Tee it Up! For Charity Healthcare!
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WHAT’S NEXT?
There have been multiple iterations of vaping devices over a relatively short span of time. The first commercially successful electronic cigarette was developed by Hon Lik, a pharmacist from China in 2003. The first generation of commercially successful electronic cigarettes were the “cig-a-likes”. The second generation of e-cigarettes were “box” or “mods” because you could modify your device. The third, and most impactful generation, was the pod. This is when in 2015, the Juul e-cigarette was introduced. The fourth generation and where we currently are, is the disposable e-cigarette. Within this generation, we have the development of synthetic nicotine, and now, 6-methyl synthetic nicotine the FDA doesn’t yet have authority to regulate.
I have gone through the iterations because it is important to see how this industry is always evolving. Sometimes, it is to evade the federal government and sometimes to keep consumers engaged and curious. They know youth are always looking for the next big thing to try and post on social media. That is where this newest evolution is coming from.
I give you the interactive disposable vape. These products have touch screens, animated displays, and built-in games. One company sells a disposable vape that has three retro games, one being Pacman. Another has a roulette wheel that the owner spins. They can earn points that can be submitted for prizes. So now we need to be concerned about a youth having a nicotine addiction and a gaming addiction. There is now the first Bluetooth disposable vape being sold. I purchased one to see if it works as advertised. I was able to name the device, “BAB”. Put a picture of myself on BAB. Put BAB in another room and track it. The last one I will mention does several things. Every time you puff, you earn food to feed your virtual pet. In another game, count your puffs so that you can submit your score on social media for rankings and win prizes. (Does this concern anyone?)
Friends, this is just the beginning. Interactive devices that have addictive substances in them. They could not be targeting youth, could they?
Independence
July is a month that we think of our nation’s independence. We cannot do that without thinking of how through the years the sacrifices young Americans in military have given. But have you given pause to consider not only war hazards but the tobacco addiction and disease addiction history that was created by the tobacco industry and politicians and has diminished our militaries readiness.
In 1917, before World War 1, cigarettes (a four pack) became a standard in K-ration boxes which meant soldiers received 12 cigarettes per day. If a soldier wanted more, they were a nickel a pack or 50 cents a carton. As a result, tobacco consumption skyrocketed during the war. At that time, tobacco was considered so important for soldiers’ morale and fighting boredom, General Pershing said “You ask me what we need to win this war. I answer tobacco as much as bullets. Tobacco is as indispensable as the daily ration; we must have thousands of tons without delay”.
Even when the military decided to stop supplying cigarettes to servicemen and women, big tobacco began sending free cigarettes to the military. When the military declined their offer, politicians from states where tobacco was produced intervened.
Years ago, I was working with our local V.A. Hospital to become a Tobacco-Free Hospital. That’s not possible because by U.S. law, every V.A. must provide a heated and airconditioned facility for veterans in which to smoke. I visited this site. It was a very large greenhouse-like building at the back of the V.A. Hospital. Some vets would walk back there with their oxygen tanks, park them outside, and go inside to smoke. I talked to some who had gone through heart surgeries, those who had COPD, and several who had amputations. I spoke to one of the maintenance workers and he told me that they had to change the air filters every month.
If we are addicted, we are never free. May freedom ring.
The Breathing Association cuts the ribbon on a new location, June 25th, 2024
On Tuesday, The Breathing Association hosted a ribbon cutting celebration at our new building located at 741 East Broad Street. The momentous occasion marked not only our relocation, but our nearly 120 years of service to the community. The event was made possible by generous sponsorships from Behal Law Group and AndHealth.
The celebration began with opening remarks from President & CEO, Lori Sontag as well as Chairman of the Board, Edward Frantz. Ohio State Representative Dontavius Jarrells joined them to share his sentiments on the profound services that The Breathing Association provides to the community. Ohio State Senator Hearcal Craig was unable to attend but sent kind remarks to be shared on his behalf, “…Today, as we cut this ribbon, we are not just opening a new building; we are opening the doors to new opportunities, new hope, and a brighter, healthier future for Columbus…”. A blessing of the occasion was given by Pastor Amy Miracle, of the Broad Street Presbyterian Church, and a reflective moment on the rich history was shared by long time former Board Member, Robert Behal. The celebration continued with a presentation of the Carrie Nelson Black Stewardship Award to Jim Havens of Havens Limited, for his outstanding support making ou relocation to the new facility possible.
The ribbon was cut, and guests were given a full tour of the new facility, seeing our full vision of the next 120 years of service to Central Ohioans. The event was attended by partners, sponsors, board members, community neighbors, a Columbus City Council Member, and friends of The Breathing Association. The celebration was also the official kickoff of the 2024 Breathe Strong, Live Long Capital Campaign that will raise $1.5 Million for the renovations and repairs to the building.
Strategically located on East Broad Street, the new facility provides ample space to accommodate our rapid growth and better serve the community’s needs. With an emphasis on accessibility, the relocation ensures that patients can easily access the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center for essential post-hospitalization care. By expanding medical facilities, including exam rooms and mobile diagnostic capabilities, The Breathing Association aims to enhance patient care and reduce hospital readmissions, ultimately lowering healthcare costs. To showcase our legacy in the community, we now have The Carrie Nelson Black Library, with historical books, keepsakes and photographs to share with guests.
Additionally, the new location will enable the organization to expand its outreach efforts, particularly in tobacco cessation and education through the Tobacco Treatment Center of Ohio. Moreover, increased capacity for the Ohio Department of Development Household Energy Assistance Program will facilitate smoother operations and better support for families facing utility burdens.
Volunteers are the heart of every nonprofit organization, and the relocation and renovations would not have gone as smoothly as they have without a dedicated team of volunteers lending time and talents. Leadership, staff and family have given countless hours of their time to make the new location a new home for The Breathing Association.
Since its founding in 1906 by Carrie Nelson Black during the Tuberculosis epidemic, The Breathing Association has been a cornerstone of charitable healthcare in Central Ohio. With a legacy of providing free healthcare services and extensive programs in lung health, nicotine cessation, and community assistance, the organization remains committed to improving lives for the next 120 years and beyond.
“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone in our organization’s history and look forward to continuing our mission of promoting lung health and wellness in Central Ohio,” said Lori Sontag, President & CEO of The Breathing Association.
The Breathing Association to host ribbon cutting to celebrate relocation to E Broad Street
June 25th, 2024 at 2pm-4pm
Columbus, OH – The Breathing Association will celebrate the grand opening of our new facility at 741 East Broad Street with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25th at 2pm. This momentous occasion marks not only the our relocation but also nearly 120 years of service to the community.
The event is made possible through generous sponsorships from Encova Insurance and AndHealth.
Our celebration will be attended by over 300 esteemed guests including partners, sponsors, friends, and government officials from the city, county, and state levels. Confirmed speakers include CEO Lori Sontag, and Board Chair Ed Frantz, who will share opening remarks, as well as other special guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the new facility guided by our leadership team.
Strategically located on East Broad Street, our new facility provides ample space to accommodate our rapid growth and to better serve the community’s needs. With an emphasis on accessibility, the relocation ensures that patients can easily access the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center for essential post-hospitalization care. By expanding medical facilities, including exam rooms and mobile diagnostic capabilities, The Breathing Association aims to enhance patient care and reduce hospital readmissions, ultimately lowering healthcare costs.
Additionally, our new location will enable the organization to expand outreach efforts, particularly in tobacco cessation and education through the Tobacco Treatment Center of Ohio. Moreover, increased capacity for the Ohio Department of Development Household Energy Assistance Program will facilitate smoother operations and better support for families facing utility burdens.
Since its founding in 1906 by Carrie Nelson Black during the Tuberculosis epidemic, The Breathing Association has been a cornerstone of charitable healthcare in Central Ohio. With a legacy of providing free healthcare services and extensive programs in lung health, nicotine cessation, and community assistance, the organization remains committed to improving lives for the next 120 years and beyond.
“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone in our organization’s history and look forward to continuing our mission of promoting lung health and wellness in Central Ohio,” said Lori Sontag, President & CEO of The Breathing Association.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Jennifer Burroway
Director of Development & Marketing
The Breathing Association
Email: [email protected]
Central Ohio nonprofit buys historic Near East Side building
A historic Near East Side building has a new owner.
The Breathing Association plans to move to the building at 741 E. Broad St. in July. Jim Havens, principal at Havens Limited, bought the building for the nonprofit, and the organization is leasing it from him with the option to eventually buy it, CEO Lori Sontag said.
The building was put on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s.
The 117-year-old Breathing Association was founded during the tuberculosis outbreak in the 19th century. The nonprofit is the oldest free clinic in Ohio, and serves anyone with any lung health condition, including cessation from smoking or vaping, Sontag told me.
The Breathing Association also helps Central Ohioans with utility bills. In 2023, the organization helped more than 40,000 with their utilities.
The organization is funded mostly by donations and grants, said Jennifer Burroway, director of development for the Breathing Association.
Havens bought the Broad Street building for about $1 million. The Breathing Association is making some improvements to the inside of the building, built in 1942, which will cost another $5oo,ooo, Sontag said. Wellogy, a Dublin-based architect that specializes in healthcare design, is designing the modifications.
Moving the nonprofit to Broad Street will allow the Breathing Association to grow. It’s currently located on the first floor of the Columbus Urban League building on the Near East Side.
“Over the last two years, our growth caused us to need more space,” Sontag said. “We’ve seen that the demand is there; we think we’ll see more growth, especially in our clinic.”
The new building will allow the nonprofit to expand the clinic to treat broader health and wellness issues, Burroway said. The new location also has room for the Breathing Association to start a pulmonary rehabilitation center.
“We’re needed in the community,” Sontag said. “Without us, there would be a heavier burden on our area medical systems or people would have high medical bills that they never pay off.”
Netcare Access, a mental health clinic, previously owned the building.
Mike Simpson and Andrew Green of NAI Ohio Equities represented the seller in this deal.
How do you know when we’re in trouble?
We’re in trouble when Big Tobacco is writing to the FDA, complaining that the government must do something about a vape product coming from China, Metatine or 6-methyl nicotine.
Let me back up a little bit. On April 14, 2022, the FDA was authorized to regulate tobacco products containing nicotine from any source, including synthetic nicotine. Some companies had begun producing vaping products with synthetic nicotine stating they didn’t have “tobacco” in them, so the FDA had no authority to regulate them. Congress corrected that. Around October 2023, vape stores in the U.S. started selling a product named Spree Bar. Spree Bar was sold claiming it was FDA premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) exempt. This product, and now others coming from China are marketed as containing “Metatine”, a trademarked name for 6-methyl nicotine, a synthetic nicotine analog. So again, manufacturers have, for the time being, found a way to work around the system until the FDA can decide whether 6-methyl nicotine can be regulated as a drug under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
As of now, there is at least one vaping product on the U.S. market as well as several oral nicotine products that are using some derivative of 6-methyl nicotine. There are projections that this will be a billion-dollar market. Others are skeptical. Metatine is said to give users the same satisfaction a nicotine product does, and it comes with a lower price point, but the critical point is, for the time being, it isn’t hindered by the FDA’s authority over nicotine products.
Let me return to the letter Altia Group, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, wrote to the FDA. In speaking of the warning vaping products that had 6-methyl nicotine in them, warning they posed a “new threat”. “The introduction and growth of chemicals intended to imitate the effects of nicotine, if left unchecked, could present unknown risks to U.S. consumers and undermine FDA’s authority,” the letter said.
Who loses in this story? Our kids do.
Vaping Detectors In Schools
In recent years, vaping among adolescents has become a major concern for educators and parents alike. The rise of e-cigarette use among teenagers has prompted schools to take proactive measures to address this issue. One important measure many schools are looking to is the implementation of vape detectors within school premises.
To begin with, vape detectors serve as a deterrent to vaping on school grounds. By installing these devices in restrooms, locker rooms, and other common areas, schools send a clear message that vaping is not tolerated. The mere presence of vape detectors acts as a reminder to students of the rules and regulations surrounding substance use, discouraging them from engaging in such behavior.
Something I believe is even more important, vape detectors enable schools to identify and address vaping incidents promptly. With real-time monitoring capabilities, these devices alert school administrators to potential vaping activity, allowing them to intervene before the situation escalates. By detecting vaping early on, schools can provide support to students who may be struggling with nicotine addiction or peer pressure.
Additionally, vape detectors contribute to overall campus safety by reducing the risk of fire hazards associated with vaping. Many e-cigarette devices use lithium-ion batteries, which have been known to malfunction and cause fires. By detecting vaping activity, these detectors help mitigate the risk of accidental fires, safeguarding students, staff, and school property.
Installation of vape detectors underscores the school’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle. By creating a vape-free environment, schools encourage students to make positive choices for their well-being and resist peer pressure to engage in harmful behaviors. In doing so, they foster a culture of responsibility and respect for oneself and others.