An alcohol and drug coalition in Tangipahoa Parish is dedicated to reducing substance use among youth, with a specific focus on the dangers of e-cigarettes and their growing popularity. In this article, we will explore the efforts of Tangipahoa Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change (TRACC) in combating vape use among young people.
The Challenge of Substance Use
According to a 2020 report by the State Epidemiology Workgroup, around 22 percent of Tangipahoa Parish youth in grades six through twelve have used alcohol at least once in their lifetime. This percentage is slightly lower than the state youth average of 24 percent. Furthermore, approximately 18 percent of Tangipahoa youth have tried electronic cigarettes, showing only a 4 percent decrease from the state youth average for e-cigarette usage.
TRACC recognizes the need to address these concerning statistics and works collaboratively with law enforcement to prevent these numbers from rising further.
The Beginnings of TRACC
TRACC was established in 2008 with the primary objective of reducing impaired driving in Tangipahoa Parish. During that time, the parish ranked among the top 10 in Louisiana for impaired driving crashes and violent crimes associated with alcohol use.
Over the years, TRACC has expanded its mission to raise awareness about the risks of various substances, including tobacco, marijuana, fentanyl, and opioids. The coalition strategically identifies community events such as prom and graduation season, which often involve underage drinking. In response, TRACC requests increased DUI saturation patrols and Juvenile Underage Drinking Enforcement at these events to ensure the safety of the youth.
Addressing Community Acceptance
According to TRACC Director Bridget Bailey, the issue of substance abuse in Tangipahoa Parish is deeply rooted in community acceptance. When harmful behaviors are not viewed negatively or frowned upon, they are perceived as acceptable. To combat this, TRACC believes that educating both adults and children is crucial in changing community attitudes.
"We need to make people aware of these harms and the risks so they can be on the bandwagon," Bailey said. "We want to recruit them to be champions for us to help make a change in the community."
Personal Impact and Passion for Change
Paula Zachary, a representative of TRACC and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, has personally experienced the devastating consequences of drunk driving. Over a decade ago, her son lost his life in an alcohol-related crash. Since then, Zachary has been driven by a deep sense of investment and passion to create meaningful change in Tangipahoa Parish.
Educating and Protecting Youth
TRACC aims to eradicate the social acceptance of drugs and alcohol by educating the community about the need for stronger laws that protect youth from substance use. However, the process begins with educating parents and guardians, as they play a vital role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of young people.
The Battle Against Vaping
In recent years, the surge in e-cigarette use has become a primary concern for TRACC. While Tangipahoa Parish has witnessed a decline in tobacco use, this decrease can be attributed to the popularity of vaping among young people. Bridget Bailey explains that many individuals mistakenly believe that vaping is safer and healthier than smoking, making it essential to educate both young people and adults about the actual risks involved.
Legislative Actions and Challenges
Legislation addressing vapes has gained significant attention. In April, state Rep. William "Bill" Wheat Jr. introduced House Bill 179, a proposal to ban the sale of flavored vapes. The bill is currently awaiting approval or veto from Gov. John Bel Edwards. Additionally, state Rep. Paul Hollis of Covington signed Act 414 into law. This act triples the tax on vape juice and mandates that only FDA-approved vapes can be sold in Louisiana stores.
Despite these recent legislative strides, Paula Zachary expresses skepticism about the impact lawmakers can make in the community. Some legislators focus on potential negative consequences such as increased insurance rates or the closure of small businesses, rather than prioritizing lifesaving measures.
Conclusion
TRACC remains steadfast in its commitment to lowering vape use and reducing substance abuse among Tangipahoa Parish youth. By raising awareness, engaging the community, and advocating for stronger laws, the coalition aims to create a safer and healthier environment for young people.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is TRACC? TRACC stands for Tangipahoa Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change. It is an alcohol and drug coalition in Tangipahoa Parish dedicated to reducing substance use among youth, with a particular focus on the risks of e-cigarettes.
Q2: What is the goal of TRACC? The primary goal of TRACC is to spread awareness about the risks of various substances and end the social acceptance of drugs and alcohol in the community. They aim to achieve this by educating both adults and children and advocating for stronger laws to protect youth from substance use.
Q3: What is the recent spike in e-cigarette use? There has been a significant increase in the use of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, among young people. This trend has become a top priority for TRACC as it replaces traditional tobacco use among youth.
Q4: How is TRACC working to inform the community about the risks of vaping? TRACC is actively engaged in educating the community, including young people and adults, about the actual risks of vaping. They aim to dispel the misconception that vaping is safer and healthier than smoking.
Q5: What legislative actions have been taken regarding vaping? Legislators have introduced bills to ban the sale of flavored vapes and increase regulations on vape products. While some bills await approval or veto, other legislation has already been signed into law, such as tripling the tax on vape juice and allowing the sale of only FDA-approved vapes in Louisiana stores.
