NVRH celebrates new funding for research on state-level policies and communications

PACE Vermont study to improve understanding of substance use beliefs and behaviors in young Vermonters

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT (July 6, 2020) – In our continuing commitment to health and wellness in our state, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) celebrates new funding for PACE Vermont, a research study to understand the impact of state-level policies and communication campaigns on substance use beliefs and behaviors in young Vermonters. Led by an expert research team from the University of Vermont and the Vermont Department of Health, PACE Vermont will help direct substance use prevention resources where they are needed most.

Until now, Vermont public health experts have relied on youth surveys done every two years to inform substance use prevention efforts. But a lot can happen in two years. By surveying young people ages 12 – 25, PACE Vermont will help close this knowledge gap on rapidly changing questions, such as:

• What is happening with trending or new and emerging products (for example, JUUL)?
• What effects do legalized marijuana and other substance use policies/laws have on young Vermonters?
• Are statewide substance use prevention campaigns working?
• How is COVID-19 affecting social relationships and mental health in young people?

In the summer of 2020, the PACE Vermont team will enroll approximately 1,200 youth (aged 12-17) and young adults (aged 18-25) in two studies:

PACE Vermont Study: The goal of this research study is to understand the impact of state-level policies and communication campaigns on substance use beliefs and behaviors in young Vermonters aged 12-25. Eligible participants will complete three brief (10-15 minute) online surveys over a six-month period. The surveys will occur approximately every 3 months and ask about tobacco, alcohol, and substance use beliefs and behaviors; awareness of and support for substance-related policies; and exposure to statewide tobacco and substance use prevention efforts. Participants receive a $10 online gift card for each survey completed, plus a $20 bonus for completing all three surveys, for a total of $50.

PACE Vape Messaging Study: The goal of this research study is to identify messages to prevent or reduce vaping in young adults. Eligible participants are Vermont young adults aged 18-24 who will complete two brief 10-15 minute surveys over a 1-month period. Participants receive a $10 online gift card for completing the first survey and a $15 online gift card for completing the second, for a total of $25.

“It is important to hear the opinions of our younger generations.” NVRH Prevention Specialist Tennyson Marceau said. “We cannot grow without them. They are the future.”  

This is a unique opportunity for young people to contribute to a body of knowledge that will be used to improve the health of Vermonters for years to come. For more information, to keep track of the study’s progress and key findings or to participate in the PACE Vermont Study, visit pacevt.org.

For more general information, please call NVRH Prevention Services at 802-748-8400.