New Study About E-cigarettes: Gateway to Addiction?

Study Findings
April 2014
(Click on picture to see full report)

1. Many surveyed e-cigarette companies are promoting their products through sponsorship of youth-oriented events, and some companies are offering free samples of e-cigarettes.
2. Surveyed e-cigarette companies market e-cigarettes in flavors that appear to be designed to appeal to youth.
3. E-cigarettes are available for purchase in stores and online by children and teenagers.
4. Surveyed e-cigarette manufacturers have significantly increased marketing expenditures.
5. Many surveyed e-cigarette companies air television and radio advertisements, often with celebrity spokespeople, including during events and programs with youth viewership.
6. Surveyed e-cigarette companies extensively utilize social media and product websites to promote their products.
7. E-cigarette product warning labels lack uniformity and may confuse or mislead consumers.
8. Most surveyed e-cigarette companies support some form of regulation. 

National Prevention Week

May 18 - 24th, 2014

1,130 Pounds of Medication Collected Locally During Rx Drug Take Back Events

Individuals representing 332 homes donated expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs as part of the regional Take Back Event on April 26, 2014. Participating areas included Bristol, Elizabethton, Johnson City, Jonesborough and Sullivan County. In total, 1,130 pounds were donated (value includes medication and packaging).

Local law enforcement is to be commended for their commitment to assist residents and families to remove potentially dangerous drugs from their homes. The regional effort is also supported by the ETSU’s Gatton School of Pharmacy. Professors and student pharmacists are studying the motivations and tendencies of donors. Regional statistics related to accidental poisonings and diversion highlight the need for timely and appropriate medication disposal.