Tobacco use is the #1 preventable cause of death. In Vermont, smoking costs approximately $348 million in medical expenses and results in an estimated 1,000 smoking-related deaths each year. 10,000 kids now under 18 and alive in Vermont will ultimately die prematurely from smoking. Countless other lives, including those of friends and family members, are impacted by the negative effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. Reducing tobacco use and the chronic disease and mortality it causes is one of CDC's Winnable Battles.

Population-wide interventions that change societal environments and norms related to tobacco use - including increases in the unit price of tobacco products, comprehensive smoke-free policies, and hard-hitting media campaigns - increase tobacco cessation by motivating tobacco users to quit and making it easier for them to do so.

Region-specific prevention practices can also be found in "Planning for Prevention-A Guide to Community Health Initiatives" through Northwest Regional Planning Commission.