The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t only strive to be champions on the field, but individual players and the organization as a whole embrace their role off it. Justin Turner and Clayton Kershaw are active in giving back to the community, and several players are involved with initiatives led by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.
Fresh off ending the franchise’s World Series drought, the team partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to support their vape-free campaign, “Let the Smoke Clear.” It encourages teens to make the educated choices for themselves and provides free resources to help them maintain a tobacco free life.
As part of the campaign, the Dodgers and Public Health department launched an online video contest to encourage young fans to share their “#WhyIDontVape” message at Dodgers.com/LetTheSmokeClear. The contest is open L.A. County residents ages 12 to 18, and concludes Sunday.
Three winners will be selected for a Zoom call to celebrate with Will Smith, and one grand prize winner will also receive a custom jersey.
“#WhyIDontVape is clear. As an athlete, I need my mind and body to be at peak performance to help my team win,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the original vape-free messages from our young fans and meeting the contest winners to thank them for spreading this important anti-vaping message.”
PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer added: “Our entire community congratulates the Los Angeles Dodgers for all of their success this season, and Public Health is excited to partner with them to focus on our teens’ health. One in 10 high school students in LA County reported regular use of e-cigarettes, which have been proven to lead to nicotine addiction and other potential damaging health effects.
“That’s why it’s important now more than ever to continue efforts that educate our youth on the dangers of vaping and encourage them to live a vape-free life. Our partnership with the Dodgers will spark the creative talents of our teens through this video contest.”
Studies have shown that nicotine can negatively impact brain development and brain cell activity, affecting attention span, learning and memory. Vaping at a young age can lead to nicotine addiction.
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report illustrated that while there has been a decline over the past year in e-cigarette use among teens, the use of menthol or flavored disposable e-cigarettes through a discreet vape pen has increased.
Anti-vaping resources
More information and resources to help quit vaping can be found by texting “QUIT VAPING” to 66819 or by visiting LAQuits.com/vaping.
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