We are pleased to announce that the Regional Prevention Partnerships (RPP) of the Northeast Kingdom have been selected to be recognized as one of the 2019 Vermont Prevention Champions!

Thanks to Lori and Prevention Works! for this recognition!

This includes the RPP of St. Johnsbury, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) and the RPP of Newport, Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (NEKLS).  Together, these RPPs serve Orleans, Caledonia, and Essex counties.  The RPP grants are a customized regional response to reduce alcohol and drug use among adolescents, teens, and young adults in collaboration with the State of Vermont, Department of Health and local community partners.  NVRH Prevention Services and NEKLS Prevention Services also hold a Tobacco Prevention Grant, which has been aligned with their respective RPP grants and aims to educate all on the risks of tobacco/e-cigarette use and advocate for policies to decrease tobacco initiation, secondhand smoke, and tobacco marketing exposure.

Prevention Day will begin with a news conference with Governor Scott and the Prevention Champion Award ceremony recognizing St. Johnsbury and Newport RPPs on Thursday, May  2, 2019, at 9:00 am in the Cedar Creek Room at the State House. \

We are recognizing the NEK RPP because of how quickly and effectively you created capacity to do prevention in your region.  You went from 0 to 60 with your strategies and organizing.  Prior to the RPP there was no established coalition in the region (although many had tried) and you have established 3 new coalitions, did lots of policy work, have such a strong partnership with NVRH hospital, and much more that I am not aware of. Congratulations again and I am thrilled to be able to recognize your contributions to the prevention field and the health and safety of Vermonters.

– Lori Augustyniak, Coordinator, Prevention Works VT