Health & Traffic Safety O.N.E.

The Health & Traffic Safety Coalition for Orleans and Northern Essex (ONE) was formed in 1991 with the vision to promote the health and well-being of the community. Originally, the Coalition focused primarily on reducing the incidence of driving under the influence and other traffic safety issues. Today, the mission of H&TS ONE is to support and foster freedom from tobacco, alcohol and other substances as well as to promote healthy behavior choices by youth and adults in the communities we serve.

The Health & Traffic Safety Coalition ONE is facilitated by North Country Hospital and has many collaborating community partners. A few of the partners include local businesses, local, state, and county law enforcement, local health agencies and area schools. The diversity and commitment of our partners help make the Coalition a success.

The Coalition helps to promote initiatives funded by two community grants: Governor’s Highway Safety Program and funds from the Vermont Tobacco Settlement Agreement. These funds are vital to improving the health and safety of those residing in the ONE area.

Too Smart To Smoke

This tobacco prevention campaign is spearheaded by North Country Hospital’s Community Health Office. The grant-funded educator’s role is to enlist participation of community groups, primarily youth, to engage in tobacco prevention activities and events. These activities reflect the Vermont Department of Health’s annual awareness campaigns and coincide with the Healthy Vermonters 2010 Goals to reduce tobacco use statewide. Throughout the year, issues of secondhand smoke, tobacco cessation, and youth prevention are addressed.

In 2003, Too Smart to Smoke was selected by the Southwest Rural Health Research Center School of Rural Public Health to be included in Rural Healthy People 2010 as a model for practice for tobacco prevention in rural areas. More information can be found at www.healthypeople.gov

Traffic Safety:
Funded by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, traffic safety includes a wide range of prevention strategies. These include traffic safety messages written and recorded by youth for airing on local radio stations, youth educational presentations, observational seat belt surveys, and community displays. Overall goals include reducing the incidence of drinking & driving, while increasing car seat safety, seat belt use, bicycle safety, and pedestrian safety.

For more information please contact North Country’s Community Health Office at 334-3290.