Tobacco Prevention

An assessment of public spaces in Wilmington revealed that smoking occurs at store entrances, in parks, and at bus shelters. Through the work of the Deerfield Valley Community Partnership, smoke-free signs are now posted and exposure to secondhand smoke in these communal areas has significantly decreased.

Concerned about the impacts of secondhand smoke outside the new Twin Valley High School, two students from Whitingham presented a proposal to the Whitingham Selectboard advocating for the creation of smoke-free zones. The board unanimously agreed to implement signage, and granted permission to place smoke-free zone signs in Whitingham’s Town Hill Park and Town Hill Playground. In addition, the Selectboard adopted a policy prohibiting smoking within 25 feet of any entryway at the Jacksonville Municipal Center.

Through the Star Store Project, the Vermont Kids Against Tobacco student group at the Brattleboro Area Middle School are recognizing local retailers for their efforts in reducing youth’s exposure to tobacco products and marketing. Retailers who choose not to sell tobacco products will receive a Gold Star Certificate. Retailers who chose not to advertise their tobacco products will receive a Silver Star Certificate; and those who chose not to advertise one or both of these products on the outside of their business will receive a Bronze Star Certificate.

With support from Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition, a non-smoking policy exists for all Windham-Windsor Housing Trust properties as of April 15, 2016.