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Warden: Get informed on e-cigarettes, vaping
RoAnn Warden
RoAnn Warden, a registered nurse since 1987, has been with Green County since 2006 and director of the health department since 2008

Public health groups like Southwest Alliance for Tobacco Prevention and Green County Public Health have long been educating about the potential dangers of vaping e-cigarettes, especially for youth. However, the conversation has taken on a new, and tragic, dimension after a rash of nationwide lung disease cases connected to vaping. As of Oct. 3, Wisconsin is aware of 69 cases. 

While nicotine products like JUUL have skyrocketed in popularity among youth in the last several years, many e-cigarettes can be used to inhale other substances, including THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Many of the nationwide lung disease cases have reported vaping THC or both THC and nicotine, and some of the cases have reported using only nicotine.

The Southwest Alliance for Tobacco Prevention coalition is proud of the actions CBS, Viacom, and WarnerMedia are taking for no longer running e-cigarette ads. They also think Walmart is taking a step in the right direction by stopping the sale of the products. 

Parents can learn more about the risks of e-cigarettes and other candy and fruit-flavored tobacco products tempting kids by visiting tobaccoischanging.com. If they’re interested in local activities to prevent youth tobacco use, they can contact our coalition at 608-313-9220 or like us on Facebook at Southwest Alliance for Tobacco Prevention. If you are looking for help to start the “vape talk” with a teen check out American Lung Association’s vape talk at lung.org/stop-smoking/vape-talk/. 

Tobacco and e-cigarette users, including youth, that are ready to quit should call 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669) for free help. A free app called “This is Quitting” by The Truth Initiative is for youth and young adults. To access this program text “DITCHJUUL” to 88709. Parents and other adults looking to help young people quit should text “QUIT” to 202-899- 7550. Talking with your healthcare provider that you are desiring to quit can be helpful as well. Check with your insurance plan to see if you have cessation benefits that cover vaping. Wisconsin Medicaid offers a free cessation benefit for quitting tobacco or vaping. Just ask your health care provider about this free cessation assistance.


— RoAnn Warden is the Green County Public Health director.