Radford City, VA – Students in Radford will see significant, healthy changes when the new school year begins. Radford City Public Schools has made important updates to its School Wellness Policy to ensure students have increased access to water throughout the school day. This change will undoubtedly positively impact the health and well-being of students throughout the division and their overall academic success, with 3,207 students covered under the policy revision and having access to the support they need to stay hydrated during the day. By prioritizing the well-being of its students, Radford City Public Schools is setting an excellent example for other school divisions to follow. 

The updated policy was developed in collaboration with the Rev Your Bev campaign, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth’s (VFHY) healthy hydration campaign, and its statewide, award-winning high school program, Y Street.

Research has consistently proven that water is the healthiest beverage choice as it fuels your body. Since 2013, Rev Your Bev and Y Street have devoted and sustained efforts to spread healthy hydration messages to help individuals make drinking water a habit and improve Virginians’ overall health. Radford City Public Schools’ revised wellness policy now aligns more with Rev Your Bev’s best practices, ensuring students have access to free and safe drinking water throughout the school day and encouraging teachers to model healthy hydration behaviors. Approved water bottles are also allowed, and water sources will be regularly maintained for hygiene and safety. 

VFHY and Y Street are committed to supporting Virginia school divisions’ efforts to maintain a positive, healthy learning environment and serve as a resource for Virginia schools. “The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth is thrilled to have Radford City Public Schools join as a partner to support healthy hydration. Adequate water consumption is a great habit for youth to develop and a key component to creating positive health outcomes,” said Executive Director Marty Kilgore. 

The impact of the updated policy is expected to increase students’ water consumption and promote healthy hydration. Radford City Public Schools joins the growing list of divisions with comprehensive wellness policies prioritizing water access and promotion, becoming Rev Your Bev’s 15th partner. Director of School Nutrition Connie Wood says, “Drinking water boosts energy levels and combats fatigue for all our students throughout the day. Additionally, water transports nutrients and oxygen to your cells and helps maintain the body’s fluid balance, which is crucial since about 60% of the body is composed of water.”

Radford City Public Schools will receive free resources such as water bottles from VFHY as part of its partnership with Rev Your Bev to support the division in implementing its updated policy. 

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

Lancaster, VA – Students in Lancaster County will see significant, healthy changes when the new school year begins. Lancaster County Public Schools has made important updates to its School Wellness Policy to ensure students have increased access to water throughout the school day. This change will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the health and well-being of students throughout the division and their overall academic success, with 1,020 students covered under the policy revision and having access to the support they need to stay hydrated during the day. By prioritizing the well-being of its students, Lancaster County Public Schools is setting an excellent example for other school divisions to follow. 

This updated policy was developed in collaboration with the Rev Your Bev campaign, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth’s (VFHY) healthy hydration campaign, and its statewide, award-winning high school program, Y Street.

Research has consistently proven that water is the healthiest beverage choice as it fuels your body. Since 2013, Rev Your Bev and Y Street have devoted and sustained efforts to spread healthy hydration messages to help individuals make drinking water a habit and improve Virginians’ overall health. Lancaster County Public Schools’ revised wellness policy now aligns more with Rev Your Bev’s best practices. The policy ensures students have access to free and safe drinking water throughout the school day, with teachers modeling healthy hydration. Approved water bottles are also allowed, and water sources will be regularly maintained for hygiene and safety.  

VFHY and Y Street are committed to supporting Virginia school divisions’ efforts to maintain a positive, healthy learning environment and serve as a resource for Virginia schools. “The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth is thrilled to have Lancaster County Public Schools join as a partner to support healthy hydration. Adequate water consumption is a great habit for youth to develop and a key component to creating positive health outcomes,” said Executive Director Marty Kilgore. 

The updated policy is expected to increase students’ water consumption and promote healthy hydration. Lancaster County Public Schools joins the growing list of divisions with comprehensive wellness policies prioritizing water access and promotion, becoming Rev Your Bev’s 16th partner. “Lancaster County Public Schools is excited to partner with Rev Your Bev to bring awareness of the importance of students and staff consuming water throughout the school day. We realize that revising our Wellness Policy regulations regarding the importance of consuming water and having the materials and items needed, such as signage, water bottles, cups, dispensers & coolers, accessible to all students and staff will have a major increase in our students and staff drinking more water and less sugary drinks,” says Stephanie Carter, Director of Food Service.

Lancaster County Public Schools will receive free resources such as water bottles from VFHY as part of its partnership with Rev Your Bev to support the division in implementing its updated policy. 

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

James City County, VA. James City County Parks & Recreation is committed to promoting 100% tobacco-free outdoor environments by partnering with Share The Air, a campaign by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY), and its largest youth-led movement, Y Street. Share The Air aims to create 100% tobacco-free parklands across the Commonwealth by supporting local parks and recreation departments in adopting voluntary, comprehensive tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free outdoor policies.

Currently, James City County Parks & Recreation encourages visitors to refrain from smoking, including e-cigarettes, within 25 feet of certain facilities like athletic fields, sports courts, playgrounds, and more. This forward-thinking policy not only reduces tobacco and vape litter but also minimizes residents’ exposure to secondhand smoke and vape aerosol. It also promotes positive role modeling for youth who visit the county’s parks and outdoor recreational areas.

As part of its partnership with Share The Air, the department will receive free tobacco-free signage to post to remind park visitors of the policy.

James City County Parks & Recreation strives to create dedicated spaces that allow residents to be active, relax, and gather outdoors and joins the growing list of localities with tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free outdoor policies, becoming Share The Air’s 22nd partner. Park Director John Cornifax shared, “James City County Parks & Recreation’s mission is to work in partnership with citizens to ensure responsive programs, facilities, and open space which promote personal growth, social development, and healthy lifestyles. Our participation in the Share the Air campaign to promote a smoke and vapor-free environment in our parks is an excellent example of another partnership that will educate and improve the health of our community, residents, and visitors.”

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. 

VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares, and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

Cumberland County, VA – Cumberland County Public Schools has made important updates to its School Wellness Policy to ensure that students have increased access to water throughout the school day. This change will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the health and well-being of students throughout the division and their overall academic success, with 1,233 students covered under the policy revision and having access to the support they need to stay hydrated during the day. By prioritizing the well-being of its students, Cumberland County Public Schools is setting a great example for other school divisions to follow.

This updated policy was developed in collaboration with the Rev Your Bev campaign, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth’s (VFHY) healthy hydration campaign, and its statewide, award-winning high school program, Y Street.

Research has consistently proven that water is the healthiest beverage choice as it acts as fuel for your body. Since 2013, Rev Your Bev and Y Street have devoted and sustained efforts to spread healthy hydration messages to help individuals make drinking water a habit and improve Virginians’ overall health. Cumberland County Public Schools’ revised wellness policy now aligns more with Rev Your Bev’s best practices. By including a provision for drinking water to be made available “before” the school day, the division has expanded the access and availability of drinking water throughout the school day.

VFHY and Y Street are committed to supporting Virginia school divisions’ efforts to maintain a positive, healthy learning environment and serve as a resource for Virginia schools. “The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth is thrilled to have Cumberland County Public Schools join as a partner to support healthy hydration. Adequate water consumption is a great habit for youth to develop and a key component to creating positive health outcomes,” said Executive Director Marty Kilgore.

The impact of the updated policy is expected to increase students’ water consumption and promote positive, healthy hydration. Cumberland County Public Schools joins the growing list of divisions with comprehensive wellness policies that prioritize water access and promotion, becoming Rev Your Bev’s 14th partner. Bernice Ford, the Director of Special Education, says, “The updated policy marks a significant step towards fostering a healthier school environment by ensuring that students have easy access to water throughout the day. This change not only supports our commitment to student well-being but also encourages better hydration habits, which are essential for both physical health and academic performance. By providing more water options, we are empowering our students to make healthier choices that can positively impact their overall health and learning outcomes.”  

Cumberland County Public Schools will receive free resources such as water bottles from VFHY as part of its partnership with Rev Your Bev to support the division in implementing its updated policy.

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

This week in Virginia, students, teachers, early childhood educators, staff, and administrators are promoting healthy hydration in schools to increase students’ water consumption as a measure to prevent obesity. This effort is part of Rev Your Bev Week, a statewide week of action put forth by Rev Your Bev, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth’s (VFHY) campaign. The campaign aims to promote water and its vital role in student health and wellness and support Virginia schools in maintaining a positive, healthy learning environment.

During the week of action, Rev Your Bev and Y Street, VFHY’s statewide youth-led high school program, are engaging schools and students from PreK-12 in fun activities. This includes disseminating 500 kits with interactive hydration lessons developed by early childhood educators across the state and hosting school events to raise awareness and make healthy hydration part of students’ everyday lives through policy change. As a resource, the Rev Your Bev campaign developed comprehensive policy standards that school divisions can adopt to help increase water access and promotion in school. So far, 13 divisions, such as Richmond Public Schools, Henrico County Public Schools, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and Greensville County Public Schools, have updated their wellness policy to include the campaign’s standards and partnered with Rev Your Bev. As a result, 245,478 students are covered under policy revisions that empower them to develop and sustain healthy hydration behaviors that will last a lifetime. Schools’ participation in Rev Your Bev Week will help bolster the campaign and Y Street’s advocacy efforts to inspire more school divisions to update their School Wellness Policy and increase the number of Virginia students learning and growing in environments powered by water.

Briana Moran, a Y Street member and student at Greensville High School, shared, “The campaign is important to me because I’m involved with a variety of extracurricular activities, so being able to have healthy drinking water is very beneficial.”  VFHY Executive Director Marty Kilgore expressed her excitement regarding the impact of Rev Your Bev Week. “VFHY loves celebrating Rev Your Bev every year and supporting Y Street youth in their own efforts of empowering themselves and their peers to make healthy choices.”  

To learn more about Rev Your Bev Week and the Rev Your Bev campaign, visit revyourbev.com.

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. 

VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, daycares, and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight into methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

Powhatan County, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools has made important updates to its School Wellness Policy to ensure that students have increased access to water throughout the school day. This change will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the health and well-being of students throughout the division and their overall academic success, with 4,295 students covered under the policy revision and having access to the support they need to stay hydrated during the day. By prioritizing the well-being of its students, Powhatan County Public Schools is setting a great example for other school divisions to follow. 

The updated policy was developed in collaboration with the Rev Your Bev campaign, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth’s (VFHY) healthy hydration campaign, and its statewide, award-winning high school program Y Street.

Research has consistently proven that water is the healthiest beverage choice as it acts as fuel for your body. Since 2013, Rev Your Bev and Y Street have devoted and sustained efforts to spread healthy hydration messages to help individuals make drinking water a habit and improve Virginians’ overall health. Powhatan County Public Schools’ revised wellness policy now aligns more with Rev Your Bev’s best practices. The new policy language details additional provisions, including water availability before and after school, maintenance standards, allowances for water bottles, and encouragement for staff to model healthy behaviors. 

VFHY and Y Street are committed to supporting Virginia school divisions’ efforts to maintain a positive, healthy learning environment and serve as a resource for Virginia schools. “The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth is thrilled to have Powhatan County Public Schools join as a partner to support healthy hydration. Adequate water consumption is a great habit for youth to develop and a key component to creating positive health outcomes,” said Executive Director Marty Kilgore. When asked why the campaign is important, Y Street member and Powhatan High School student Bre Gillespie says, “It’s important because it now allows students and staff greater freedom when accessing water, which is an essential nutrient. Hopefully, now that this policy has passed, our school can do better than ever!”

The impact of the updated policy is expected to increase students’ water consumption and promote positive healthy hydration. Powhatan County Public Schools joins the growing list of divisions with comprehensive wellness policies that prioritize water access and promotion, becoming Rev Your Bev’s 12th partner. “We are pleased to partner with the Rev Your Bev initiative to promote hydration in all Powhatan County Public Schools. Our partnership will bring various resources to help encourage students and staff to drink water throughout the day as an important part of maintaining the overall health and wellness in our schools,” says Kelly Sarkees, Comprehensive Intervention Specialist.

Powhatan County Public Schools will receive free resources such as water bottles from VFHY as part of its partnership with Rev Your Bev to support the division in implementing its updated policy. 

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

Fredericksburg, VA. – Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events decided to commit to making its parklands 100% tobacco-free and vapor-free to provide a clean, healthy, and safe environment for all to enjoy.

The policy change was initiated by Y Street, a program of the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) and Virginia’s largest youth-led movement. VFHY and Y Street members strive to ensure Virginians have equitable access to clean and healthier outdoor environments through its campaign, Share The Air. Share The Air aims to create 100% tobacco-free parklands by encouraging local park and recreation departments and government officials to adopt comprehensive tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free outdoor policies. 

In September 2023, Y Street members met with the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission to present how the city can enhance its parks and outdoor recreational areas and provide an even greater outdoor experience by going 100% tobacco-free. When asked why the campaign is important, Y Street member Vivian Wright, a resident of Fredericksburg, replied, “As the eldest of five, I support Share The Air as it allows my younger siblings, the youngest being 1, to be free to enjoy the outdoors without risking compromising their lungs. Every child and adult deserves the right to a clean environment.” The City of Fredericksburg strives to create dedicated spaces that allow residents to be active, relax, and gather outdoors. For this reason, Fredericksburg’s Park Director recently signed a commitment form to adopt a voluntary tobacco-free outdoor policy and partner with Share The Air. 

The impact of the new policy is expected to reduce tobacco and vape litter and residents’ exposure to secondhand smoke, and promote positive role modeling for youth who visit the city’s parks and outdoor recreational areas. Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events joins the growing list of localities with tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free outdoor policies, becoming Share The Air’s 20th partner. Todd Brown, the Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events Director, shared, “We are excited to partner with Share The Air to provide safe and healthy places to play and recreate. Residents and visiting park users will begin seeing the Share the Air signs in our parks this spring. This awareness campaign is to serve as another reminder of the City’s commitment to promoting a healthier community and a green, clean environment.” 

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events will receive free tobacco-free signage as part of its partnership with Share The Air to post as a reminder to park visitors.

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. 

VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares, and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

Chesterfield County, VA – Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) has made important updates to its School Wellness Policy to ensure that students have increased access to water throughout the school day. This change will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the health and well-being of students throughout the division and their overall academic success, with 62,500 students covered under the policy revision and having access to the support they need to stay hydrated during the day. By prioritizing the well-being of its students, CCPS is setting a great example for other school divisions to follow. 

This updated policy was developed in collaboration with the Rev Your Bev campaign, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth’s (VFHY) healthy hydration campaign, and its statewide, award-winning high school program Y Street.

VFHY and Y Street are committed to supporting Virginia school divisions’ efforts to maintain a positive, healthy learning environment and serve as a resource for Virginia schools. “The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth is thrilled to have Chesterfield County Public Schools join as a partner to support healthy hydration. Adequate water consumption is a great habit for youth to develop and a key component to creating positive health outcomes,” said Executive Director Marty Kilgore.

CCPS’s revised wellness policy now ensures water is accessible in high-traffic areas and that schools throughout the division are promoting healthy hydration behaviors. To celebrate, CCPS hosted a celebratory event on January 9, 2024, at James River High School in Midlothian, VA. During the event, students, teachers, and staff participated in fun water-related activities and wrote Thank You messages, thanking CCPS for their efforts to empower their school community to make drinking water a habit. Students like Chaya McLean at James River High School are appreciative and shared, “Water plays a bigger role in our lives than giving credit to. It is amazing to see the positive impact Rev your Bev has had on my school and community. The campaign has been received with open arms, and everyone is really on board with it. The support is absolutely amazing. This policy win means so much to me and our whole student body.” 

The Rev Your Bev campaign donated and distributed over 1,000 water bottles to support the division in implementing its policy and provided water promotion posters, dispensers, and a Toolkit. 

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

York County, VA. – York County has taken a step towards promoting a healthier outdoor environment by implementing a new tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free policy for the McReynolds Athletic Complex in Yorktown, VA. The facility boasts 13 athletic fields, 2 playgrounds, and a multi-purpose path perfect for walking and jogging to name a few, an ideal location to begin enhancing residents’ outdoor experiences. 

The policy change was initiated by Y Street, a program of the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) and Virginia’s largest youth-led movement. VFHY and Y Street members strive to ensure Virginians have equitable access to clean and healthier outdoor environments through its campaign, Share The Air. Share The Air aims to create 100% tobacco-free parklands by encouraging local park and recreation departments and government officials to adopt comprehensive tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free outdoor policies. 

In November 2023, Y Street members, Morgan Morris and Alisha Mask, from Tabb High School met with the Director of Community Services, Sheri Newcomb, to explain how the county can provide an even greater outdoor experience for its residents by going 100% tobacco-free. When asked why the campaign is important, Morgan stated, “As someone who suffers from asthma, I would like to enjoy my time in outdoor recreational areas without fear of a sudden asthma attack or having to use my inhaler due to secondhand smoking.” 

York County strives to create dedicated spaces that allow residents to be active, relax, and gather outdoors. For this reason, the Director of Community Services signed a commitment form to adopt a voluntary tobacco-free outdoor policy and partner with Share The Air.

The impact of the new policy is expected to reduce tobacco and vape litter and residents’ exposure to secondhand smoke, as well as promote positive role modeling for youth who visit McReynolds Athletic Complex. York County joins the growing list of localities with tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free outdoor policies, becoming Share The Air’s 19th partner. Director of Community Services, Sheri Newcomb, shared, Whether you are hitting a homerun, scoring a goal, or exercising on the fitness trail at the McReynolds Athletic Complex, residents can now enjoy the fresh air by avoiding smoking and vaping at the sports complex.” 

This is just the beginning, as the county hopes to extend this policy to all its parklands in the near future. York County received free tobacco-free signage as part of its partnership with Share The Air to post as a reminder to visitors.

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity. VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares, and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.

Martinsville, VA. – The city of Martinsville recently decided to commit to making its parklands and park facilities 100% tobacco-free and vapor-free to provide a clean, healthy, and safe environment for all to enjoy.

The policy change was initiated by Y Street, a program of the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) and Virginia’s largest youth-led movement. VFHY and Y Street members strive to ensure Virginians have equitable access to clean and healthier outdoor environments through its campaign, Share The Air. Share The Air aims to create 100% tobacco-free parklands by encouraging local park and recreation departments and government officials to adopt comprehensive tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free outdoor policies.

On December 12, 2023, Y Street member and high school student from William Fleming High School, Cheyenne Sebastian, attended the city council meeting to explain how the city can enhance its parks and outdoor recreational areas and provide an even greater outdoor experience by going 100% tobacco-free. When asked why the campaign is important, Cheyenne replied, “I support Share The Air because kids should be able to play outside and not worry about cigarette butts and cigarette smoke in the air, and folks with asthma and other respiratory illnesses should be able to have the opportunity to be around air that doesn’t aggravate their illness.”

Martinsville strives to create dedicated spaces that allow residents to be active, relax, and gather outdoors. For this reason, city council members expressed support, voting to adopt a tobacco-free outdoor policy and pass a resolution supporting Share The Air.

The impact of the new policy is expected to reduce tobacco and vape litter and residents’ exposure to secondhand smoke, as well as promote positive role modeling for youth who visit the city’s parks and outdoor recreational areas. Martinsville joins the growing list of localities with tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free outdoor policies, becoming Share The Air’s 18th partner. Mayor LC Jones shared, “The City of Martinsville is pleased to participate in the Share the Air program. The idea of tobacco and e-cigarette-free outdoor spaces perfectly aligns with Martinsville’s focus on its Fit City Initiative. We look forward to working with our partners at Share the Air to provide all citizens, especially our students, with educational resources on the harmful effects of tobacco and e-cigarettes. We hope that our participation will encourage other cities and towns throughout Virginia to join us in helping create healthy communities that have tobacco and e-cigarette-free outdoor spaces”.

Martinsville will receive free tobacco-free signage as part of its partnership with Share The Air to post as a reminder to park visitors.

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About the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity.

VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work that includes reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, day cares, and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to more than 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight on methods to effectively reduce tobacco use. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org.