Clearing the Air: the Dual Toll of Vaping on Mind and Body

Overview

Held November 2023

Vaping, originally introduced as a cessation device, has quickly become an epidemic in our nation. With more and more people entering hospitals due to vaping injuries, the true intention behind its use has been called into question. Health professionals far and wide are noticing negative impacts not only on people’s physical health but mental health as well. Speakers Pat Mckone and Erin Simmons feel passionately about vaping education. They unveil the hidden costs of vaping as they present and answer questions.

This is one of a 3-part vaping informational series co-hosted by 100 Rural Women and the American Lung Association. Part one, held in March of this year, focused on general information about vaping and how it is affecting our rural communities. Part two was centered around the physical and mental health impacts professionals are seeing as a result of long-term vape use. Part three, to be held in December, will highlight people and organizations doing important work in the movement to end vaping.

Thank you for joining us as we unpacked how these devices are impacting you and the people around you.

Missed it? Check out the recording below!

Watch the recording

SPEAKERS

Erin Simmons

Mankato, MN

Erin Simmons is the Executive Director of Mankato Youth Place (MY Place). Before working at MY Place, Erin spent 15 years with the American Lung Association as a training and technical assistance provider supporting communities working on policies to reduce tobacco harm, including smoke-free bars and restaurants. Erin was a founding board member for the South Central Minnesota Food Recovery and has been involved in several other community-based initiatives. Erin has lived in the Mankato area for 21 years with her husband and four children and attended MSU before that time.

Pat McKone

Superior, Wisconsin

Pat McKone, Senior Director – Health Promotion and Policy – American Lung Association, has worked with lung health programming for over forty years. Ms. McKone’s work has included tobacco treatment programs, limiting youth access to tobacco, public and school-based education, raising awareness of the impact of tobacco in those with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders, as well as advocacy around limiting exposure to second-hand smoke, smoke-free housing, point of sale, and e-cigarettes. Most recently, Pat led efforts in Duluth, MN to pass a local policy limiting access to menthol and other flavored tobacco products to adult-only tobacco stores. Ms. McKone was the 2017 recipient of the American Lung Association’s Distinguished Professional Service Award and in 2018, was recognized as part of the Blue Cross Trailblazer award.