Updated: Jun 9, 2025
By Barbara A. Preston | June 6, 2025
Montgomery Police and Health Department officials are partnering to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and substance abuse. They sponsored a program at Montgomery High School on Friday, June 6, aimed at educating teens about the risks.
Experts say vaping weed, and nicotine, are very popular with teens across the country — however, users are often uninformed about the risks and harm associated with the trend.
Nick Marcantuono of Prevention Resources Inc. (on right) set up a table to educate teens about substance abuse. He asked MHS students to sign a banner pledging to be Vape Free. (Photo by Barbara A. Preston)
According to the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tobacco companies and e-cigarette companies are targeting youth. The problem goes beyond nicotine. The delivery device, commonly referred to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) is a major part of the problem. Also called electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or vape pens, ENDS are battery-powered devices used to smoke or “vape” a flavored or unflavored solution which usually contains nicotine or marijuana, or both. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes the increased use of ENDS, especially among youth and young adults.
Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet said the Vaping Program at the high school is one of many important initiatives the police and health department plan to roll out.
"Our continued initiatives symbolize our commitment to fostering a culture of awareness that benefits all community members," Chief Bet said. The programs also build a stronger relationship between the police department, the health department, and the community, he said.
From left: MHS Vice Principal John Vitale, Lt. Jason Larsen, Lt. Sean Sullivan, Principal Heather Pino, Chief Silvio Bet, Health Educator Sigrid Solis, Lori Huff of the Montgomery/Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance, and Lt. Andrew Perry. (Photo by Christine Grossmann)
ThinkFast Interactive, an educational consultant company based in Kent County, Michigan, led the assembly portion of the program. They gave a lively, loud, and fun interactive presentation to the MHS freshman and sophomores in the school auditorium.
The ThinkFast MCs and DJs raised student awareness on everything from the harmful chemicals found in e-cigarettes to the potency of today's marijuana.
Three Montgomery High School students participating in the ThinkFast Interactive program. The MC is on the left.
According to ThinkFast and Prevention Resources Inc data, the following chemicals are commonly found in vape devices:
– Diacetyl (The chemical associated with the disease “popcorn lung.”)
– Heavy Metals ( Lead and nickel can build-up in the body to fatal levels.)
– Formaldehyde (A toxic chemical component used in the embalming process.)
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Teens are overdosing from vaping THC in our community, according to Prevention Resources. They have ended up in local hospitals for emergency care because of the very high concentration of THC in today's weed.
Some studies show the percentage of THC in cannabis has more than quadrupled since 1995. Samples seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1995 contained 3.96% of THC. By 2022, the percent of TCH increased to 16.14%, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse.
– Addictive Drugs such as nicotine and THC (marijuana), are known to cause brain changes, which are most harmful to adolescents. Research shows that about one in six teens who repeatedly use cannabis can become addicted, as compared to one in nine adults
The Montgomery + Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance & Youth Services Commission had a table at the event. From left: Montgomery Police Lt. Andrew Perry, Nick Marcantuono of Prevention Resources Inc., MHS Health Educator Sigrid Solis, Police Chief Silvio Bet, and Municipal Alliance member Lori Huff. (Photo by Barbara A. Preston)
Marcantuono summed up the program, telling The Montgomery News, "Our goal is to educate, raise awareness, and change the trajectory to prevent ENDS device initiation and ultimately, to end tobacco and marijuana use."
On February 19, the Montgomery Township Police used grant funding to sponsor an experiential awareness program (THINKFAST) for the Montgomery High School junior class to address distracted driving and teen driver safety. The funding for the event was received through The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
Chief Bet said that the Montgomery Police Department and the Montgomery Health Department, who are sponsoring the funding of the programs, are committed to the important role of cultivating a healthier community and fostering education and awareness to Montgomery’s youth population.
