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
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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.
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Another reason to talk early and often is that today’s cannabis products are very different from what some adults remember...
👉 Potency has increased dramatically... many products contain higher levels of THC.
👉 New forms exist: vape pens, edibles, oils, waxes, and concentrates.
👉 Discreet use is easy: vape devices and edibles can be hard to detect.
👉 Marketing targets youth using social media trends and “wellness” language.
Without honest guidance from adults, youth may assume cannabis is harmless because it’s legal in some places. But legal does not mean risk-free, especially for developing brains.
Our partners at Westborough Connects are hosting this in-person community presentation, "Let's Talk About It". This is another great opportunity to hear Dr. Safdar Medina and young adult talk about youth substance use and mental health. They will also have a Hidden in Plain Sight exhibit on-hand, as well as "Talk Early, Talk Often" resources from Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative! All are welcome to attend! Register at: tinyurl.com/LTAI0326
"Hidden in Plain Sight is an interactive, traveling display designed for parents and caregivers, featuring a mock teenager's bedroom to educate them on identifying signs of substance use, risky behavior, and concealed, everyday items indicating danger."
Many caregivers worry about starting conversations too early. Here’s a helpful perspective: early doesn’t mean intense. It means age-appropriate.
Young children already hear words like “vape,” “weed,” or “edibles,” even if they don’t fully understand them. Starting early ensures you become their trusted source of information, not TikTok, YouTube, or friends.
Here’s what age-appropriate conversations might look like:
Ages 6–9
🗣️ Keep it simple, focus on safety
💬 “Some things can hurt our bodies. That’s why we only take medicine from a doctor or parent.”
Ages 10–12
🗣️ Introduce facts
💬 “You might hear about cannabis or vaping. These products can be risky for growing brains. How much have you heard about them?”
Ages 13–15
🗣️ Encourage discussion
💬 “I saw a video about cannabis today. What do kids at your school think about it?”
Ages 16+
🗣️ Respect independence, reinforce healthy choices
💬 “I know you’ll make your own decisions soon. I want to make sure you have good info about cannabis and your health.”
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