PHDM hosts vaping education event in Escanaba

ESCABABA, Mich. (WLUC) - Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties wants to educate the public on the youth vaping epidemic .

PHDM held a caregiver education night this evening in Escanaba. PHDM Health Educator Melissa Blume said caregivers include anyone with a school-aged child.

Blume said the presentation includes the health risks to kids' brain development, the chemicals kids inhale with the nicotine like gasoline and car battery fluid and how kids hide and get vape devices.

"I've talked to kids that I've had who've been caught vaping at school who have picked them up off the ground," Blume said. "Some have reported that they've purchased them at local establishments. They know when certain people are working, they'll go in or they'll send somebody else in to buy for them. Siblings, you name it. A lot of times they're stealing from parents. That's a big issue too."

Blume says despite nobody turning out this evening, she'll keep holding the events.

Escanaba JR/SR High School Principal Andy Doutree says one child caught vaping this year was only in sixth grade.

To learn how to speak with children about vaping, Blume can be reached at (906) 789-8116.