Programs and services that help communities become as healthy and involved as they can be are a key part of alcohol and drug use prevention in Vermont.
Substance misuse prevention reduces the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs and stops addiction before it starts by working alongside treatment, recovery and harm-reduction services.
Preventing substance misuse reduces the risks that contribute to alcohol, tobacco or other drug use – while promoting protective factors that support healthy lifestyles and communities. By stopping substance use before it starts, or before it becomes substance misuse, prevention also works to save Vermont tax dollars.
The Health Department works with people at the state, community, school, family and individual levels to develop strategies that positively change communities. By providing education, positive alternatives, policy changes, community support and early identification of problems and referral to services, prevention programs works to help Vermonters of all ages lead healthy lives.
Sensitivity to, and inclusion of, the cultural values of the community enhances effectiveness.
Grants to schools and community organizations through the Health Department help to customize prevention strategies based on community needs and work to address underage, high-risk and binge substance use. Initiatives support the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Framework.
Learn more about community grants
Vermonters across the state have access to one of 12 regional prevention consultants. These health professionals are substance use prevention experts working in the 12 local health offices in Vermont. They support community efforts to lead and carry out prevention efforts.
VPLO were established in July 2023 to ensure coordinated prevention work statewide. They serve as fiscal agents to community organizations, coordinate through a regional advisory structure and work with district partners to allocate substance misuse prevention funding in their region. Allocations are based on community assessments, risk and protective factors, and community readiness.
Region 4 (Bennington, Brattleboro, Springfield, White River Junction) – The Collaborative
To promote a safe and healthy school environment, substance use prevention and early intervention work best when they are robust and integrated into the school’s whole approach. Successful substance use prevention among youth significantly decreases the likelihood of substance misuse and dependence in adulthood.
Twenty-one (21) of Vermont’s Supervisory Unions/School Districts have been awarded funding to provide and enhance substance use prevention and early intervention services.
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
802-651-1550
[email protected]
