Did you know? FAD Hosts Educational Lunch and Learns!

Floyd Against Drugs’ Lunch and Learn events shine a light on the ongoing drug crisis in our community, offering valuable guidance to help kids and parents steer clear of its dangers.

On August 22, 2024, Floyd Against Drugs (FAD) held an impactful luncheon at the Rome Civic Center, bringing attention to two major health crises affecting our community: the vaping epidemic among youth and the opioid crisis.

Allison Agnew, from the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, presented eye-opening statistics on vaping in Georgia. Over 18% of Georgia high school students vape, and more than 20,000 students have faced disciplinary action for vaping. While often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, Agnew emphasized that vaping can be just as dangerous as cigarettes — and is heavily backed by big tobacco companies.

“Vaping has the potential to be just as dangerous as cigarettes,” Agnew said. “It’s simply a way to re-normalize smoking by the cigarette companies.” She explained that 99% of vaping products contain nicotine and that more than 15,000 flavors, including kid-targeted ones like “gummy bear” and “unicorn poop,” are available. Alarmingly, vaping detectors have been installed in local high schools, and students as young as middle and elementary school have been caught with vaping products.

Agnew also pointed out that vaping companies use social media and influencers to target teens — the same marketing tactics cigarette companies once used. “This isn’t like the big tobacco companies,” she said. “It is the big tobacco companies.”

Following Agnew’s presentation, Ansley S. Clark delivered a sobering talk on “The Opioid Crisis and Its Local Impact.” She discussed the devastating toll opioids are taking on individuals and families in our area, and highlighted the importance of prevention, community-based intervention, and ongoing education.

This luncheon was part of FAD’s ongoing mission to provide resources, awareness, and support to prevent substance misuse in Floyd County. By fostering open, informed discussions, FAD continues to take a stand against addiction and protect the health and future of our community.