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.
%
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
CMSAPC is a regional, grant-funded coalition made up of schools, parents, youth-serving organizations, faith-based services, local governments, and substance use prevention groups. We serve the Central MetroWest communities of Ashland, Hudson, Marlborough, Natick, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough.
These towns work together under the shared belief that prevention is a community effort, with every member playing an important role in moving us closer to our shared goals. Our strength lies in collaboration, uniting dedicated individuals and organizations who share a passion for enhancing the well-being of their neighbors and families.
At CMSAPC, our mission is clear: to prevent underage drinking and substance use while promoting holistic health in the communities we serve. Through proactive education, collaboration, and evidence-based strategies, we aim to equip youth and families with the tools to make informed decisions and build stronger, safer neighborhoods.
CMSAPC is guided by a carefully crafted strategic plan, designed to address youth’s “substances of first use” such as alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. Mental health is also a key focus, as we recognize the close ties between emotional well-being and substance use prevention.
Some of our key initiatives include:
- Parent/Caregiver Social Marketing Campaign: Educating families about cannabis prevention strategies, healthy communication, and building resilience in children.
- School-Led Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Campaign: Bringing parent/caregiver awareness to current school SEL work and expand current SEL curricula to include a home-to-school connection and engage parents/caregivers in SEL work.
Together, these efforts contribute to building a proactive, preventive culture in all seven of the communities we serve.
Our collective resources help communities thrive. With these resources, you’ll have the information and support needed to create positive change within your community.
Start the conversation. Shape their future.
February vacation is a great reminder that prevention starts at home. A quick check in today can build trust that lasts all year.
Be the first voice they hear about cannabis.
Delay use. Protect their developing brain.
“Talk Early. Talk Often.”
Explore the parent toolkit at CMSAPC.org
Cannabis can affect the body and brain in more ways than people realize even in the short term. Changes in coordination, mood, perception, and reaction time can have real impacts, especially for teens and young adults whose brains are still developing.
This resource from Stanford REACH Lab is a great conversation starter and fits right into our “Talk Early. Talk Often.” approach. When parents and caregivers have accurate information, it’s easier to start honest, age appropriate conversations before misinformation fills the gap.
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