First session of a two part training to be held on November 13 at the hospital
Richmond University Medical Center is inviting Staten Island high school teachers and students to participate in its inaugural Staten Island Vaping Ambassador Training on November 13 from 10 AM to 1 PM. The event aims to not only raise awareness about the serious risks associated with vaping and nicotine addiction, but also provide hands-on training to enable high school students to become anti-vaping ambassadors for their school and the Staten Island community.
Nancy Rooney, RUMC’s Lung Nurse Navigator and the event coordinator, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among the next generation. “We need to know the health risks involved in using these nicotine products and how the marketing, often endorsed by celebrities, has made these devices appealing to youth,” she said. “It’s a very scary time for our young adults.”
The event will feature expert speakers, including Dr. Loren Harris, RUMC’s chair of surgery and a board-certified thoracic surgeon, and Dr. Keith Diaz, RUMC’s director of pulmonary care and a board-certified pulmonologist. Both will discuss the health impacts of vaping from their perspectives and experiences. Attendees will then have the opportunity to engage in informative discussions and participate in activities designed to educate and empower youth against the dangers of vaping. They will also have the opportunity to brainstorm a new title for the event, which will be used in the years to come. This fosters a sense of ownership with this first group of ambassadors for the smoke-free movement, Rooney said.
“We want young adults to own this movement; this is their opportunity to take a stand and say no to vaping in their communities,” Rooney said.
Each high school, public or private, or organization is invited to bring 1 or 2 adults/chaperones and a maximum of 3 to 4 students to ensure an engaging and focused experience for all attendees. The training will take place in the Sipp Auditorium at Richmond University Medical Center, located at 355 Bard Avenue in West Brighton. A complimentary lunch will be provided for all participants. This is the first of a two-part training and education. The second session will be held in Spring of 2025. A date and time for the second session will be announced shortly. Community service credits will be awarded to all student participants after the completion of both sessions.
To RSVP for the event, school faculty and organization leadership can contact Rooney at 917-428-0271 or by email at Neet39@msn.com.
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health, and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians , and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
