Tag: Public Health
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Host Elizabeth Kelly interviews Ryan Fowler, Harm Reduction Coordinator with The HIV/HCV Resource Center
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.
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.
Host Elizabeth Kelsey talks with Courtney McKaig, Family Wellness Coach & Behavior Specialist, about strategies for families during COVID-19.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Host Elizabeth Kelsey talks with Katrin Tchana, LICSW about childhood trauma and its relationship to substance misuse.
Earned Media | Valley News
By Nora Doyle-Burr
Valley News Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Springfield, Vt. — Challenges persist as community members work to address the opioid crisis, first responders and service providers said in a forum about the opioid epidemic with U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., on Monday.
First responders are frustrated that they often respond to calls for overdoses for the same people several times. Those providing treatment services say their ability to provide services is limited by funding. Law enforcement officials say they know the problem will not be solved through the criminal justice system.
The approximately 50 people gathered at the Nolin-Murray Center on Pleasant Street had some ideas of policy changes that might help. Requiring those who just suffered an overdose to take a trip to the hospital, expanding treatment programs to rural parts of the state and improving transportation were among the suggestions.
“We see an abundance of people that we go out and help,” Springfield Fire Chief Russ Thompson said.
It’s a lost opportunity when people choose not to enter into treatment after they revive from an overdose, he said.
Unlike when paramedics respond to someone experiencing a mental health crisis, however, there is no law that requires that people revived from an overdose take a trip to the hospital for further assistance, he said.
“I think that we have a huge opportunity when we go and interact with people,” Thompson said.
It is hard on first responders for them to revive someone only for them to overdose again, he said. Instead, Thompson said he would rather take the opportunity to give the person who just suffered an overdose information about resources that could help them to recover from their addiction.
“I find it futile for these efforts to continue,” he said.
But John Caceres, the marketing director of Valley Vista, which offers inpatient treatment, said he worried that requiring people who don’t want to be in treatment to get it could make it harder for those who want treatment to get it. His organization already has a two-week waiting period before patients can get a bed.
“In order to get it you have to want it,” he said.
Needle exchange programs, which offer clean needles and health information to people who use intravenous drugs, can be a way for service providers to build a relationship with those using the drugs that can lead them into treatment, said Laura Byrne, executive director of the HIV/HCV Resource Center, which operates a needle exchange in Springfield.
Byrne said she would like to see needle exchange programs expand around the state.
“Transportation is a huge issue,” she said.
Similarly, Jennifer Parker Williams, an employment consultant for the Vermont Association of Business Industry and Rehabilitation, said the community needs more medication-assisted treatment programs. It is difficult for the people she is trying to help find employment to get to Brattleboro and back to their workplace in a reasonable amount of time, she said.
Some, including Dr. Richard Marasa, director of Springfield Hospital’s Emergency Department, questioned the use of medication-assisted treatment, saying that some patients are distributing suboxone, which is used to curb opioid cravings, to others and then continuing to use heroin or other illicit drugs themselves.
Marasa also said that the use of the overdose reversal drug naloxone makes people who are addicted to drugs feel as though they can continue using without fearing for their lives.
“What we’re doing now doesn’t work,” he said.
Despite Vermont’s hub-and-spoke model, Marasa said people are still dying. The model relies on regional treatment centers, or hubs, and a network of clinicians throughout the state who treat addiction — the spokes.
“People that have addictions want to stay addicted if they can,” Marasa said.
In that way substance use disorders are different than other diseases such as cancer or heart disease in which patients usually want to get better, he said.
Amanda Schoff, who is in recovery and works as an administrative assistant at Turning Point Recovery Center in Springfield, said she has found buprenorphine effective in treating her addiction. Two years into her recovery, she said she has not suffered a relapse. But, she said it’s important for those in recovery to be active in seeking work and attending meetings.
“You have to want it,” she said.
On the law enforcement front, Windsor County State’s Attorney David Cahill said he aims not to incarcerate people because of their addiction. It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between those who are using drugs and those who are selling drugs. Oftentimes, he said, people begin selling drugs to support their own habit. He prioritizes cases where people are selling drugs near schools or neighborhoods.
Even so, he said, “I’m not going to pretend for a second that we’re eroding the supply problem.”
Others at the forum spoke about the importance of prevention in addressing the crisis. Maryann Morris, executive of the Londonderry, Vt.-based prevention organization The Collaborative, noted that Springfield lags behind the rest of the state in the connectedness of youth to their community, according to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
“Something’s off here and our young people are feeling it and they’re feeing it pretty early on,” she said.
Welch said that he hopes to work with his colleagues in Washington to address the difficulties facing rural economies. He said he remembered a time when Springfield boasted several thousand jobs in machine-tool factories.
“One of the real challenges we have as a country is reinvesting in rural America,” said Welch.
This was the eighth of eight opioid discussions that Welch has held around the state. He faces a primary challenge from Dr. Daniel Freilich, a Brownsville resident who works as a staff physician at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, next month.
Valley News Staff Writer Nora Doyle-Burr can be reached at ndoyleburr@vnews.com or 603-727-3213.