A few years ago, in November of 2019, BEA held a community informational evening centered around the topic of vaping. We coined this evening, “Escape the Vape”. Ironically enough, my blog post at that time, which you can read here, began by discussing the habit that has quickly become an epidemic….vaping. The evening was wonderfully attended back in November 2019, and while I wish I could say this was no longer relevant, that is definitely not the case. 

In fact, vaping has continued to be such an issue that we are once again planning another informational meeting for our students, parents, families, and community members. We hope that you will join us for “Escape the Vape, Part II” on Monday, January 30th. We recognize how busy everyone’s evenings are, so we are once again hoping to make this a stress-free evening for you to attend this important session. BEA is hosting a free will offering soup and sandwich meal beginning at 6 pm in the High School Commons area. You can choose from the delicious options of: Turkey Wrap, Roast Beef on an Onion Bun with Basil Mayo, Roasted Potato Bacon Soup, and Chicken/Dumpling Soup. 

After you have enjoyed a stress free meal, make your way into the High School Performing Arts Center for a presentation from our many community partners. Kaley Hernandez from Local Public Health/Statewide Health Improvement Partners (SHIP) will be on hand to deliver information on the basics of vape products/e-cigarettes, the chemicals used in vape products, youth usage rates, effects on youth, potential signs of vaping, marketing strategies used to specifically target youth, trending products, and cessation information for youth/young adults. Our SRO, Barry Meyers, will also be on hand to present on area experiences with narcotics based on his many years with the Drug Task Force, including the dangers and availability of fentanyl. Finally, we will also be showcasing a presentation/information session with our local UHD Healthcare Professionals Dr. Aaron Johnson and Mandy Carr PA-C, who will be on hand to share the concerns of vaping and self-medicating on both the physical and mental health of our youth.

While the evening will no doubt be heavy from the weight of the topic, we feel it is necessary to educate our students, parents, families, and communities in an effort to continue fighting this incredibly scary reality facing our youth. We will be sharing much of this same information with our Middle and High School Students earlier that day, as well as our staff the week prior, in an effort to get this information and message out to as many people as possible. 

We hope you’ll join us for an evening of delicious food and an incredibly informational presentation by our community partners, who we graciously thank for their time and efforts to combat youth vaping and the dangers of narcotics. Thank you to BEA Community Engagement Coordinator Brenda Millmann, Human Services of Martin & Faribault Counties, SHIP, United Hospital District, and the Faribault County Sheriff’s Department. Without you all, this evening would not be possible!