Author: Green Peak Alliance

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Windsor County Brings in 604 Pounds of Unwanted Medications | Press Release

Press Release

WINDSOR COUNTY—On April 24, 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 604 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 – 604 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 April 24th collection sites yielded the following quantities: Chester PD #43.24; DEA-Hartford PD #9.50; Hartford PD #102.16; Ludlow PD #30.72; Norwich PD #11; Royalton PD #63.24; Springfield PD #105.36; Vermont State Police – Royalton #47.91; Weathersfield Transfer Station #29.50; Windsor PD #78.07; Woodstock PD #83.50. The total for the state of Vermont was 7,165. 

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. 

Established in 2018, Green Peak Alliance is a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont and includes the Vermont Department of Health District Offices of White River Junction and Springfield. We bring federal and state resources to local areas in our work with schools and service organizations. Through research, education, and outreach, we create conditions to positively influence the public by increasing youth assets and reducing risks.

Green Peak Alliance consists of organizations that work to prevent substance misuse. Our members are connected to regional planning partners, law enforcement, schools, and service organizations. Our projects include substance misuse prevention education, prescription medication take-back initiatives, health policy and increasing positive activities and supports for youth.

For more information visit https://greenpeakalliance.org and on Facebook @greenpeakalliance.

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Drug Take-Back Day Slated for April 24, 2021

Press Release

Drop-off sites located throughout county

WINDSOR COUNTY— On Saturday, April 24th, 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 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 those of the state in encouraging Vermonters to drop off unused or expired medications. Green Peak Alliance coordinator, Courtney Hillhouse states that, “To prevent misuse, we want everyone to know how to safely use, store, and dispose of unused or expired medicine.”  

Residents participating in Drug Take back on April 24th 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 24th: 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 State Police Barracks; 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 October2020, Windsor County Deputies emptied drop boxes at local police stations and took for incineration 439 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.

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Media Video

LGBTQ Perspectives Project | Episode 4: Intersectionality

Episode 4: Intersectionality

Community Connections: The LGBTQ Perspectives Project is a mini-docuseries co-produced by the Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership and the Green Peak Alliance. We teamed up with Vermont filmmaker Clare Swanson and subject matter expert Davey Shlasko of Think Again Training and Consulting to create this four-part series. Clare and Davey interviewed 12 amazing individuals and Clare created four short documentary episodes, drawing from themes across the interviews.  Thanks to all the interviewees who shared their perspectives with us, making this project possible.

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.” This week’s episode explores this lens as it applies to the experiences of queer and trans people, particularly people of color and neurodivergent individuals.

A Closer Look

Community Access Television in Hartford, VT supported this project with creation of the A Closer Look segments for each episode and distribution of the docuseries, helping it reach a larger audience.

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Media Video

LGBTQ Perspectives Project | Episode 3: Seeing Ourselves in Media

Episode 3: Seeing Ourselves in Media

Community Connections: The LGBTQ Perspectives Project is a mini-docuseries co-produced by the Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership and the Green Peak Alliance. We teamed up with Vermont filmmaker Clare Swanson and subject matter expert Davey Shlasko of Think Again Training and Consulting to create this four-part series. Clare and Davey interviewed 12 amazing individuals and Clare created four short documentary episodes, drawing from themes across the interviews.  Thanks to all the interviewees who shared their perspectives with us, making this project possible.

Many of us see reflections of ourselves in the characters that populate books, TV shows, and movies. But when LGBTQ+ people look to media, what do they see? In this episode, our interviewees critique current media representation and offer up some of their favorite picture books, young adult novels, TV shows, and films that feature positive LGBTQ+ representation.

A Closer Look

Community Access Television in Hartford, VT supported this project with creation of the A Closer Look segments for each episode and distribution of the docuseries, helping it reach a larger audience.

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Media Video

LGBTQ Perspectives Project | Episode 2: Community and Belonging

Episode 2: Community & Belonging

Community Connections: The LGBTQ Perspectives Project is a mini-docuseries co-produced by the Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership and the Green Peak Alliance. We teamed up with Vermont filmmaker Clare Swanson and subject matter expert Davey Shlasko of Think Again Training and Consulting to create this four-part series. Clare and Davey interviewed 12 amazing individuals and Clare created four short documentary episodes, drawing from themes across the interviews.  Thanks to all the interviewees who shared their perspectives with us, making this project possible.

In this episode, our 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 parents, school staff, health care and service providers, rec department and afterschool program staff, and caring community members.

A Closer Look

Community Access Television in Hartford, VT supported this project with creation of the A Closer Look segments for each episode and distribution of the docuseries, helping it reach a larger audience.

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Media Video

LGBTQ Perspectives Project | Episode 1: An Introduction

Episode 1: An Introduction

Community Connections: The LGBTQ Perspectives Project is a mini-docuseries co-produced by the Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership and the Green Peak Alliance. We teamed up with Vermont filmmaker Clare Swanson and subject matter expert Davey Shlasko of Think Again Training and Consulting to create this four-part series. Clare and Davey interviewed 12 amazing individuals and Clare created four short documentary episodes, drawing from themes across the interviews.  Thanks to all the interviewees who shared their perspectives with us, making this project possible.

First of a four-part docuseries designed for people who want to create a more supportive and inclusive community for LGBTQ+ people, especially youth.

A Closer Look

Community Access Television in Hartford, VT supported this project with creation of the A Closer Look segments for each episode and distribution of the docuseries, helping it reach a larger audience.

Categories
Media Video

For Your Health | Supporting Vermont’s Military Families Affected by Deployment

Host Elizabeth Kelsey interviews Nicholas Thomas, Military & Family Readiness Specialist, and Rachel Newton, a military spouse, about supporting Vermont’s families during the state’s deployment of over 1,000 service members this year.

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For Your Health | Preventing Overdose Death

Host Elizabeth Kelly interviews Ryan Fowler, Harm Reduction Coordinator with The HIV/HCV Resource Center

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For Your Health | Vermont’s Good Samaritan Law

In 2013, the Vermont Legislature passed the Good Samaritan Law. Under the law, people who call 911 for help, or people who are overdosing, will not be prosecuted for drug possession. The law is intended to prevent overdose deaths. In this episode, Erica A. Marthage, Esq., Bennington County’s State’s Attorney, explains the how the law works.

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Media News

Windsor County Brings in 439 Pounds of Unwanted Medications | Press Release

Press Release

WINDSOR COUNTY—On October 24, 2020 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 439 pounds of disposed medications collected throughout Windsor County for incineration.   

“Take-Back” efforts began in 2012 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. The spring take back event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

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 – 439 pounds in Windsor County,” Weyant said. “As we advertise the TakeBack 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 drugs 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 24th collection sites yielded the following quantities: Chester PD #18; Hartford PD #86.68; Ludlow PD #17.5; Norwich PD #42; Springfield PD #40.5; Weathersfield Transfer Station #19.5; Windsor PD #99.5; Woodstock PD #115.5. The total for the state of Vermont was #4,498.

Law Enforcement officials, Healthcare professionals, and Green Peak Alliance 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  

Established in 2018, Green Peak Alliance is a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont and includes the Vermont Department of Health District Offices of White River Junction and Springfield. We bring federal and state resources to local areas in our work with schools and service organizations. Through research, education, and outreach, we create conditions to positively influence the public by increasing youth assets and reducing risks.

Green Peak Alliance consists of organizations that work to prevent substance misuse. Our members are connected to regional planning partners, law enforcement, schools, and service organizations. Our projects include substance misuse prevention education, prescription medication take-back initiatives, health policy and increasing positive activities and supports for youth.

For more information ,visit https://greenpeakalliance.org and on Facebook @greenpeakalliance.

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Media Video

For Your Health | The ABC’s of Substance Misuse Prevention

Host Elizabeth Kelsey talks with Claudia Marieb, Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant VT Department of Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, about what we mean when we talk about substance misuse prevention; how public policy affects prevention statewide; as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.

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For Your Health | Early Childhood Development & Substance Misuse Prevention

This episode features a conversation with Nancy Bloomfield, Executive Director, and Tonya McMurray, Clinical Director, of The Family Place in Norwich, Vermont.

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Events Media News

Drug Take-Back Day Canceled for April 25, 2020 | Press Release

Press Release

WINDSOR COUNTY— Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Spring 2020 Prescription Drug Take Back Day, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 25th, has been canceled. However, there are still opportunities to return unwanted or expired medications.  Medication return boxes are available for drop-off throughout Windsor and Orange Counties. Mail back envelopes for medications are also available. 

Supported by public health coalitions, drop off boxes and medication return envelopes aim 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.

Where to go

The following locations serve as drop-off sites: Green Mountain Pharmacy, Greater Falls Pharmacy, Ludlow Pharmacy, Springfield Pharmacy, Gifford Health Care, Chester Police, Hartford Police, Ludlow Police, Royalton Police, Springfield Police, Windsor Police, Woodstock Police.

Mail back envelope displays at: Chester Food Pantry, Black River Good Neighbors, Neighborhood Connections, Springfield Medical Care System clinics, Senior Solutions,

Town Halls – Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Grafton, Londonderry, Ludlow, Plymouth, Springfield, Weston. Libraries – Chester, Ludlow, Springfield, Hartland, Windsor, Norwich. Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center: Outpatient Clinic Waiting Room, Specialty Clinic Waiting Room (Prof. Building upstairs), MAHHC inpatient Pharmacy. Also available at, Ottauquechee Health Center clinic waiting room, and the Teago store in Pomfret.

The permanent collection and mail back envelope services are free. Powders and patches are accepted in addition to pills and capsules. Anonymous pre-paid envelopes go directly to the DEA for incineration. Medication return venues are supported in part by the Green Peak Alliance, a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont. 

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

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Media Video

For Your Health | Helping Families Through the Coronavirus Public Health Crisis

Host Elizabeth Kelsey talks with Courtney McKaig, Family Wellness Coach & Behavior Specialist, about strategies for families during COVID-19.

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For Your Health | The Importance of Mentoring with Vermont’s Mentor of the Year

Vermont’s 2019 Mentor of the Year, Kasia Sosnow, and her mentee, Sophie, talk about the importance of mentoring.

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For Your Health | A Vermont Perspective on Vaping

Host Elizabeth Kelsey talks with Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont’s Commissioner of Health, about vaping: What’s causing the lung injuries and deaths we’ve seen in the U.S.? And why are so many young people becoming addicted to vaping? What is the situation like in Vermont?

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For Your Health | Celebrating Recovery

Elizabeth and Mike talk about what recovery looks like, which factors might lead to addiction, and how having a community helps in the recovery process. Mike opens up about his own experiences, too.

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For Your Health | The Science of Marijuana with Dr. Alan Budney

Dr. Alan Budney of Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine discusses marijuana’s effect on the developing brain, and answers many common questions about THC and CBD.

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For Your Health | Why Do People Self-medicate for Depression and Anxiety?

In this episode, Manchester-based therapist Loree Zeif, LICSW, talks with Elizabeth about why people might self-medicate with substances, and how we can be aware of, and treat, such behavior.

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For Your Health | Understanding Childhood Trauma’s Relationship to Substance Misuse

Host Elizabeth Kelsey talks with Katrin Tchana, LICSW about childhood trauma and its relationship to substance misuse.

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