The American Lung Association in South Carolina has announced the launch of its newest initiative, Breathe Easy Backpacks, which is aimed at supporting underserved students and raising awareness about the hazards of youth vaping and tobacco use. The free program will be held on Saturday, August 5th at James Simons Montessori (741 King Street) from 10 am to 1 pm, and furnish students with free backpacks and necessary school supplies, enabling parents and caregivers to prioritize other essential aspects of their child’s educational development.
Participants will receive valuable resources on the dangers of vaping and tobacco use. Asthma education materials, and resources will be available and free to students with asthma. The Lung Association, along with local partners, will distribute 250 backpacks with supplies and vape-free resources at the drop-in style event. Resources will be first come, first served to participants. The Breathe Easy Backpack event will also feature healthcare professionals on-site to answer a range of lung health questions concerning tobacco use, secondhand smoke, asthma, and more.
“With an alarming 5.4 million students across the nation now vaping, the pressing need for the Breathe Easy Backpack initiative is evident,” said Margaret Ann Youngs, Development Director for the Lung Association. “Some of the most common reasons children start vaping include the appeal of flavors like cotton candy, the stress and anxiety students are feeling, and curiosity because a family member or friend vapes. By proactively distributing essential resources and information about this epidemic through Breathe Easy Backpacks, we hope to reach students before they every start and combat the rise in vaping to protect the well-being of our youth.”
For more information about attending or donating to support Breathe Easy Backpacks, contact the Lung Association by calling 843-556-8451 or emailing MargaretAnn.Youngs@Lung.org.
