Health Department hosts community forum on youth marijuana prevention

The Adams County Health Department will be hosting a community forum on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. at the Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ located at 301 East Broadway Avenue.

Funded by the Adams County Health Department and the Integrated Health Care Services of Adams County, the forum will focus on youth prevention for the use of marijuana, e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. The event is for adults only and light refreshments will be served.

The event includes presentations from two speakers who specialize in substance abuse and health and education.

Executive Director of the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Control Linda Thompson will provide information on the laws and regulations regarding marijuana growth, retail and consumption in Washington, as well as the impact it has on surrounding communities.

The purpose of the event is to inform community members of how recreational and medical marijuana systems are affecting community norms and the youth safety.

Included in her presentation will be information on how the growing, processing and retail marijuana systems function and how they have impacted the community. Thompson will provide information on the consequences of consuming and using edibles and vaping oils.

She encourages community members to participate in the event to learn how to reduce the impact of marijuana through systems partnerships and community engagement. Participants will be presented data gathered from the resulting impacts of the passing of Initiative 502.

Also speaking will be Jared O’Connor, Health Education and Outreach Specialist for the Washington Poison Center.

Participants have the opportunity to learn about the variety of vaping devices and e-cigarettes available to those 18 years of age and older. He will also speak about the harmful effects these devices can have on children who come in contact with them due to their increased accessibility to youth.

The Regional Youth Marijuana Prevention and Education Program have funded this forum and announced all profits from this grant are dedicated to eastern Adams County.

Due to a majority of funding being granted to higher populated areas, the Health Department is grateful to have received funding specifically for program activities in the Ritzville, Lind, Washtucna and Benge area.