Natick Will Be First In MA To Try Vaping Cessation Program

NATICK, MA — Natick Public Schools are responding to Gov. Charlie Baker's temporary ban on certain vaping products with a new memo, which details efforts to curb student vape use.

The memo comes amid a national health crisis related to vaping products, and 2018 survey data showing that about 25 percent of Natick High School students have used an electronic cigarette recently.

Top of line, Natick Schools will be the first district in the state to implement a vaping cessation program developed by the UMass Medical School's Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training. In collaboration with the Natick Health Department, the program will show school staff how to steer students toward resources to quit vaping. The program will go into effect in the 2019-20 school year.

Wayside Youth and Family Support Network will also hold a free vaping workshop for parents in Natick on Oct. 22. The workshop will be at the Natick Elks Lodge, 95 Speen St., at 6:30 p.m., and parents should RSVP ahead of time.

Baker on Sept. 24 used emergency powers to issue a four-month ban on all nicotine and cannabis vaping products. The ban comes after more than 500 people across the U.S. have fallen ill — and several have died — with a respiratory illness in recent months. Health officials don't have an exact cause, but say that all the patients were using vape products before they got sick.

Meanwhile, a group of Bay State vape shop owners plan to sue state officials in federal court to reverse the ban.

Read the full Natick Schools vaping memo.