Public health agencies collaborate on new mini-documentary about vaping epidemic

Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/21/2021 - 10:44am

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – Partnership Douglas County (PDC) in collaboration with public health agencies, substance use prevention coalitions and DreamPilot Films, announced the first of two mini documentaries on youth substance use in Nevada as part of a 2021 Nevada Youth Advocacy series.

The first video titled “Our Epidemic” contains teen advocates speaking to the impacts of vaping in Nevada and how prevention programs give them the knowledge and tools necessary to stay vape free. Each biennium, coalition partners sponsor a Youth Legislative Day, giving middle and high school-aged youth from across the state an opportunity to visit the state Capitol and speak to their state representatives. However, with no public access to the legislative building, this video is an opportunity for youth advocates to reach policymakers virtually.

The “Our Epidemic” video was funded the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health through Senate Bill 263, passed by the 2019 Legislature to reduce youth initiation, use, and access to vapor products. SB 263 included critical funding to build infrastructure and partnerships with tobacco retailers, local youth prevention initiatives and a statewide campaign that has reached more than

125,000 teens to date. As of March 12, 2021, the funding for SB263’s efforts were not included in Governor Steve Sisolak’s recommended budget and is not set to be renewed for fiscal years (2021-2023). With almost half of Nevada’s teens having tried vaping, Partnership Douglas County considers efforts to reduce youth use of vapor products a top priority and hopes to see funding return to this vital program.

Collaborating Agencies
Carson City Health and Human Services
Churchill Community Coalition
Frontier Communities Coalition
Healthy Communities Coalition
Join Together Northern Nevada
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition
Nye Communities Coalition
PACT Coalition
Southern Nevada Health District
Washoe County Health District

To access the 2021 Nevada Youth Advocacy video series, visit Partnership Douglas County’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_mmrw6jFAMo7pHlT-XL6Q.