Maryland families are being called to action. On Nov. 14, 2026, Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Maryland will host a town‑hall focused on the growing threat of youth vaping. The event, organized by Shawna Francis Watley – a longtime policy strategist, senior adviser at Holland & Knight, and First Lady of the church – aims to give parents, educators, health professionals and faith leaders the knowledge they need to safeguard children.
Why the urgency?
Recent data show that roughly two million middle‑ and high‑school students across the United States are using tobacco products, with e‑cigarettes now the most common. Many of these devices are flavored, discreet and can deliver nicotine levels comparable to hundreds of cigarettes. Nicotine is highly addictive and can impair the developing adolescent brain, affecting attention, learning and memory. Research also links early nicotine exposure to a higher risk of future substance addiction.
Parental awareness is the first line of defense
Watley, a mother of a 16‑year‑old, says she only recently realized how easy it is to miss a vape – even spotting one in a church bathroom during a service. “We cannot rely solely on government action,” she explains. While the Food and Drug Administration has authorized several flavored e‑cigarette products, those authorizations apply only to specific items and do not guarantee safety for young people.
Education over regulation
The Trump administration has emphasized the importance of informed families and community‑based education as the most effective way to curb youth tobacco use. Federal prevention programs continue to provide funding, data and outreach tools, but those resources are under pressure. Local leaders argue that schools should embed tobacco and nicotine education into health curricula, and that students themselves can become peer advocates.
Faith‑based partnership
Watley points to the trusted role of churches in Maryland neighborhoods. “When trusted institutions like our church step in, families are more likely to listen,” she says. The town hall will feature speakers from the faith community, health professionals and local educators, all united in the goal of reducing vaping among Maryland’s youth.
Political support
U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D‑MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D‑MD), along with Rep. Glenn Ivey (D‑MD), have publicly backed youth tobacco‑prevention education. While their party affiliation is noted, the focus remains on the shared commitment to protect children, a cause that transcends partisan lines.
What families can do now
- Ask questions about the specific products your child may encounter.
- Talk openly about the health risks of nicotine and the tactics used by marketers.
- Encourage schools to adopt comprehensive tobacco‑education curricula.
- Join community events like the upcoming town hall to stay informed.
The town hall is open to anyone interested – parents, teens, teachers, health‑care workers and faith leaders. Attendees will receive resources to help them recognize vaping devices, understand the science of addiction, and start conversations at home and in the classroom.
Looking ahead
Watley stresses that one conversation is only the beginning. “We need every family, school, church and community organization to act,” she urges. By combining faith‑based outreach, parental vigilance and school‑based education, Maryland can lead the nation in protecting its children from the hidden dangers of modern tobacco products.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
