Winter  2019  Newsletter
State of Addiction: A New Public Health Threat - Vaping
Thursday, December 5th  

 
Please join us for a community dialogue about vaping and the new public health threat. We will be talking about the dangers of e-cigarettes, how it is marketed to teens, easily hidden from adults, and what we can do about it. Everyone is welcome, lunch will be provided so please RSVP to lauren@gcasap.org
The meeting will cover product education, panel presentation, and an open Q&A. Panelist speakers include Ben Chandler, CEO, Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky; Samantha Powell, Certified Prevention Specialist, Regional Prevention Center; John Montville, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE - Mercy Health Executive Director, Oncology; Amy Manley, RN Navigator-Oncology Services; Dr. Shawn Jones, Baptist Health Medical Group Purchase ENT; Dr. John Brazzell, KentuckyCare; Moderated by, Lauren Carr, Graves County ASAP


Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products
By Al Cross
Article from CDC
What is New
Recent CDC laboratory testing of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples (or samples of fluid collected from the lungs) from 29 patients with EVALI submitted to CDC from 10 states found vitamin E acetate in  all of the BAL fluid samples.  Vitamin E acetate is used as an additive in the production of e-cigarette, or vaping, products.  This is the first time that we have detected a potential chemical of concern in biologic samples from patients with these lung injuries.
CDC continues to recommend that people should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products that contain THC, particularly from informal sources like friends, or family, or in-person or online dealers. We will continue to provide updates as more data become available.
What We Know
New Laboratory Findings:
  • Analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples (or samples of fluid collected from the lungs) of patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury identified vitamin E acetate, an additive in some THC-containing products.
  • Recent CDC laboratory test results of BAL samples from 29 patients submitted to CDC from 10 states identified vitamin E acetate in all BAL fluid samples. THC was identified in 82% of the samples and nicotine was identified in 62% of the samples.
    • CDC tested for a range of other chemicals that might be found in e-cigarette, or vaping, products, including plant oils, petroleum distillates like mineral oil, MCT oil, and terpenes (which are compounds found in or added to THC products). None of these potential chemicals of concern were detected in the BAL fluid samples tested.
  • This is the first time that we have detected a potential chemical of concern in biologic samples from patients with these lung injuries. These findings provide direct evidence of vitamin E acetate at the primary site of injury within the lungs.
  • These findings complement the ongoing work of FDAexternal icon and some state public health laboratories to characterize e-liquid exposures and inform the ongoing multistate outbreak.
About the Outbreak:
  • As of November 5, 2019, 2,051* cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported to CDC from 49 states (all except Alaska), the District of Columbia, and 1 U.S. territory.
    • Thirty-nine deaths have been confirmed in 24 states and the District of Columbia (as of November 5, 2019).
    • Latest outbreak information is updated every Thursday.
    • CDC continues to work closely with FDA, states, public health partners, and clinicians on this investigation.
About Patient Exposure:
  • All EVALI patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
    • THC is present in most of the samples tested by FDA to date, and most patients report a history of using THC-containing products.
    • The latest national and state findings suggest products containing THC, particularly from informal sources like friends, or family, or in-person or online dealers, are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak.
What We Don't Know
  • No one compound or ingredient has emerged as the cause of these illnesses to date; and it may be that there is more than one cause of this outbreak. Many different substances and product sources are still under investigation.
  • While it appears that vitamin E acetate is associated with EVALI, evidence is not yet sufficient to rule out contribution of other chemicals of concern to EVALI.
What CDC Recommends
  • CDC recommends that you do not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products that contain THC.
  • CDC also recommends that people should not:
    • Buy any type of e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly those containing THC, off the street.
    • Modify or add any substances to e-cigarette, or vaping, products that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments.
  • Since the specific compound or ingredient causing lung injury are not yet known, the only way to assure that you are not at risk while the investigation continues is to consider refraining from use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
  • Adults using e-cigarettes to quit smoking should not go back to smoking; they should weigh all risks and benefits and consider utilizing FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapiesexternal icon..
  • If people continue to use an e-cigarette, or vaping, product, carefully monitor yourself for symptoms and see a healthcare provider immediately if you develop symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.
  • Irrespective of the ongoing investigation:
    • E-cigarette, or vaping, products should never be used by youths, young adults, or women who are pregnant.
    • Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette, or vaping, products. There is no safe tobacco product. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, carry a risk.
    • THC use has been associated with a wide range of health effects, particularly with prolonged heavy use. The best way to avoid potentially harmful effects is to not use THC, including through e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Persons with marijuana use disorder should seek evidence-based treatment by a health care provider.
Key Facts about Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products
  • Electronic cigarettes - or e-cigarettes - are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
  • Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping.
  • E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
  • The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the "high".
Key Facts about Vitamin E Acetate
  • Vitamin E is a vitamin found in many foods, including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, fruits, and vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement and in many cosmetic products, like skin creams.
  • Vitamin E acetate usually does not cause harm when ingested as a vitamin supplement or applied to the skin. However, previous research suggests when vitamin E acetate is inhaled, it may interfere with normal lung functioning.
  • Vitamin E acetate is used as an additive in the production of e-cigarette, or vaping, products, because it resembles THC oil. Vitamin E acetate is also used as a thickening ingredient in e-liquids.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS: Intern and Youth Coordinator

"Being the ASAP Intern I have learned that I am very passionate about this field of work, and it has helped me see first hand how to serve my peers and community. I enjoy working towards a cause to end drug and alcohol abuse to better the lives of the people in our community." 
-Natalie Jones

                                 
      

Natalie Jones (pictured on the left) is a senior at Graves County High School. She is very involved in the school club, Empower. Natalie has been the ASAP Intern this 2019-2020 School year. Natalie has been in the Youth Council since she was a freshman. Natalie has been a huge help to our coalition and we appreciate all she does.

Courtney Williams (pictured on the right) is the new Youth Coordinator. She was heavily involved with the youth council when she was in high school, In fact, she was at the very first Youth Council meeting when she was a sophmore, and now she is in college. Courtney works part time with ASAP and some of her duties include: Youth Council activity planning, promoting, creating PSA's and social media .
Red Ribbon Night
Send a Message,
It's Not Just Drugs Anymore
On October 29th we were able to teach a breakout session at the Graves County Red Ribbon Night. The breakout session was to educate parents on Juul and E-Cigarettes. There was over 25 families in attendance. 



Kindness Campaign 

The Kindness Campaign takes place during the month of November and this is where we encourage 
the youth to participate in Kindness. This year we had 5 events, taking flowers to the nursing home, helping at the Moses basket, lunch and learn with first responders, random acts of kindness and a free Thanksgiving meal for those in need. 

Kindness events as listed:
Nursing Home: Morningside November 7th
Moses Basket: November 14th
Lunch and Learn: November 15th 
Random Acts of Kindness: November 18th
Free Thanksgiving Meal: November 24th 

We had 4 sponsors this year for our Kindness Campaign; This event would not be possible without them so thank you to the The  Rotary, Independence Bank,  WK&T and West Kentucky Rural Electric. 

Graves County ASAP Meetings 2019
Friday, January 10th @ 1:00PM GC Health Department
Friday, February  14th @ 1:00PM GC Health Department
Friday, March 13th @ 1:00PM GC Health Department
Friday, April 17th @ 1:00PM GC Health Department

Graves County ASAP Youth Council Meetings/Events 
YC meeting - December 3rd  @ Spare Lanes Bowling  Alley for Christmas Party 7PM-9PM 

 
Every Monday - Celebrate Recovery 6:00 @ Community Fellowship Church - Hickory KY 
Every Tuesday - Celebrate Recovery 5:30 @ First United Methodist Church
Graves County ASAP | 416 Central Ave | Mayfield, KY 
2 70.247.3553 ext 248 | www.gcasap.org
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