Wisconsin Rapids Middle School FACT Raise Awareness On Air

In a special edition of Mid-Day Magazine, host James J. Malouf welcomed a group of Wisconsin Rapids Middle School FACT members, including Saige Koch, Emily Khairy, and Mia Dhein. They were joined by their advisor Gretchen Niedbalski, to discuss their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about vaping, mental health, and the deceptive marketing tactics used by the tobacco industry.

During the radio show the students talked about their recent Mental Health Matters Initiative. They created wellness kits and promoted healthy ways to relieve stress. They also focused on positive alternatives to vaping and healthy alternatives. The group also shed light on the dangers of candy-flavored tobacco products, which they've seen in their local community. They explained how tobacco companies use these deceptive tactics to attract younger customers by making these products look appealing and sweet.

The group also shared their experience with conducting Unfiltered: Youth Voices Impacted by Nicotine, a statewide project aimed at amplifying youth voices and how nicotine has impacted their lives. The group expressed the importance of giving youth a platform for youth to discuss the impact and how these stories can be used to educate adults and other decision-makers on the harmful effects of these products on young people and their communities.

The group also advocated for an alternative to suspension for students caught vaping at school. For students who vape, they should get support to target their addiction and their vaping, not just face a punitive approach.

Check out the full episode here! WRAMS FACT