Winter School District- Public Health Letter

11/14/2024

Hello, 

Sawyer County Public Health is addressing the community-wide issue of vaping, with a strong focus on educating residents about its health impacts. According to the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey, more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2021, with more than 8 in 10 of those youth using flavored e-cigarettes.

Our work reveals that vaping has become increasingly prevalent among youth, with reports indicating that even young children, including some in 3rd grade, have tried vaping. In response to this growing concern, we are collaborating with Sawyer County Schools, Hayward Community School District, Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO), and the School District of Winter, to conduct an anonymous survey aimed at middle and high school students through SurveyMonkey.

This survey is confidential and will gather data on vaping behaviors among adolescents in our community. The collected data will be analyzed and shared with the schools and broader community to offer insight into vaping trends and inform targeted prevention strategies. By understanding the scope and specifics of adolescent vaping in Sawyer County, we aim to develop effective, evidence-based prevention activities that will help deter teens from starting or continuing to vape.

Thank you