Thirteen students from Burlington High School, Hunt Middle School, and Edmunds Middle School—along with district OVX advisors Marissa Stokes and Heather Washburn, and BPHC coalition director Mariah Flynn—attended the OVX Youth Leadership Conference on November 5. The goal was to learn new tools and strategies for tobacco and nicotine prevention that can be brought back to their schools.
During the conference, students explored the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use and discovered ways to make prevention initiatives fun and relatable. They practiced creative approaches to sharing prevention messages within their schools, particularly through social media and engaging video content.
What is OVX?
OVX, which stands for Our Voices Exposed, is a youth-led program in Vermont focused on tobacco and nicotine prevention, especially vaping. The program empowers middle and high school students to educate their peers, families, and local officials about health risks, the deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry, and public health policies aimed at reducing use.
Interested in getting involved?
If you know a student who may want to join, reach out to the SAP Counselor at your school!
