Texas PTA "Straight Talk: A Matter of Life and Breath"

Yesterday, Texas PTA in collaboration with the American Heart Association addressed the country’s deadly vaping crisis and its impact on our youth with a special panel discussion at the Texas Capitol. In this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7UJyeJvB8A

we heard from the many people on the front lines of this issue – from parents and youth activists to doctors and leaders in state research and prevention. Their testimonials included heart-wrenching stories and staggering data. The event was an eye-opening experience for many people. One by one as our panelists spoke, the facade that these devices are "safe" began to vaporize.
> Watch Straight Talk again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7UJyeJvB8A.

An Important Conversation Reaches Thousands
The event was unprecedented in the history of Texas PTA. In addition to a room full of special guests and PTA volunteers from the Austin-area, we were joined by viewers online. From El Paso to Port Arthur, over 25 Councils hosted Watch Parties in their communities. The event reached thousands of families in schools across the state thanks to the efforts of our Leaders.

> Watch Texas school, health advocates tackling youth vaping via ABC KVUE News in Austin

https://www.kvue.com/article/news/health/vaping/texas-schools-health-advocates-tackle-youth-vaping/269-9a37be09-2bf0-4f5d-b636-519eec06de00

Next Steps
Texas PTA is asking all Local and Council PTAs to continue the conversation on teen vaping with your communities. To help keep this issue at the forefront of our work together, we have assembled a list of resources and ideas. It is by no means a comprehensive list, but we believe it has something for everyone!

Local and Council Resolution
Texas PTA is asking all Local and Council PTAs to adopt a resolution. In it, we ask:
Resolve to educate; reaffirm healthy living; and support legislative action and school district policies to end this health crisis.
Download the resolution from the Straight Talk Toolkit:

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1WOUMUn0I_pSAA3SJSdqtrYGl0mkPcDQq

After it is adopted, we encourage your PTA to share it with your school district and elected officials. By sharing your signed resolution, you are delivering a message that teen vaping is an issue your PTA and families care deeply about. We encourage your PTA to present it at a School Board meeting and to schedule time with your elected officials during this off-session year for the Texas Legislature.

Engage Your School Community
1. Brief your PTA and families on the teen vaping crisis by sharing the Straight Talk recording, hosting a panel of your own, or inviting special guest speakers like a representative from your district’s Health Services Department or School Heath Advisory Council (SHAC).
2. Storytelling is a very powerful tool. Collect stories from your community and include them in your PTA newsletter.
3. Host an event or campus program for your students and deliver direct and honest information on the real dangers of vaping.
4. Encourage people to add their voice to the fight against vaping by joining PTA! Use the social media graphic available in the Straight Talk Toolkit.

American Heart Association (AHA) Resources
AHA has gathered resources covering a wide range of audiences including educators, school administrators, parents, and peer to peer. Available in the Straight Talk Toolkit. ... See more

Texas PTA panel on the teen vaping crisis held at the Texas State Capitol, February 25, 2020, in collaboration with The American Heart Association.