RD113 - Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth 2014 Annual Report


Executive Summary:
I am pleased to report to you that youth smoking rates in Virginia hit an all-time low during fiscal year 2014!

The percentage of high school students in Virginia who are regular smokers has declined by more than 61 percent since 2001, according to the results of the latest Virginia Youth Survey, jointly conducted by VFHY and the Virginia Department of Health. And the number of middle school smokers has dropped by more than 77 percent over the same period!

For the first time we are also seeing some progress in reducing the number of overweight children in Virginia and a growing number of young people are choosing not to drink soda and other sugary beverages.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made. By promoting active, nutritious and tobacco-free living, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices.

We must, however, remain vigilant. As new children reach the age of experimentation with smoking, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth will continue to be there for them, keeping up with their ever-changing youth culture and helping them to grow into happy, healthy adults.

Thank you for your continued support of VFHY and Virginia’s children.

Sincerely,

/s/ Marty H. Kilgore
Executive Director
Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth