Charleston Event Aims to Brighten Futures and Curb Youth Vaping
Following the successful launch of a unique initiative last year, the American Lung Association in South Carolina is gearing up to host its second annual event, Backpacks for Bright Futures, on Saturday, August 3, at James Simons Montessori School, Charleston.
A Handout to Empower Students
The Backpacks for Bright Futures event is designed to support Charleston County families by providing students with essentials for the upcoming school year. It is open to all students residing in Charleston County, irrespective of their grade level or school of attendance. In an effort to eliminate educational inequity, free backpacks and school supplies, along with vape-free resources, will be distributed to the students and their families during the event.
At the last iteration of the event—previously known as Breathe Easy Backpacks—over 200 backpacks were gifted. This year, however, the American Lung Association has set a far more ambitious target for themselves: they plan to hand out at least 500 backpacks.
A Step against Vaping
In a bid to challenge the rising trend of youth vaping, medical professionals will be available on site to answer questions relating to lung health. With worrying statistics from the American Lung Association indicating that nearly 8,000 kids start vaping each day, and that youths using e-cigarettes are four times more likely to try a cigarette and three times more likely to develop an addiction to nicotine, the significance of the event is underscored.
The initiative is also well-poised to provide critical education on asthma, providing resources and materials including peak flow meters and spacers, addressing another major concern when it comes to lung health.
Making a Difference
As students, parents, and educators gear up for the start of the new academic term, the Backpacks for Bright Futures event is a shining example of how communities can rally together to address critical issues affecting youth. By providing school supplies, this initiative is helping to ensure that students in Charleston have the resources they need to succeed academically. And, by incorporating resources aimed at reducing vaping and increasing asthma awareness, the event is also taking significant strides toward combating key health issues threatening the well-being of young people.
