Parent Child Center Network: Request for Tobacco Settlement Funds to Reduce Tobacco Use Among Pregnant Persons and Prevent Exposure Among Young Children

The Vermont Parent Child Center Network (PCCN) is comprised of 15 independent Parent Child Centers serving all geographic areas of the state. Funded through the state PCCN Integrated Grant, PCCs provide eight core services to support parents and give children under age six the best possible start. These services are parent support, parent education, concrete supports, home visits, playgroups, information and referral, early childhood services and community development around early childhood, and family issues. PCCs are also providers of many of the state's critical services for young children and families including Children's Integrated Services (CIS), Parents as Teachers (PAT)  home visiting, licensed childcare and specialized childcare, Learning Together Program for parents completing high school, and others.  

This year the PCCN is seeking $500,000 in Tobacco Settlement Fund dollars in addition to the Integrated Grant to support and expand a range of smoking and vaping cessation, health education and prevention activities to:

• Reduce the number of pregnant and parenting adults who use tobacco products,
• Prevent parents and other household members from future smoking and vaping, and
• Protect children from the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke in the home and places where they learn and play.

Vermont ranks 5^th worst in the nation in rates of smoking during pregnancy. Over 13% of all births were affected by cigarette use in 2023. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke for young children. Smoke exposure contributes to a range of respiratory and other illnesses in children. Vaping is not a safe alternative, for either the adult or children in the home. PCCs are in a unique position to make a difference. PCCs build trusting relationships with parents, and can offer the support, education and the referrals needed to address this critical health challenge in Vermont.  

Legislative Update

So far, our proposal has been well received by the Legislature. We have also had positive conversations with the Department of Health to lay the groundwork for a strong partnership. Network members have provided testimony to the House Committee on Human Services, to the public budget hearings, and to the legislative Rural Caucus. We thank everyone for their support!