Teens Living “Vape-Free” Lives Partner With Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital

With a symbolic walk through a pair of giant lungs, teenagers from the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth partnered with Westchester County and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping, or using electronic cigarettes to inhale an aerosol.

Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital hosted the event that included a giant inflatable lung exhibit, student testimonials and important health information about vaping’s adverse effects on developing lungs. The event was symbolically planned around April 20, a date that has become synonymous with marijuana use, as e-cigarettes often contain marijuana concentrates.

“Our event is part of a campaign to reclaim the day, support teens who choose not to use and highlight the potential dangers of marijuana and vaping on the developing body and brain,” says Allen Dozor, MD, Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Sleep Medicine at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. “We celebrate the youth who are making the healthy decision to remain vape-free.”

Pictured above: (Second from left) Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Deputy County Executive; Allen Dozor, MD; Patricia Tomassi, Director of Westchester County Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth; and Westchester County students.