Vermont Department of Health High school members of Our Voices Xposed (OVX) – Vermont’s youth-led movement to reduce youth smoking and vaping prevalence – will march with community partners and supporters from Montpelier City Hall to the steps of the Vermont State House to speak out against the dangers of youth e-cigarette and tobacco use, and against flavors that are designed to attract youth and create the next generation of people with life-long nicotine addiction. In collaboration with Prevention Works!VT, a network committed to preventing substance misuse in Vermont, this public event is part of the CounterBalance campaign, working to end tobacco’s influence in Vermont.
WHEN: Thursday, April 7, 2022
- 9:30 a.m. – March starting at City Hall
- 10:00 a.m. – Rally, State House steps
- 10:15 a.m. – Meet and Greet with legislators, State House steps [Rain location: Pavilion Auditorium]
- 11:00 a.m. – Building Community through Collaboration workshop
- 12:30 p.m. – Prevention Champion and OVX Awards presentation, Pavillion Auditorium
- 1:00 p.m. – Prevention Works!VT Annual Meeting, Pavillion Auditorium
- 2:00 p.m. – Networking hour
WHERE: Montpelier City Hall
39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT
Vermont Statehouse
115 State Street, Montpelier, VT
WHY: Prevention Day unites youth and community voices that promote substance misuse education and prevention among peers, the public and policymakers.
This year’s Prevention Day is an opportunity for OVX youth and community prevention partners to share their call for young Vermonters to be protected from the harms of flavored tobacco and misuse of e-cigarette and all substances.
Flavored tobacco and e-cigarette products usually contain nicotine, which is addictive, toxic and can affect the developing brain.
- More than 1 in 4 Vermont high schoolers have used an e-cigarette product in the last month.
- In 2019, more than two times as many students used an e-cigarette during the past 30 days compared to those in 2017.
- 85% of e-cigarette users ages 12-17 use flavored e-cigarettes.
- Nicotine exposure at a young age increases the risk of more severe dependence on nicotine.
- When added to tobacco, menthol flavoring makes it easier to smoke and harder to quit.
About the Department of Health
We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters. Visit healthvermont.gov — Join us on Facebook — Follow us on Twitter
About OVX
Since 2014, OVX youth leaders from across the state have joined together through the CounterBalance education campaign, working to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco and flavored products among Vermont youth. Visit Counterbalancevt.com – Join us on Facebook.
About Prevention Works!VT
Prevention Works!VT is a network of community coalition leaders, prevention consultants, service providers and individuals with an interest in and a commitment to substance misuse prevention across the state of Vermont. Visit preventionworksvt.org – Join us on Facebook – Follow us on Twitter.
