Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative
Uniting communities through connection and collaboration to prevent youth substance use and misuse, foster a culture of wellness, and ensure every young person has the support they need to thrive.
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of youth haven’t vaped or used alcohol in the last 30 days
%
of youth haven’t used cannabis in the last 30 days.
%
of students report having a supportive adult in their lives.
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Uniting Communities through Connection & Collaboration
Whether you’re a parent or caregiver, or youth looking for guidance, an educator seeking resources, or a community member eager to create change, CMSAPC brings seven communities together to build a healthier, united region.
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Support for parents, caregivers, and youth
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Educational resources for educators
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Community health and prevention programs
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Opportunities to lead local change
Explore Our Local Coalitions
Ashland
Hudson
Marlborough
Natick
Northborough
Southborough
Westborough
View All Communities
Youth Substance Use Prevention Resources
Community Events
View our Events Calendar to stay informed about workshops, training sessions, and wellness activities happening across Central MetroWest.
Follow Us & Join the CMSAPC Online Community
We had a fun day at Hudson RECFest! Many thanks to everyone who stopped by the Hudson Health Department and CMSAPC booth.We had a great time talking with families and community members as we geared up for the official launch of our “Talk Early, Talk Often” campaign on Monday! 🗣️Visitors enjoyed trivia, giveaways, interviews with community leaders, and our fun station for learning about germs — all focused on promoting healthy habits, open communication, and strong community connections.Thank you for your enthusiasm and support 💚
Visit our booth today at @hudsonrecreation RECFest!
We’re excited to kick off CMSAPC’s new "Talk Early. Talk Often." youth cannabis prevention campaign with an engaging, one-hour webinar next week. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, coach, health professional, or a community member who cares about young people, this session is for you.
A Discussion on Youth Cannabis Use (Webinar)
When: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: Zoom (link provided after registration)
🔗 www.tinyurl.com/CMSAPCWebinar
What you’ll learn:
✅ The latest on how cannabis affects the developing teen brain and overall health
✅ Signs to watch for and ways to respond with care
✅ Practical, age-appropriate conversation starters for families and schools
✅ What’s changing in local use patterns and policies—and why it matters
✅ Supports and resources available in our region
Our featured speaker, Dr. Safdar Medina, is a pediatrician affiliated with UMass Memorial and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMass Chan Medical School. He sees patients at Tri River Health Center in Uxbridge, with a focus on treating mental health and substance use in adolescents. Dr. Medina is also a member of Encompass, the Northborough/Southborough Substance Use Prevention Coalition, and has spoken widely over the years on youth substance use and prevention.
We will also hear from Shea Finnegan, who will share his personal story of struggle and recovery. Growing up in Douglas, Massachusetts, Shea had what many would call a normal childhood filled with sports, friends, and family. But at 14, he began using substances, which led to challenges with mental health, addiction, and setbacks in school. After entering Herren Wellness in 2022, Shea began his recovery journey and has since dedicated his life to helping others. He has worked as a Recovery Counselor at Charles River Recovery, a Peer Support Specialist with teens in state care, and now serves as a Wellness Associate at Herren Wellness — the same place where he found his own path to recovery.
We hope you can join us for this important opportunity to learn, ask questions, and join us in starting the conversation early and often with the youth in our lives!
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