West Hartford Strives To Get Kids Off Nicotine

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford will use a $9,600 grant to help prevent nicotine use among young people and provide residents with information and resources to help them quit.

The West Hartford Town Council unanimously approved a resolution Aug. 12 accepting the grant from Amplify Inc., the regional behavioral health action organization for north-central Connecticut.

Council members approved the measure 9-0 following a motion by Councilor Tiffani McGinnis and a second from Councilor Lisa Lazarus.

Amplify, working with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, offered the funding through a community mini-grant program focused on underage nicotine prevention.

According to a memorandum from West Hartford Town Manager Richard Ledwith, the program is intended to help communities prevent young people from starting to use nicotine, educate residents about the harms associated with nicotine use, and improve access to cessation services.

West Hartford Social Services/Prevention Partnership applied for and received the $9,600 award.

The town plans to use the money for community education and other prevention activities, including distributing nicotine "quit kits" and providing additional support services to residents.

Acceptance of the grant required an amendment to West Hartford's fiscal year 2026-27 General Fund budget, increasing both estimated grant revenue and appropriations by $9,600.

The money must be spent in accordance with the grant agreement.

According to Ledwith's memorandum, the town's corporation counsel's office reviewed and approved the proposed resolution for form and legality.

The expenditures can begin following the council's approval.

For the minutes of the Aug. 12 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.