LOS ANGELES -- The 2020 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) in support of their vape-free campaign, Let the Smoke Clear, which encourages teens to make the most educated choices for themselves and offers free resources to help them win on their journey to a tobacco free life.

As part of the vape-free campaign, the Dodgers and Public Health launched an online video contest last week to encourage young fans to share their #WhyIDontVape message at Dodgers.com/LetTheSmokeClear. The video contest is for LA County residents ages 12 to 18 and will run through Nov. 15. Three winners will be selected for a Zoom call to celebrate with Dodger catcher Will Smith and a grand prize winner will also receive a custom jersey.

“Our entire community congratulates the Los Angeles Dodgers for all of their success this season, and Public Health is excited to partner with them to focus on our teens’ health. One in 10 high school students in LA County reported regular use of e-cigarettes, which have been proven to lead to nicotine addiction and other potential damaging health effects,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “That’s why it’s important now more than ever to continue efforts that educate our youth on the dangers of vaping and encourage them to live a vape-free life. Our partnership with the Dodgers will spark the creative talents of our teens through this video contest.”

“#WhyIDontVape is clear. As an athlete, I need my mind and body to be at peak performance to help my team win. I’m looking forward to seeing all the original vape-free messages from our young fans and meeting the contest winners to thank them for spreading this important anti-vaping message,” said Dodger catcher Will Smith.

Studies have shown that nicotine can negatively impact brain development and brain cell activity in young people under the age of 25, affecting attention span, learning and memory. Vaping at a young age can lead to nicotine addiction and can make it harder to quit as an adult. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows that although there has been a decline over the past year in e-cigarette use among teens, use of menthol or flavored disposable e-cigarettes has increased.

More information and resources to help quit vaping can be found by texting “QUIT VAPING” to 66819 or by visiting LAQuits.com/vaping.

About the Los Angeles Dodgers:

The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, with seven World Series championships and 24 National League pennants since its beginnings in Brooklyn in 1890, is committed to a tradition of pride and excellence. The Dodgers, who were recognized as ESPN’s 2020 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, are dedicated to supporting a culture of winning baseball, providing a first-class, fan-friendly experience at Dodger Stadium, and building a strong partnership with the community. With the highest cumulative fan attendance in Major League Baseball history, and a record of breaking barriers, the Dodgers are one of the most cherished sports franchises in the world. Visit the Dodgers online at www.dodgers.com, follow them on Twitter @Dodgers and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Dodgers. For media information, visit www.dodgerspressbox.com.

About the LA County Department of Public Health:

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapublichealth, facebook.com/lapublichealth, instagram.com/lapublichealth and youtube.com/lapublichealth.