Public commenter urges mentorship and prevention programs as council approves $390,000 vaping response appropriation

Montgomery County’s council approved Supplemental Appropriation 27‑1 to the FY27 operating budget, funding a youth vaping and nicotine addiction response program at $390,000 (HHS restricted general fund). The public hearing recorded one registered speaker, David Kennedy, who described a youth empowerment program run at a small local gym where he and volunteers provide mentorship, workshops on vaping, Juul, fentanyl and related prevention work.

Kennedy, who identified himself as a long‑time county fire and rescue veteran and local small‑business operator, said the program focuses on mentoring and providing constructive activities for youth after the COVID‑era disruptions. “We also have workshops on fentanyl, which is personal to us because my wife and I lost our son 2 years ago before our first drug prevention workshop,” Kennedy said during testimony. He urged support for programming that combines physical activity, mentorship and prevention education.

Staff and council members closed the hearing and moved to action; the council approved the supplemental appropriation unanimously. Council staff also announced deadlines for submitting supplemental materials tied to a related Health & Human Services Committee work session.

Next steps: Department of Health and Human Services will implement the funded program elements and follow grant and restricted‑fund rules for spending and reporting.