VAPING and the widespread uptake of this vice are constantly hitting the headlines.

To help navigate the wealth of information out there and find out the true impact of vaping on an individual’s health and that of the broader community, Bridges Health & Community Care have partnered with Blurred Minds to bring a quality education program to the region.

As a leading provider of drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment services in Wide Bay, Bridges staff saw the rising use of vaping in young people and the need for better knowledge about the health implications of using vapes.  

Bridges CEO and psychologist, Sharon Sarah stated that “What we have is an unregulated market, and imported vaping products that are currently not tested for safety and quality in Australia, so they contain unknown chemicals which can be harmful. 

Ms Sarah stated that “while vapes can be an effective tool in reducing the harms associated with tobacco smoking, the uptake of vaping by young people and the extent of its use is out of control.”  

The Queensland Government has announced free access for Queensland schools for the Blurred Minds Academy which is an online education program to change the way younger generations think and interact with alcohol, vaping, and other drugs. 

Bridges has partnered with Blurred Minds to bring an in-person vaping education program into our community and secondary schools to reinforce the important messages of this program. 

CEO of Bridges, Sharon Sarah stated, “We are keen to see this valuable information on vaping shared so that our communities can make informed choices and ensure that locals have a direct link and referral pathway to our drug and alcohol service for follow up if required.” 

The program will be delivered through Carinity Education Glendyne, Urangan State High School, St James Lutheran College and Fraser Coast Anglican College (FCAC) from 29th May – 4th June.

A workshop open to parents, carers and interested community members will be held on Monday 3rd June 6-7pm at FCAC and a whole of region Teacher workshop being held on Tuesday 4th June 3.45-4.45pm.

Bookings for these public workshops can be made through https://events.humanitix.com/host/bridges-health-and-community-care 

“We encourage everyone to be informed about the health implications of vaping.”

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and Social Shift.