Round Rock ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Flores is one of 11 superintendents from across the nation invited to participate and help chart a definitive course of action to eliminate vaping in America’s schools.
The American Heart Association is convening a National Superintendent Forum on the epidemic of e-cigarette use among youth Nov. 15-16, 2019, in Philadelphia. The forum coincides with the American Heart Association’s premier annual cardiovascular meeting, Scientific Sessions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, state and local health departments and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products. As of October 22, 2019, 1,604 cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use associated with lung injury have been reported to CDC from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory. Thirty-four deaths have been confirmed in 24 states as of October 22, 2019.
Round Rock ISD is not immune to the epidemic. In fact, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, made up of student leaders from the District’s middle and high schools, have identified vaping and e-cigarette use as one of their top areas of concern. The group is considering making the issue their focus for the 2019-2020 school year.
“The vaping crisis is the pinnacle focus of current youth health issues, and our students are more aware than anyone how prevalent this dangerous behavior has become,” Flores said. “I am honored to serve in this capacity and grateful that the American Heart Association is elevating this important discussion. And I am exceptionally proud that our own student leaders here in Round Rock ISD not only recognize this problem but have the courage to face it and fight it.”
As an invited guest, the American Heart Association is providing Flores round trip airfare, hotel accommodations and meals so his participation will not come at a cost to Round Rock ISD.
