Local Health Coalition Takes Closer Look at Teen Vaping

It’s a complex question. How do you keep tobacco use among teens on a downward spiral when there’s something new and trendy like vaping on the scene?

The coalition group Partnership for Change talked about that conundrum Tuesday afternoon in Osseo. The group is made up of parents, health officials and other community members. Health leaders say that while vaping might be in the headlines now, they hope to discourage teens from all types of substance abuse. That includes drinking alcohol.

“We never want to sweep alcohol under the rug because it’s been so normalized in our society,” said LeeAnn Mortenson with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. “It really makes it difficult and the vaping has really been sensationalized. But those of us who work in prevention world really truly honestly look at alcohol, knowing the damage it does.”

The Robbinsdale-based coalition has also been active in helping to install medicine disposal boxes in the northwest metro.

Osseo | Robbinsdale