The Town of Wallkill has amended its local code to ban vaping on town property after months of advocacy by local youth. The decision was made at the December 18th board meeting, aiming to keep parks, playgrounds, and other municipal areas free from smoke and vape.
This policy change followed educational efforts led by Katie Farrelly, Reality Check coordinator for POW’R Against Tobacco, and Alayne Eisloeffel, program director of the Tri-County Prevention Coalition (TCPC). They worked with students at Pine Bush High School and Harmony Christian School to discuss the health effects of tobacco waste and secondhand vape exposure. Students shared their experiences with tobacco use in public spaces and wrote letters to the town board about how vaping is becoming normalized.
The students later presented their concerns directly to the Town Board. After hearing from them, officials decided to update the code. “Many young people care about the issue of vaping in their community, but don’t know what to do about it. These young people were able to make a real difference and help make their community safer for everyone, but especially young children and teens like themselves,” said Katie Farrelly.
POW’R Against Tobacco expressed appreciation for both the youth advocates and TCPC’s partnership in promoting public health.
For those looking for support in quitting vaping or smoking, New Yorkers aged 13–24 can access DROPTHEVAPE through the New York State Quitline at nysmokefree.com/drop-the-vape or by calling 866-NY-QUITS. Adults have access statewide to the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program, which combines expert guidance with peer support.
The American Lung Association is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on improving lung health through research, education, and advocacy. It began as an effort against tuberculosis but now supports patients with various lung conditions such as asthma and COPD while working on community initiatives. The association also advocates for policies that promote clean air and reduce tobacco use nationwide through its local offices and programs like LUNG FORCE aimed at combating lung cancer. The organization has received recognition for its fiscal management from Charity Navigator.
