One of the topics of conversation at the Whitehall-Coplay Communities That Care meeting Sept. 20 was vaping. It was noted there has been a rise in injuries due to the inhalation of vapors and chemicals in e-cigarettes. This topic has been discussed at length in previous meetings, but due to the increase in recent hospitalizations across the country, Denise Continenza, CTC coordinator, came to the meeting armed with handouts with more information.

She also mentioned she had additional handouts specifically focused on how parents can address the issue with their children. Continenza said she handed these out at the recent Whitehall High School open house.

Gabe Dillard, high school assistant principal, asked if Continenza would share those handouts with the administration to use as additional resources when a student is caught vaping during school.

It was discussed how dangerous it is to invite the vapor fluids and chemicals into the lungs. Stephanie Dorney, with Center for Humanistic Change, also reported people are developing blisters in their lungs from the e-cigarettes. She reported it was brought to her knowledge that a student in the Bethlehem Area School District was recently hospitalized for vaping injuries.

Continenza urged those present at the meeting to educate themselves and to share their knowledge with the community. It was noted too many of the youths still have the “it won’t happen to me” mentality instead of understanding the risks.

Dillard mentioned the high school was considering investing in vaping detection technology. These sensors can detect the vapor and send an alert to an administrator’s phone. He noted these devices are primarily used in bathrooms, one of the most popular spots for students to vape. He noted even if they work best as a deterrent instead of actually catching the students, it could be worth the cost.

“I think it’ll be more effective as a deterrent,” Officer Matthew Christman, school resource officer, agreed, despite the cost.

Christman reported they could cost up to $1,000 each.

Laura Long, of Fellowship Community and the Whitehall Area Rotary Club, noted the Rotary Club would be interested in helping secure grants or other financial assistance if that is a route the school district is interested in pursuing.

Whitehall Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. congratulated Christman and the other officers involved in the Explorer Post program. Harakal noted he stopped by one of their meetings. There was approximately 10 students learning about law enforcement. He said he believes it is a wonderful program and a benefit to the township.

Michelle Khouri, Whitehall-Coplay School District registrar, reported she had 31 students register for school last minute, after the official start of the new year. Among these students are a couple of Brazilian families and one refuge family from Afghanistan.

It was noted of the 4,400 students in the district, 50 percent are Caucasian and the other 50 percent are a mix of ethnicities including Middle Eastern and Hispanic.

CTC will next meet 8:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3355 MacArthur Road.