The Sherburne County SUP Coalition’s “Talk Early, Talk Often” campaign aims to educate and empower parents and caregivers to have ongoing conversations with the young people in their lives around drugs and alcohol.

The coalition is currently working to create awareness of issues surrounding youth electronic cigarette use (also called vaping) and its adverse effects. They developed several resources to help adults talk with young people on the dangers of using e-cigarettes and other vape devices. These resources include a short 5-minute video on “8 Things to Know About Vaping” with an associated discussion guide.

View these resources at www.sherburnesupcoalition.org/talk-early-talk-often. They encourage you to use and share these resources with others!

Smoking, Vaping & COVID-19 This information is especially important given that recent reports have suggested a link between smoking and vaping and poor COVID-19 outcomes. Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.

The best option would be to quit, but if this isn’t possible right now there are other options, including:

• Cutting down as much as possible

• Stocking up on supplies to help you quit

• Talking to an expert

Minnesota residents of any age can access free help to quit commercial tobacco in all forms, including cigarettes, chew, cigars, snuff and vapes, through the state’s Quit Partner program. Quit Partner offers quitting support via coaching and quit-tobacco medications, such as nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges. Through Quit Partner, residents can access tailored quitting programs, including a teen support program called My Life, My Quit. To access these 24/7 services, visit quitpartnermn.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

The Sherburne County Substance Use Prevention Coalition is a community-focused organization on a mission to prevent substance use among our youth by promoting safe and healthy choices.