United Way of Northwest Vermont
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Prevention Initiative

Prevention starts with connection

United Way of Northwest Vermont’s Prevention Initiative strengthens communities by supporting a network of regional partners that connect Vermonters of all ages to the resources, support systems, and relationships that promote well-being and help prevent substance misuse.

We are working with nonprofits, state government, schools, and local communities to build protective factors, expand support for youth and families, and address root causes that contribute to substance misuse.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO PREVENTION FOR ALL

United Way has been collaborating with the Vermont Department of Health’s Division of Substance Use Program since 2020, helping develop a comprehensive statewide approach to substance misuse prevention — including creating a regional strategic plan for prevention and launching the Northwest and Central Vermont Prevention Network. In 2023, United Way became one of four Lead Prevention Organizations in the state.

Northwest & Central VT Prevention Network

Join local people working together to prevent substance misuse and promote wellbeing in our communities.

Get Involved

Amy Magnan

Partner Spotlight

The Cafe Youth Center is filling a huge gap in rural Enosburg in opportunities and safe spaces for youth.

“All the kids who come to The Cafe are there because they need a safe space to connect and to be themselves. These are good kids. They’re going to change the world for the better.”

—Amy Magnan, staff at The Cafe Youth Center

LEARN MORE

Our Role

Convening, Collaboration, and Capacity Building: We bring prevention partners together and provide data, tools, training, and support to strengthen substance misuse prevention and promote wellbeing across the region.

Investing State Prevention Funds: We sub-grant state funds and support prevention projects in communities and in schools that help people of all ages, expand access to prevention resources, and address the factors that increase or reduce the risk of substance misuse.

United Way is supporting prevention programming serving EVERY town in Region 1 (which covers Barre, Burlington, and St. Albans Health Districts).
A map showing towns in Northwest and Central Vermont

An Employer Guide to Substance Misuse

The Employer Guide to Substance Misuse was created in partnership with United Way’s Working Bridges program and Prevention Works!VT to support Vermont employers in promoting healthy and safe workplaces. The free toolkit is designed to help workplaces destigmatize conversations about substance misuse, offer guidance in how to address it, and help them go upstream with policies and practices that focus on prevention.

“In the manufacturing field, particularly in rural areas of Vermont, people can be reluctant to talk about their problems. We need to destigmatize conversations about substance misuse and mental health in the workplace, so employees feel comfortable asking for help before it becomes a safety issue.” — Eric Ciemniewski, Senior Director of Manufacturing at Teknor Apex in St. Albans

Translated Prevention Content

The Prevention Network partnered with the Vermont Language Justice Project to create translated prevention content: The Legal and Health Consequences of Using Drugs and Alcohol and How Medicine and Alcohol Affect Older Adults. Each video is available in at least 18 languages.

United Way of Northwest Vermont*** September 25, 2026