A new public health campaign has launched to address a rise in vaping and smoking among Indigenous communities across Goulburn, Yass, Queanbeyan, Nowra, Eden and Cooma.

Delivered by Grand Pacific Health, the ‘We Breathe’ campaign is funded by a regional grant as part of the National Tackling Indigenous Smoking program.

The campaign aims to expose the tobacco industry’s calculated use of bright packaging, appealing flavours, and youth-targeted marketing to hook a new generation, while highlighting the real harms of nicotine and vaping addiction.

“This launch is a powerful moment of truth-telling,” said Sean Kinchela from Grand Pacific Health.

“It’s time to shine a light on the manipulative strategies of the tobacco industry and give our communities the tools, support and cultural strength to live smoke-free, and to help our young people to breathe freely.”

The campaign’s launch marks the beginning of a long-term program, which will include community engagement, sports club involvement and event activations, designed to make a positive impact and turn young Indigenous people away from vaping uptake.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, First Nations people are currently 1.5 times more likely to use e-cigarettes than non-Indigenous people – learn more about the campaign here. JM

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