BUFFALO, N.Y. — Trinity Washington, 14, is the winner of a latest billboard design contest as an example the risks of vaping.
“I am very happy with myself,” mentioned Washington. “[It’s] a lady; smoke is overtaking her physique and that is what I drew.”
A part of Washington’s winnings embody a mini mock-up of her drawing to be featured on billboards and the again of buses in Erie County. Although the message itself is far-reaching.
“I believe it simply takes that one message to persuade an individual to not put these chemical substances into their physique as a result of it is very normalized in our era,” mentioned Washington.
Leaders with the Prevention Council of Erie County additionally honored different college students for his or her anti-vape entries, messages encouraging friends to make good selections that’ll affect them long-term.
“Serving to to teach and promote wholesome messaging with reference to not vaping each marijuana and tobacco merchandise,” mentioned Robin Mann, government director, The Prevention Council of Erie Council.
The marketing campaign in opposition to the risks of marijuana is not a brand new one for the council, however leaders have tweaked this system since adult-use leisure hashish grew to become authorized within the state, trying to generate hundreds of thousands from it.
“It is discouraging however we’re not defeated,” mentioned Mann. “The notion of threat and the notion of hurt went down as soon as it was legalized becasue it felt like, oh if it is authorized it have to be OK.”
Mann says marijuana has lots of extra chemical substances than nicotine, which may affect mind growth, trigger nervousness and despair, and reduce a pupil’s capability to be taught.
“Authorized does not at all times imply OK. And so whenever you’re including dangerous substances or your exposing the mind to dangerous substances, you might be minimizing its capability to work to it is fullest potential,” mentioned Mann.
Which prompted the council to open the competition to college students.
“The one factor I take pleasure in is seeing how they take an thought and give you these visible pictures which can be very highly effective,” mentioned Eleanor Byrne, visible artwork teacher, Buffalo Public Colleges.
Photographs like Washington’s, and the message behind them.
“You’ll be able to find yourself placing your self at risk,” mentioned Washington.
Prevention leaders additionally encourage mother and father or others who could use not to take action in entrance of children.
Not solely will they be uncovered to a foul behavior, but in addition to the risks of second-hand smoke.
