Each year, our annual report serves as a way to share updates on the work done from the previous fiscal year. Even though this annual report is no different, it is impossible to ignore the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the world in the final quarter of the 2020 fiscal year.

Even prior to the pandemic, youth were facing serious public health challenges with vape/e-cigarette use reaching national epidemic levels, and the “Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products" also commonly referred to as “EVALI."

Our primary concerns during the pandemic remain the safety and the well-being of our partners and the children they serve. That is why we worked with the Office of the Attorney General to get guidance on modifying our grant agreements. We created a plan to allow grant recipients affected by this situation to implement their work differently or complete alternative activities. We also understood the importance of following through with the financial commitment we made which includes funding about 175 part- and full-time positions through our grant work. We recognize that what is needed right now is our continued investment and flexibility during this uncertain time.

We must continue prevention work in communities across Virginia while we wait for long term data to see how harmful the pandemic has been to youth obesity rates, tobacco products use, and substance use –especially for those who have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic.

Thank you for supporting these critical prevention programs, our communities need them now more than ever.

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