Categories
Events Media Prevention Resources

Celebrate Smart

Prom and graduation are a time to celebrate— you’ve earned it. As you close one chapter of your life and start the next, you deserve to mark your accomplishments by having fun. You should also treat yourself and your friends safely, and with respect.

1/3 of youth drunk driving fatalities happen this time of year. Those aren’t just statistics— they’re people who had bright futures ahead
of them. You can choose to celebrate without alcohol.

Our community is working to ensure that you have a safe celebration. There are also things that you can do to stay safe:

  1. Never drive drunk or get into a car when someone’s been drinking.
  2. Share your location with someone you trust.
  3. Think about your choices ahead of time, know the signs of too much alcohol use and how to help a friend in need. Call 911 in an emergency.
  4. Text for a ride if you don’t feel safe. Come up with a code phrase to signal you want to be picked up right away.

Here are six tips for parents and caring adults to help keep our teens safe during times of celebration — for all the right reasons.

Courtesy of Partnership to End Addiction

1. Set curfews. Teen car crashes and deaths increase exponentially late at night. If you decide to extend curfews, do not allow large blocks of time that are unaccounted for. Know where your teen is, how long they will be there, when they will be leaving, who is there and who is supervising the event. In 2008, half of teen deaths from motor vehicle crashes occurred between 3:00pm and midnight, and 56% occurred on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

2. Do not rent a hotel room. Is anyone really surprised when a tragedy happens after a parent rents a hotel room unsupervised? If a room is rented for teens, an appropriate adult should be there to ensure safety and manage risk.

3. Be up when they come home. My mom told me that her anti-drug plan was coffee and lights. She was wide awake, lights on and coffee in hand, when my siblings and I came through the door at night. A teen’s curfew should never exceed the parents’ ability to stay up. My dad’s favorite expression was, “Nothing ever good happens after midnight.” The older I get, the truer that statement feels to me.

4. Clearly communicate your expectations. Although you may feel you’ve talked many times to your child about your expectations for healthy choices and the consequences of breaking the rules, prom and graduation season is an important time to repeat this message. Talk to your child about the dangers of drinking and driving and getting in the car with a drunk driver. Consider role-playing a few scenarios. Research shows that discussing and planning for possible scenarios with teens increases the chances of their safe decision-making.

5. Keep the party local. Don’t be tempted to allow your children to celebrate at a faraway location, such as a beach or cabin. Allowing your teen to take off to a remote spot with no supervision creates unnecessary risk.

6. Talk with your teen.

  • Ask: How are you feeling about the prom? What are you most excited about? What are you most nervous about?
  • Find out who your teen is going to prom with. Do you know their date or group of friends? Does your teen know these kids well?
  • If you don’t know the parents of your teen’s date and prom group, be sure to get to know them before the big event.

Help your teen enjoy their prom and graduation without substance use. Lay down rules that will help them create everlasting memories. Prom is a rite of passage that your teen should enjoy and remember for a lifetime. Help them make it a safe one!

Categories
Prevention Resources

How do you have substance-free fun?

We’re exploring the abundance of possibilities for how people can engage in activities that are healthy, constructive, and substance-free. We want to hear your ideas! Follow the link below and tell us about how you can achieve a natural high:

Let’s Talk Cannabis!

Green Peak Alliance is working within our communities to provide information about cannabis misuse. We’re helping retailers prevent access to people under 21, and encouraging adults to have open conversations with the kids in their lives about cannabis and healthy choices. Get answers to frequently asked questions and access fact sheets at www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/lets-talk-cannabis. Find more information and cannabis-related resources at www.greenpeakalliance.org

Categories
Media Video

Stigma-Free Language Video

Categories
Media Prevention Resources Video

Cannabis Caution Project Video

Categories
Media Video

Celebrate Smart Graduation Campaign | Facebook Video Post

Categories
Media News

GPA Launches “Developmental Assets” Campaign to Help Adults Support Young People | Press Release

Press Release

WINDSOR, VT – Young people thrive with consistent support and encouragement. Green Peak Alliance (GPA) is working to help parents, caregivers, coaches, teachers, and others support the young people in their lives by launching a new campaign focused on these supports, identified as “Developmental Assets.” GPA has created a toolkit of digital communications that people can use to share encouraging messages and create engagement online.

The concept of “Developmental Assets” was originally defined by the Minnesota-based nonprofit Search Institute, which promotes positive youth development. These assets are internal and external positive experiences and qualities that help kids develop a sense of confidence, passion, and purpose. External assets include support, empowerment, setting of boundaries and expectations, and learning constructive use of time. Internal assets include a commitment to learning, holding positive values and self-image, and mastering social skills to successfully navigate the world. 

Green Peak Alliance has followed this model in creating its digital Developmental Assets Toolkit, a collection available for free online that includes social media messages based on seven of the key assets. Designed for sharing on social media, in newsletters, or in print, the toolkit is available to all at www.greenpeakalliance.org/portfolio/assetsmediatoolkit 

This initiative was made possible through the combined efforts of project partners The Collaborative, Greater Falls Connections, Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership, and the Springfield, VT School District, working through Green Peak Alliance. 

Categories
Media Video

Celebrate Smart Prom Campaign | Facebook Video Post

Celebrate smart. Be safe teens during prom season. Brought to you by Green Peak Alliance.
Categories
Media News

Drug Take-Back Day Slated for April 30, 2022 | Press Release

Press Release

Drop-off sites located throughout county

WINDSOR COUNTY— On Saturday, April 30th,  the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, local and state law enforcement agencies, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The Take-Back Day event is free and anonymous, no questions asked, with drop-off sites located throughout Windsor County.

“Rates of prescription drug abuse in this country are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs,” said Sheriff Mike Chamberlain of Windsor County Sheriff’s Office. “We look forward to participating in Take-Back Day again this spring as part of our continuing effort to protect the health and safety of Windsor County residents.”

Supported by public health coalitions, Take-Back Day aims to prevent prescription drug abuse, a growing problem in the U.S. that claims lives through overdoses and accidental poisonings. A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

Since inception of the Take Back Days, towns across Windsor County and the State have worked diligently to expand access to permanent drug collection units. Windsor County’s efforts align with VT Department of Health’s “Do Your Part” campaign – asking residents safely use, store, and properly dispose of any unused or expired medications. 

Residents participating in Drug Take back on April 30th have the opportunity to learn more about permanent collection such as locations of drop boxes, hours of operation, and what medication types are accepted. 

Where to go

The following locations in Windsor County will serve as drop-off sites on Take-Back Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30th: Chester Police Department; Windsor Police Department; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); Springfield Police Department; Ludlow Police Department; Hartford Police Department; and Norwich Police Department, Royalton Police Department, and  Windsor County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s office is hosting the collection for Woodstock given that Woodstock Police Department is under construction.

The Take Back Day and Permanent Collection services are free to use. Powders and patches are accepted in addition to pills and capsules. Medication return venues are supported in part by the Green Peak Alliance, a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont.

In October of 2021, Windsor County Deputies emptied drop boxes at local police stations and took for incineration 452 pounds of medications collected. At any time throughout the year, households in Windsor County may take advantage of the permanent drop-boxes in the lobbies of the following Police Departments: Chester, Hartford, Ludlow, Royalton, Springfield, Windsor, and Woodstock (post construction). For a complete listing of locations and hours of operation, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org

For more information about Take-Back Day, visit dea.gov or call the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department at (802) 457-5211.

Categories
Media Prevention Resources

Developmental Assets Media Toolkit & Campaign Launched

Kids today experience more stress and face more struggles than previous generations! Now more than ever, is the time to rise up to the challenge of supporting our youth. Green Peak Alliance has launched a media toolkit focused on supporting youth using Developmental Assets. The Developmental Assets were created by the Minnesota-based Search Institute. What are Developmental Assets? They are positive experiences and qualities that help kids develop a sense of confidence, passion, and purpose.

We know from research that when kids feel supported, respected, and valued by their community, they are more resilient. It is also clear that kids who are encouraged will live better lives. Practicing these assets empower us to meet today’s challenges and help our kids develop strong inner resources. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, coach, teacher, or local business owner, learning about Developmental Assets can help you make a difference in the lives of our communities’ children.

Together we can create a community where kids are able to overcome challenges, and thrive!

During the month of April – the Month of the Young Child – Green Peak Alliance will begin a media campaign posting on our social media accounts ideas and tips on using developmental assets with your kids every day! We are encouraging everyone to share these posts, using hashtags #developmentalassets and #greenpeakalliance.

Here are some additional ways to engage: 

  1. Like Green Peak Alliance on Facebook and follow Green Peak Alliance on Instagram for the latest asset messages and tips!
  2. Connect with your local prevention coalition to find out fun things to do and how to help kids and families in your community.
  3. Find opportunities to practice Developmental Assets with your kids every day!
  4. Access, download and use our Developmental Assets Media Toolkit and graphics via our publicly accessible Google Drive folder.

We want to share these tools with you and encourage everyone to use these positive messages in support of our youth!

Visit our Developmental Assets Media Toolkit project page to learn more and get access to the toolkit and graphics.

Categories
Media News

Keep Youth Safe Around Cannabis Ad | The Shopper

Ad | The Shopper/The Vermont Journal

This paid ad ran in The Shopper insert in The Vermont Journal on March 9th, 16th, and 23rd in 2022.

Categories
Media News

Retail Cannabis Sales Vote: What You Should Know | Chester Telegraph

Earned Media | Chester Telegraph

Categories
Events Video

Retail Cannabis Conversations: A Public Health Perspective Event (Video)

Does your town have retail cannabis on the docket for town meeting? Do you want to know more before you vote on this important issue?

This presentation covers: General overview of the retail cannabis law, Act 164; Most up to date decisions coming out of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB); What a local Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is and what it can do; Suggestions for towns should an opt-in vote pass; Public health insights related to retail cannabis, backed by data from other states; And questions submitted by the public.

Green Peak Alliance member, The Collaborative, hosted an online forum on Monday, February 21, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 PM on Zoom to provide information on retail cannabis and give community members an opportunity to get their questions answered. Before communities vote on Retail Opt-In, it’s important to be fully informed. All residents were welcome to attend, especially residents of Chester, Hartford, Springfield, and Woodstock (Town and Village). The Zoom event was recorded and posted below and available for all to watch.

Video Timestamp Information

0-4:30  Intro

4:30 – 19:30 Regional planning, local options

19:30 – 33:40 Public health information

33:40 – 55:00 Q&A, local options

55:00 Sharing of contact info

Categories
Media News

On the Springfield Selectboard Feb. 2 Meeting | Letter to Editor

Letter to Editor | The Vermont Journal

Dear Editor,

As participants to the Springfield Selectboard’s meeting regarding retail cannabis, I wanted to respond to Kyle Laurite Bononmetti’s coverage of the meeting in the Feb. 2nd article.  In the article, Bonometti writes “Concerns about an uptick in youth marijuana use were also voiced, to which Silberman pointed to statistics showing that there has been virtually no proven link between the presence of local cannabis sellers and an increase in youth use.” While this comment was stated in the meeting, myself and other professionals in the field refuted this statement with evidence that was then shared by me with Town Manager Mobus via email. The article presented on February 2nd failed to mention the counter statement. 

I think it is important that the public is aware that there are multiple documented studies ranging between June 2015 and October 2021 from already legalized states of Washington, Oregon, and California (having had cannabis retail in place since 2013 onward) that refute Mr. Silberman’s claim. These studies show the following:

  • Greater retailer availability of cannabis is positively associated with use among adolescents
  • Past 30-day use of cannabis among youth increased in counties of Oregon where retail outlets exist relative to downward 30-day youth cannabis use in counties that did not allow retail cannabis (study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6986306/)
  • Greater availability of cannabis and alcohol are positively associated with co-use among adolescents, and with beliefs favorable for cannabis and alcohol (study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33435786/

While not specific to youth, a Washington State study from February 2020 finds that as retailers open closer to where people live, more individuals use cannabis more frequently. These effects are concentrated among young adults (age 18-26), for women, and for rural residents. (study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34712040/ )

It is my hope that you will print these facts for people to better understand the public health implications that retail cannabis has on a community. 

Thank you,

Maryann Morris

Melanie Sheehan

On Behalf of the Green Peak Alliance

Categories
Media Video

Lock Prescription Meds | Public Service Announcement

Green Peak Alliance member coalition The Collaborative is offering portable Rx safe storage boxes in Bennington County. This thick plastic box with an adjustable combination lock is just one of many options available for easy and safe storage of prescription medications.

Categories
Media News

Windsor County Brings in 452 Pounds of Unwanted Medications | Press Release

Press Release

WINDSOR COUNTY—On October 23, 2021 Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, in cooperation with local and state police, again participated in the DEA-led National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, resulting in 452 pounds of disposed medications collected throughout Windsor County for incineration.   

“Take-Back” efforts began in 2010 as stand-alone disposal events occurring twice a year. Since then, many police departments and pharmacies across Windsor County, the state, and the nation have installed permanent drug collection units, assisting in medication returns year-round. 

Windsor County Sherriff Michael Chamberlain has been instrumental in keeping the take back efforts going. Normally, the Sheriff’s Department collects the disposed-of medication and brings it to DEA officials to weigh. The medication is then taken for incineration by the DEA. Sherriff Chamberlain helps in arranging the collection and incineration of medications collected. “We want to encourage everyone to get rid of their medications, get them out of the house. The collection efforts help to keep dangerous medications out of the hands of people who struggle with substance use disorders,” he said. 

This year, Captain Claude Weyant oversaw the Department’s Take Back Day efforts. “In general it went well, and we had a huge amount of returned medications – 452 pounds in Windsor County,” Weyant said. “As we advertise the Take Back Day program, and people participate in the program by taking drugs to their police departments, they realize that many of these departments have permanent collection boxes. This brings people back at any time to dispose of any medications they have. The public is becoming more aware that it’s important to dispose of these medications, and that safe disposal is easy.”

Windsor County’s October collection sites yielded the following quantities: Chester PD #40.26; Hartford PD #67.78; Ludlow PD #37.39; Norwich PD #22.5; Royalton PD #48.5; Springfield PD #79.49; Vermont State Police – Royalton #28.24; Weathersfield PD #14.5; Windsor PD #63.24; Woodstock PD #50.15. The total for the state of Vermont was #6825.65. 

Law Enforcement officials, Healthcare professionals, and Green Peak Alliance (GPA) encourage adults to lock their medications as they need them or to properly dispose of unused medications safely. For information on proper use, storage, and disposal of prescription medications, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org

In addition, the Vermont Department of Health provides free prescription medication mail back envelopes: Medication in its original container or in a sealed bag is placed inside the preaddressed envelope and mailed off to be destroyed. Mail back envelopes are available at many police departments, libraries, vet offices, and town clerks offices in Windsor County and can also be ordered online at www.healthvermont.gov/alcoholdrugs/services/prescription-drug-disposal

GPA is a network of regional partners who work with area schools, law enforcement, churches, and other community service organizations to bring best practice prevention approaches to communities. For more information on substance abuse prevention efforts, visit https://greenpeakalliance.org and on Facebook @greenpeakalliance.

Categories
Events Media News

Drug Take-Back Day Slated for October 23, 2021 | Press Release

Press Release

Drop-off sites located throughout county

WINDSOR COUNTY— On Saturday, October 23rd, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, local and state law enforcement agencies, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The Take-Back Day event is free and anonymous, no questions asked, with drop-off sites located throughout Windsor County.

“Rates of prescription drug abuse in this country are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs,” said Sheriff Mike Chamberlain of Windsor County. “We look forward to participating in Take-Back Day again this fall as part of our continuing effort to protect the health and safety of Windsor County residents.”

Supported by public health coalitions, Take-Back Day aims to prevent prescription drug abuse, a growing problem in the U.S. that claims lives through overdoses and accidental poisonings. A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

Since inception of the Take Back Days, towns across Windsor County and the State have worked diligently to expand access to permanent drug collection units. Windsor County’s efforts align with those of the state in encouraging Vermonters to drop off unused or expired medications. Green Peak Alliance coordinator, Courtney Hillhouse states, “To prevent misuse, we want everyone to know how to safely use and store medications and dispose of unused or expired medicine.”  

Residents participating in Drug Take back on October 23rd have the opportunity to learn more about permanent collection such as locations of drop boxes, hours of operation, and what medication types are accepted. 

Where to go

The following locations in Windsor County will serve as drop-off sites on Take-Back Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 23rd: Chester Police Department; Windsor Police Department; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); Springfield Police Department; Ludlow Police Department; Hartford Police Department; Woodstock Police Department; Royalton Police Department; and Norwich Police Department. 

The Take Back Day and Permanent Collection services are free. Powders and patches are accepted in addition to pills and capsules. Medication return venues are supported in part by the Green Peak Alliance, a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont.

In April 2021, Windsor County Deputies emptied drop boxes at local police stations and took for incineration 604 pounds of medications collected. At any time throughout the year, households in Windsor County may take advantage of the permanent drop-boxes in the lobbies of the following Police Departments: Chester, Hartford, Ludlow, Royalton, Springfield, Windsor, and Woodstock. For a complete listing of locations and hours of operation, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org

For more information about Take-Back Day, visit dea.gov or call the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department at (802) 457-5211.

Categories
Media News

BRACC Response to Retail Cannabis Vote | Letter to Editor

Letter to Editor | The Vermont Journal

Dear Editor,

“Let’s bring Health and Wellness into the town. Let’s benefit from it and regulate it.” A quote from the article in The Vermont Journal, Oct. 13, 2021.

The Black River Area Community Coalition was established in 2003 with the purpose of preventing youth substance use and violence by promoting a healthy involved community. Over the past 18 years, we have successfully worked with all our partners and communities to keep our youth safe whether through underage drinking strategies, prescription drug take-back boxes, wellness and after prom events, school educational programs, summer camp activities, youth groups, parent nights, and more.

In 2016, when drug paraphernalia and vaping stores started showing up in Ludlow, we collaborated with the Ludlow Police Department and the town of Ludlow to pass an ordinance that prohibited such products from being marketed to our youth and went further to keep marijuana and cannabis retail shops out of Ludlow. A quote from that ordinance stated: “It is the intent for the Ludlow Select Board to promote a family friendly atmosphere within the Town. This objective applies to the residents of the Town and all our visitors.”

After the passage of Act 86 in 2018, which legalized cannabis for those over the age of 21, we shifted our strategies to address the use of cannabis by our youth and young adults. According to the Vermont Department of Health: “Vermont rates of use in the past month among people aged [12-plus] were highest in the country – at almost twice the national rate.

“Adult marijuana use has steadily increased in Vermont since 2013 and use among high school students increased significantly from 2017 to 2019.”

The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently conducted the first-ever study measuring the time between first use of an addictive drug and the onset of a substance use disorder among adolescents and young adults. In adolescents ages 12-17, 10.7% developed a substance use disorder (SUD) within 12 months of starting to use cannabis. Among young adults 18-25, 6.4% have developed an SUD. (Published in the American Medical Association, March 31, 2021).

The New England Poison Control Center reported a 160% increase in calls reporting the accidental ingestion of marijuana by children, especially with cannabis manufactured products, despite using childproof packaging and warning labels. (2019)

Just in the past several months, there has been an outpouring of support in our community for the Divided Sky Rehab Center due to the overwhelming number of people who have a substance use disorder in our state. We don’t need a dispensary in our community to make it easier for adults to purchase cannabis who might not otherwise.

Health and wellness? We don’t think so. Think of your children, grandchildren, and our young adults. Let’s keep them safe and healthy though prevention, not through retail cannabis dispensaries.

Sincerely,

Paul Faenza, Executive Director

BRACC

Ludlow, Vermont

Categories
Prevention Resources Video

Vermont Health & Prevention Map Tutorial

The purpose of this map is to show how much of the State of VT is covered by coalitions, organizations, and regional initiatives to prevent substance misuse and promote health. To use a live version of this map, visit: www.trorc.org/healthpolicyclearinghouse and click on map link in upper right side bar.

Categories
Media News

Community Connections: The LGBTQ Perspectives Project | Press Release

Press Release

WINDSOR COUNTY, VERMONT— Now that Pride month is over, what are some ways to continue showing support for the LGBTQ+ community? The Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership (MAPP) and the Green Peak Alliance (GPA) are proud to announce the release of the 4-part docuseries Community Connections: The LGBTQ Perspectives Project. The series, directed by 2018 Thetford Academy alum Clare Swanson, shows ways to offer support to the LGBTQ+ community year-round. Clare describes the project stating, “As a queer filmmaker, it’s important to me to elevate the voices and perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals through my work for those who want to understand and support our community but don’t know where to start.” 

To access episodes, videos of full interviews with project participants, and additional resources, visit: https://greenpeakalliance.org/inthemedia/videos/lgbtqperspectives/

In the first episode, An Introduction, subject matter expert Davey Shlasko of Think Again Training and Consulting answers questions many have about gender, pronouns, how to be more supportive of LGBTQ+ people, and more. The 12 amazing individuals interviewed for the series are introduced. (29 minutes)

Episode Two: In Community and Belonging, the interviewees explore what young queer and trans people need from their communities, and what they bring to their communities. Essential watching for anyone who wants to create a more supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth — including peers, parents, school staff, health care and service providers, rec department and afterschool program staff, and caring community members. (26 minutes)

Episode Three: For many, it is easy to see reflections of themselves in the characters that populate books, TV shows, and movies. But when LGBTQ+ people look to media, what do they see? In Seeing Ourselves in Media, the interviewees discuss current media representation and offer up some of their favorite picture books, young adult novels, TV shows, and films that feature positive LGBTQ+ representation. Visit the show page on the GPA website for lists of media picks from each of the interviewees https://greenpeakalliance.org/inthemedia/videos/lgbtqperspectives/ (21 minutes)

Episode Four: Kimberlé Crenshaw, Columbia and UCLA law professor, coined the term intersectionality more than three decades ago. In a February 2020 interview with Time magazine, she described intersectionality as “a lens, a prism, for seeing the way in which various forms of inequality often operate together and exacerbate each other.” Intersectionality, the final episode explores this lens as it applies to the experiences of queer and trans people, particularly people of color and neurodivergent individuals. (23 minutes)

According to the Library of Congress, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.  

Categories
Media Video

For Your Health | Substance Use Disorder: Help & Hope in the Emergency Department

To save lives, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Care Center (MAHHC) offers rapid access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for people who arrive in the Emergency Department after an overdose or who are seeking help for an opioid use disorder.

For Your Health guests Jill Lord, Director of Community Health at MAHHC and Dr. Richard Marasa, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at MAHHC, explain how the emergency department connects patients to MAT, recovery coaches, and other ongoing supports.