Looking forward to fun family activities this summer? Make a plan to keep kids and teens safe! Secure adult-use substances in your home and at summer gatherings:
Alcohol
Keep your alcoholic drinks secure and separate from non-alcoholic drinks and monitor access. Use our easy to read stickers to make it clear which coolers contain non-alcoholic drinks. Contact Coalition Coordinator Jessica at jessica@healthylamoillevalley.org for a Cooler Safety Sticker pack!
Cannabis/Marijuana
Cannabis is harmful for kids, teens, and pets. Be sure to keep your stash stored in a locked box. Learn more about cannabis safety and health risks for children and youth at the VT Dept of Health website.
All parents and caregivers need to know the signs of cannabis ingestion in children, including sleepiness, dizziness, agitation, confusion, problems with coordination, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and slurred speech. If your child is unconscious or having trouble breathing, walking, or sitting up, dial 9-1-1. If you suspect accidental ingestion of cannabis, call your child or teen’s medical provider right away, or contact the Northern New England Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.
Image credit: Vermont Department of Health
Prescription Drugs
Keep prescription drugs out of reach of kids and teens to prevent misuse which can harm their health and developing brains. Proper disposal of prescription drugs protects waterways, wildlife, and pets too.
Visit any of these year-round prescription drug drop off boxes at your convenience. See specific locations for drop-box hours:
- Copley Hospital, Morrisville, (802) 888-8888
- Cambridge Kinney Drugs, (802) 644-8811
- Hardwick Police Department, (802) 472-5475
- Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, Hyde Park, (802) 888-5244
- Morristown Police Department, (802) 888-4211
- CVS, Morrisville, (802) 888-4239
- Stowe Police Department, (802) 253-7126
You can also request a free mail back envelope from the Vermont Department of Health or pick one up at your local doctor’s office. Learn more about prescription drug disposal at the VT Dept of Health website.