Outbreaks of lung disease connected to e-cigarette use, often referred to as vaping or JUULing, have spread across the country, including Washington State. Over 530 people have gotten sick and some have died. Even with such risks, one in four high school seniors in King County reported vaping in the past 30 days.

On Friday, September 27, 2019, Governor Inslee issued an Executive Order banning the sale of flavored vape products in an effort to reduce harm and the attraction of vaping products to kids and teens. 

At the YMCA of Greater Seattle, we focus on health and well-being for all, with an emphasis on youth. We support efforts to make sure all community members have the knowledge and information they need to make good decisions about their health and to stay safe. The Y offers a range of specialized support and counseling services for young people and families, including substance use disorder and other wrap-around services. We are here to help young people and their families reach optimal health today and throughout their lives. We want our members, supporters, and communities to be aware of the following resources that you may find helpful and informative.

If you would like support from our Y staff, you can reach them at counseling@seattleymca.org or by phone at 206-382-5340.

We are working with the staff at the Washington State Department of Health and Seattle-King County to bring awareness, prevention help, and quitting resources to our communities. We will make more information available as we continue to connect you to all of the resources your family needs to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

Do you have a teen, loved one, or friend who vapes or uses e-cigarettes who needs help? Here’s what you can do:

• Talk with your child or teen about vaping. Find the right moment: Rather than saying, “we need to talk,” you might ask your teen what they think about vaping, or about advertisements for e-cigarettes on the internet or in your community.
• Read the facts at e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov. A parent tip sheet is available at bit.ly/2lXWOcJ. 
• If you are concerned that your teen is vaping, connect with a parent helpline specialist (bilingual in English and Spanish) by calling 1-855-DRUGFREE, visiting drugfree.org/helpline, or texting a question to 55753. 
• Teens and adults can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk with a health care provider. For additional information on the health risks of e-cigarettes and the developing
• Use the 2morrow app to help teens stop vaping www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Tobacco/HowtoQuit
• Learn more about vaping and the latest updates on lung disease from King County’s Public Health Department’s Frequently Asked Questions document 

*Information provided by King County’s and Washington State's Public Health Departments.