Edly-Allen to Host Vape Town Hall with Multiple Experts

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – In response to an increased awareness of the effects of vaping, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, is hosting a town hall on the dangers of vaping on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Libertyville High School, located at 708 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville.

“An alarming number of youth are getting sick and suffering serious health complications as a result of vaping,” said Edly-Allen. “We need to gain a better understanding of these products and the health risks associated with them. I’ve been speaking with medical professionals, members of the tobacco and vaping industry, law enforcement, and users of electronic cigarette products to broaden my own knowledge on this issue so that I can make informed policy decisions to best protect consumers, especially our youth. This town hall meeting is an opportunity to bring together those on the frontlines of the vaping crisis to discuss some of these findings, educate the public and parents about the dangers of these products, and protect public health and public safety. Protecting our youth is of paramount concern.”

Edly-Allen’s panel will consist of experts in vaping including Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim, Mundelein Chief of Police Eric Guenther, Director of Health Policy for the Respiratory Health Association Matt Maloney, Tobacco Products Program Coordinator for Lake County Lea Bacci and Adam Hergenrender, a young Lake County man recently hospitalized due to vaping.

“As a parent, it’s terrifying to hear stories of so many young adults ending up in the hospital after using these products,” Edly-Allen added. “I hope that this town hall will help parents be more informed on the topic, and better equipped to have a discussion with their own children.”