Community Prevention Programs | Vermont Department of Health CLOSE Translations for you Community Prevention Programs Programs & Services Syringe Services Programs Community Prevention Programs Family Programs Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program MyTime Prescription Drug Disposal Prevention for Stronger Schools Safe Needle Disposal in Vermont Programs and services that help communities become as healthy and involved as they can be are a key part of alcohol and drug use prevention in Vermont. Read the 2026 DSU Prevention Overview! Important Links Contact your local district office Contact your local prevention consultant What is substance misuse prevention? Substance misuse prevention reduces the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs and stops addiction before it starts by working alongside treatment, recovery and harm-reduction services. Learn more about substance misuse prevention You can make a difference in your community Prevention works best when every member of the community is involved - parents, educators, health care professionals, employers and neighbors. There are many ways to get involved to support substance misuse prevention in your community. Connect with your local prevention organization Reach out to your local prevention consultant Enhance prevention programs in your school system Vermont's holistic approach to substance misuse prevention Preventing substance misuse reduces the risks that contribute to alcohol, tobacco or other drug use – while promoting protective factors that support healthy lifestyles and communities. By stopping substance use before it starts, or before it becomes substance misuse, prevention also works to save Vermont tax dollars. Vermont's Prevention Model The Health Department works with people at the state, community, school, family and individual levels to develop strategies that positively change communities. By providing education, positive alternatives, policy changes, community support and early identification of problems and referral to services, prevention programs works to help Vermonters of all ages lead healthy lives. Adapted from: McLeroy KR, Bibeau D, Steckler A, Glanz K. An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education Quarterly 15:351-377, 1988. Download the Vermont Prevention Model graphics and usage guide Prevention Consultants Vermonters across the state have access to one of 12 regional prevention consultants . These health professionals are substance use prevention experts working in the 12 local health offices in Vermont. They support community efforts to lead and carry out prevention efforts. Contact your local PC Vermont Prevention Lead Organizations (VPLO) VPLO were established in July 2023 to ensure coordinated prevention work statewide. They serve as fiscal agents to community organizations, coordinate through a regional advisory structure and work with district partners to allocate substance misuse prevention funding in their region. Allocations are based on community assessments, risk and protective factors, and community readiness. Contact your regional prevention organization Region 1 (Burlington, St. Albans, Barre) – United Way of Northwest Vermont Region 2 (Middlebury, Rutland) – Rutland Regional Medical Center Region 3 (Newport, St. Johnsbury, Morrisville) – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital Region 4 (Bennington, Brattleboro, Springfield, White River Junction) – The Collaborative Learn more about VPLO Community Grants Community prevention grants are awarded by the Vermont Prevention Lead Organizations (VPLOs) to optimize regional assets and variability and to keep funding decisions closer to communities. VPLOs determine priorities through assessment of regional needs and gaps which guides funding decisions. Learn more about VPLOs School Substance Use Prevention Grants To promote a safe and healthy school environment, substance use prevention and early intervention work best when they are robust and integrated into the school’s whole approach. Successful substance use prevention among youth significantly decreases the likelihood of substance misuse and dependence in adulthood. Twenty-nine (29) of Vermont’s Supervisory Unions/School Districts have been awarded funding to provide and enhance substance use prevention and early intervention services. Learn more about school prevention grants Sensitivity to, and inclusion of, the cultural values of the community enhances effectiveness. No single prevention strategy works for everyone. For teens and children, a psychosocial approach emphasizing personal skills development and task-oriented training often reduces alcohol and other drug use For teens at higher-risk of substance use, counseling and family intervention show promise in affecting long-term risk and protective factors For adults, changing the policies, regulations and laws to alter the community environment reduces alcohol and other drug misuse Substance Use Programs (DSU) Vermont Department of Health 280 State Drive Waterbury, VT 05671-8340 802-651-1550 [email protected] Topics: Community Support Healthy Communities December 18, 2025