Drug & Sexual Abuse: Recent Headlineshttp://www.understandingvt.org/drug-sexual-abuse-recent-head/en-US2008-12-03T06:49:45ZSquarespace Site Server v5.0.0 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Leahy will lead hearing on rural crimehttp://www.understandingvt.org/drug-sexual-abuse-recent-head/2008/11/26/leahy-will-lead-hearing-on-rural-crime.htmlVCF Staff2008-11-26T21:20:09ZVermont Public Radio reports that "Senator Patrick Leahy plans to come to St. Albans next week to chair a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on rural crime." The hearing will "focus on drug-related crimes and efforts to address drug abuse through prevention, treatment and enforcement." Leahy said "he's hoping to learn what the federal government can do to help small communities like St. Albans deal with the recent growth in drug-related crimes." Those scheduled to testify at the hearing include law enforcement officials and drug prevention specialists.

]]>Smokeout in Vermont focuses on 'independent quitter'http://www.understandingvt.org/drug-sexual-abuse-recent-head/2008/11/24/smokeout-in-vermont-focuses-on-independent-quitter.htmlVCF Staff2008-11-24T22:08:05ZVermont Public Radio reports that Vermont Department of Health is unveiling a new smoking cessation program to coincide with the American Cancer Society's 33rd Annual Great American Smokeout. The objective of the program called "Your Quit, Your Way" is"to reach what the department calls 'independent quitters'...people who want to stop smoking in their own way, on their own terms." According to Sheri Lynn, Tobacco Control Chief for the Health Department, "Smokers now have access to free tools and strategies available through the Vermont Quit Network" such as free nicotine gum, patches and lozenges.She added, "We have pedometers, so that instead of taking a cigarette break you can go out and take a walk and track your steps. We also have things to distract your hand, putty or worry stones, and you can get podcasts and hear about the proven tips and strategies to keep smoke-free."

]]>Nine Vermont college presidents want drinking debatehttp://www.understandingvt.org/drug-sexual-abuse-recent-head/2008/11/24/nine-vermont-college-presidents-want-drinking-debate.htmlVCF Staff2008-11-24T18:04:30ZVermont Public Radio reports that "ten leading Vermont college educators are among scores of their colleagues from across the country calling for a debate about the merits of the minimum drinking age of 21." Educators who have signed onto the Amethyst Initiative, which wasdeveloped by former Middlebury College President John McCardell, maintain thatthe 21-year-old minimum drinking age is not working because more young people are drinking irresponsibly. College of St. Joseph President Frank Migloriecommentedthat "once