Elected Officials
Select board members, planning commissions, legislators and other elected officials at the town and state level have influence on the changes to policies and systems that encourage healthy behavior. Whether it is municipal planning, regulatory activities (ordinance, rule, zoning or policy), or non-regulatory activity, education and information about substances is key to informed decision making.
Important Resources
Health in all Policies
This guide is geared towards state and local government leaders who want to use cross-sector collaboration to promote healthy environments.
The Prevention Center of Excellence and the Green Peak Alliance developed the Health Policy Clearinghouse – an online, searchable database for model prevention and health policies as well as other resources. The site was developed by Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC).
What’s New for Elected Officials
In 2020 Act 164 – the law to regulate Cannabis Commercialization was enacted. Read the law as enacted here.
2021 Vermont Legislative Summary: Check out all the actvities that affect the prevention community.
Vermont Resources
National Resources
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers resources for teens and teen influencers. Get the latest on how drugs affect the brain and body. Features videos, games, blog posts, and more!
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy. We are professionals working in mental health and public health. We are bipartisan. We are medical doctors, lawmakers, treatment providers, preventionists, teachers, law enforcement officers and others who seek a middle road between incarceration and legalization. Our commonsense, third-way approach to marijuana policy is based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety.