See who is eligible to get a vaccine now. Registration for people 75 and older will begin on January 25. Sign up to get weekly email updates!
Tobacco
Tobacco
Tobacco use is the #1 preventable cause of death. In Vermont, smoking costs approximately $348 million in medical expenses and results in about 1,000 smoking-related deaths each year. Countless other lives, including those of friends and family members, are impacted by the negative effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke.
Tobacco use is one of 3 behaviors that lead to 4 diseases (cancer, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease), resulting in more than 50% of deaths among Vermonters. Physical inactivity and poor nutrition are the other two behaviors. Learn more about 3-4-50
To see how we're doing in Vermont—check out our Tobacco Performance Scorecard
Find resources on e-cigarettes and vaping, preventing youth use and quitting
Vermont Tobacco Control Program Goals
Since 2000, we have been working to create change at the environmental, policy and systems levels. These efforts have prevented youth and adults from becoming tobacco users, supported those looking to quit, and changed the overall acceptance of tobacco use.
Our work is guided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Best Practice Guidelines and the Vermont Tobacco Evaluation & Review Board, a group created to review the state's tobacco control work and recommend appropriate funding levels.
The goals of the Vermont Tobacco Control Program are to:
- Prevent youth and young adults from starting to use tobacco
- Decrease tobacco use in adults and youth
- Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke
- Discourage the use of other tobacco products
Smoke-free Policies
We work closely with state, regional and community partners to create and support smoke-free policies. Our partners include schools, nonprofit organizations, legislators and town officials, government agencies and health care providers. Read more about smoke free policies.
Quit Tobacco Supports
We oversee Vermont’s 802Quits, a 24/7 quit smoking resource for all residents. To access this service call 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669).
802Quits offers tips and tools, including free nicotine replacement therapy (patches and gum or lozenges), to help Vermonters quit cigarettes and other tobacco products including vaping devices. Learn more about tips and tools for quitting!
Focus on Health Disparities
Although the costly addiction of tobacco use in Vermont affects nearly one in five, a closer look reveals large differences in smoking rates among certain groups. For instance, smoking rates are higher among people of lower income or who have mental health and substance use disorders. By looking at the data on tobacco use, we identify and prioritize efforts as described in the Tobacco State Plan. Read more about our work to support these communities.
Vermont Tobacco Data
The Vermont Tobacco Program conducts comprehensive surveillance on tobacco use and quit behaviors among Vermonters (adult and youth), perceptions of harm, and support and impact of policies and programs. Current data can be found on the Tobacco Surveillance in Vermont Webpage.
Vermont Tobacco Evaluation
The following reports inform and steer the Tobacco Control and Prevention work. As part of its CDC funding, the program contracts an evaluator to report on program achievements, success highlights, challenges and impact analysis.
In This Section
Most Vermonters who smoke want to quit. You may be one of them, or know someone who is trying to quit tobacco. With the right tools and support, you can do it.
Today, more and more properties - from market rate housing to public housing - are going smoke-free. That's because a smoke-free property is legal, healthy, safe and cost effective.
Tobacco control is the work of many in Vermont. Best practice calls for state and local organizations to work together to reduce tobacco use, promote tobacco-free policies and support those who want to quit.
Low-income adults and those with mental health and substance use disorders have higher rates of tobacco use – and greater impacts on their health and quality of life.
Vermont has a long history of passing state laws and local policies to protect people from secondhand smoke, to stop youth from starting to use tobacco, and to lower the prevalence of tobacco use.