Tobacco Prevention

In 2017, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital received a tobacco grant for $35,000 from the Health Department. The purpose of the grant is to implement community-based chronic disease prevention strategies related to tobacco use and prevention, specifically those aligned with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs Regional Prevention Partnership model.

The work done under this grant will contribute to the Vermont Tobacco Control State Plan goals, Healthy Vermonter 2020 Goals for Tobacco Prevention and Control and reducing health disparities among Vermont’s most vulnerable populations. The grant is a collaboration with the St. Johnsbury District Office of the Health Department.

Activities happening through this grant include:

• Implementing tobacco-free (including e-cigarettes) policies for health care organizations, college campuses and public areas.

• Using Counter Balance tools; a campaign directed towards countering the tobacco industry's influence on youth and the damaging impact tobacco use has on community health.

• Conducting Counter Tools retail audits to assess the impact of tobacco and alcohol advertising on youth.

• Providing education on smoking risks and second-hand smoke, while promoting cessation services.

• Lyndon State College’s Tobacco-Free College Campus policy now includes e-cigarettes, and is part of the Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative.

•  Many local organizations and agencies have expressed interest in becoming smoke- and tobacco-free properties, and are collaborating with us to secure signage and develop policy.

•  Community coalitions are helping to support the activities of the tobacco grant, in addition to other prevention efforts.

• 802 Quits: 1-800-Quit-Now (784-8669) for in-person, phone, or online help, including free gum, patches and lozenges.

• For free local cessation services, contact Northern Counties Health Care Self-Management Programs Regional Coordinator Jennifer Grant, 802-748-9405 x 1026, jennifergr@nchcvt.org.

• N - O - T = Not on Tobacco is a teen smoking cessation program available at area high schools for teens who are regular smokers. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Interested students can sign up with their school guidance counselor or Substance Abuse Prevention staff.