“Many youths get peer pressured into smoking or trying substances at parks by their peers, so we want to shed light on how bad nicotine products are for our youth and the environment”, shares Project H.O.P.E. Coalition Coordinator, Jonathan Martinez.
Project H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach Prevention Education) is a Community Coalition Partnership that addresses the use and misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs in Nueces, Jim Wells, and Kleberg County. The Coalition aims to mobilize the community to implement evidence-based environmental strategies and policy changes related to prevention and behavioral health promotion.
Together with coalition members, community youth groups, and volunteers, Project H.O.P.E will be hosting a community cleanup event, Saturday April 1, 2023, from 9:30-12:00pm.
The efforts of collecting cigarette butts, vape pens, and other trash/litter, the coalition is hoping to show the City of Corpus Christi a need for a city ordinance, No Smoking in Parks! Vape pens can leak and release metals, battery acid and nicotine into the environment. Tobacco and nicotine waste can contaminate water and animal habitats, making them unsafe for their inhabitants.
There will be a free post event celebration for the entire community and volunteers from 12:30-3:30pm at Cole Park! Community members can enjoy music, community resources, business vendors, food trucks and games for the entire family. Volunteers, sponsors, and donations are currently being recruited and accepted.
For additional information on the how to get involved, contact Michaela Flores at 361-814-2001 or MichaelaF@cbwellness.org.