Substance Use Prevention

Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community recognizes local professionals working to make the Queen City a safer, healthier place.

BPHC hosts its 13th annual Roots of Prevention Awards Celebration at Contois Auditorium in City Hall. This event is an important opportunity to pause and thank volunteers in the community going above and beyond to improve health and wellbeing in Burlington (based on nominations that come in from around the city). This is the first in-person celebration since 2019. Representative Taylor Small offers remarks and Jessica Lahey gives a keynote address. Jessica is a New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, teacher, recovery expert, national speaker, and Vermonter. This year we honor Dr. Kimberly Blake (a local doctor), Sidiki Sylla (a BHS Senior), and Peter VonDoepp (a coach at BHS). Award recipients bring family and friends to celebrate. 

Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community recognizes local professionals working to make the Queen City a safer, healthier place.

Help honor the outstanding awardees and their contributions to our local community.

Keynote speaker: Will Jones III - Director of Community Outreach from Smart Approaches to Marijuana

Special Remarks: Monica Hutt, Stae of Vermont Chief Prevention Officer

Honorees:

- Rebecca McCray for her coordination of Burlington School District's highly successful COVID-19 response.

- Shay Totten and Robyn Freedner-Maguire for their collective efforts in leading Burlington to create and [soon-to] launch a progressive mobile mental health crisis response program modeled after the CAHOOTS program in Eugene, Oregon.

- Dan Cahill, a land steward with Burlington Parks and Rec, for his efforts creating inclusive community spaces for youth and families to enjoy our outdoors.