MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) Vermont is poised to raise the legal smoking age to 21 this year. The House voted 124 to 14 Tuesday in favor of raising the smoking age.
Health advocates have lobbied lawmakers for years to make the change without success. But there was a dramatic spike last year in the use of e-cigarettes among teenagers and that motivated lawmakers to act this year.
After a second vote, the bill will go back to the Senate, which already approved the measure earlier this year. Health Advocates say teenagers often access tobacco products from older classmates, but raising the age will cut down on that access and prevent addiction.
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"I think this is a huge step for Vermont's youth. We're so excited for today. This is part of a comprehensive plan we had going into this. A three-legged stool -- raise the sale age, make it more expensive, restrict access -- and we are thrilled to take this huge step to protect youth," said Jennifer Costa with the American Cancer Society.
Republican Gov. Phil Scott has said he will support the bill, ensuring it will become law.

​https://www.wcax.com/content/news/Vt-House-approves-raising-smoking-age-to-21-508959241.html

The Essex / Westford Community Bike Fix & Swap is an event hosted by Essex CHIPS and is supported by the
Village of Essex Junction Bike/Walk Advisory Committee and Essex Junction Recreation and Parks, This event offers an opportunity for youth and their families to donate, swap, or fix their bikes before the the summer.

Ride or drive over to Maple Street Park on May 26th from 10am -2pm to take part in this fun family event to support youth in the Essex and Westford Communities.

Fix-A-Flat Workshops
Electric Bike Demonstration
Guided Community Bike Safety Rides (30 minutes)
Face Painting by Andi P.
Curly-Girl Ice Pops

Approximate times:
10:30am - Fix-A-Flat Workshop
11:00am - Guided Bike Safety Ride
12:30pm - Fix-A-Flat Workshop
1:00pm - Guides Bike Safety Ride

Special Harley-Davidson Motorcycle display
(Bikes for the Big Kids)

WANT TO DONATE A GENTLY USED BIKE, BUT CAN’T MAKE IT THAT DAY?

*BIKES MAYBE DROPPED OFF STARTING 5/20 AT EJRP BETWEEN 8AM - 4PM

If you are donating a bike and would like to keep a record of your donation, please fill out this form. https://forms.gle/VLx2yStkomgySyW48


https://www.essexchips.org/bike-fix-swap
The eventbrite ticket link will be used to help us to gauge the number of folks who are planning to attend. Tickets are FREE.
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https://www.essexreporter.com/health-care-leaders-work-to-counter-vaping-popularity/

By NEIL ZAWICKI
A small coalition of health care professionals have mounted a campaign to teach Franklin, Grand Isle and Chittenden County kids and parents the dangers of using e-cigarettes. And it’s no small task.
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Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors drug take back days allowing people to turn in prescription pills anonymously for proper disposal. CPN works with local pharmacies, doctor's offices, and other public spaces to promote this service. 

The next National Drug Take-Back Day is on Saturday, April 29th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Drop off unused or expired medications during this time to properly dispose of unwanted prescriptions. And if you can't make it to the disposal location on Take-Back Day, check our Rx disposal page for the nearest drop-off location in Chittenden County. 

​On November 13-14, at Saint Michael's College, CPN hosted over 40 middle school students at the fourth annual Above the Influence retreat. 

The retreat used messaging, images, and activities created by the National Above the Influence campaign—a well-respected and recognized media campaign that encourages teens to stay true to who they are and live life substance free. This past weekend, students met other youth in the county, learned about and demonstrated leadership skills and how to promote healthy lifestyles choices. Some of activities were led by students from Essex High School’s Above the Influence group who were nationally recognized for their prevention efforts on MTV’s Unwasted Weekend. Students also heard from local expert Margo Austin about the negative impact of marijuana on youth development. They practiced public speaking and media production as a way to promote their messages, as well had time for open discussion of the issues middle school stuends face.
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