made up of members representing local, county and state law enforcement; Greenville Public Schools; youth; Spectrum Health; Mid-Michigan District Health Department; Prosecuting Attorney for Montcalm County; Greenville Area Community Foundation, Cherry Health Prevention Services; and Montcalm Prevention Collaborative.
What Are E-Cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are electronic devices used to inhale a liquid that contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals into the lungs. Using an e-cigarette is often called “vaping” or “JUULing.” E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes and can also be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs.
E-cigarette aerosol is NOT harmless “water vapor.” It actually contains harmful and potentially harmful substances, like: nicotine, flavorings linked to a serious lung disease, and cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead. E-cigarettes or the use of any nicotine product is unsafe, especially for young people.
What Are the Risks?
Vaping is harmful, especially for kids, teens and young adults.
- Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development.
- Nicotine can harm parts of the brain that controls attention, learning, mood and impulse control.
- Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes when they get older or try other addictive drugs.
- Defective e-cigarette batteries have exploded, causing serious injuries.