HURLEYVILLE, NY — The Coalition for a Vape Free Sullivan will celebrate World No Tobacco Day on May 30 at 2 p.m. at the trailhead of the O&W Rail Trail in Hurleyville. No Tobacco Day was created by the World Health Organization (WHO); it informs the public about the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what is being done to fight the epidemic and what people around the world can do to claim their health and protect future generations.
This year’s theme is “unmasking the appeal” and is focused on explaining about tobacco and nicotine industry’s carefully engineered products, including disposable vapes and nicotine pouches, that are designed to entice young people with their candy and fruit flavors.
According to the WHO, there are more than 16,000 unique vape flavors on the market today that have hooked an estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 years old worldwide.
The day will feature an art display titled “Airing Big Tobacco’s Dirty Laundry,” created by participants in the Sullivan 180 Warrior Teens program. A proclamation endorsing World No Tobacco Day and encouraging smoking cessation will be read by the Sullivan County Legislature at 2 p.m. Several community leaders will speak about the local effects of nicotine addiction and the resources available to help people quit. From 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. the trailhead will turn into a Quit Party, inviting the public to kickstart their quit journey with cessation resources and a fresh-air walk on the rail trail.
Supportive community agencies including the Sullivan County Department of Health, Tobacco Free Action Communities, Restorative Management and Sullivan 180 will be available along the trailhead. “Quitters” will be encouraged to throw out their last cigarette or e-cigarette in exchange for a “quit kit,” and they will be treated to a cowbell send-off for their walk. The first ten “quitters” to sign up for the upcoming freedom-from-smoking class will earn a $50 Walmart gift card.
Quitting smoking has countless short- and long-term health benefits, some of which start to affect the body almost immediately after putting down one’s last cigarette, vape or nicotine pouch, the coalition said. According to the Truth Initiative, 90 percent of people surveyed felt less stressed, anxious or depressed after quitting vaping nicotine.
More information is available at www.sullivan180.org.
