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
Meet the team behind Ashland’s Department of Prevention & Human Services. They are a valuable part of our CMSAPC team and do a lot of great work!
From youth programming and mental health resources to food access and emergency assistance, their team works every day to support the health, safety, and well-being of the Ashland community.
Take a moment to learn more about they we are and what they do!
Ashland Prevention & Human Services
Decisions At Every Turn Coalition
“They’re not listening anyway…”
It’s one of the most common things parents say... and one of the biggest misconceptions. The truth? Young people are listening… even when it doesn’t look like it.
Young people are always watching:
📱 How you manage stress
💬 How you talk about mental health
🍷 How you approach substances
👀 Even how present you are in everyday moments
Research continues to show that parents and trusted adults are one of the biggest influences on whether a young person chooses to use substances. Your voice matters more than you think.
That’s exactly why Talk Early. Talk Often. exists: to remind adults that these conversations aren’t one-time lectures. They’re ongoing, evolving, and incredibly impactful. And it’s not just what you say… it’s what you do.
They learn from it all. You don’t have to be perfect, but being intentional makes a difference.
Start the conversation. Keep it going. They’re listening.
💬 What’s one small way you model healthy behavior at home?
💬 What does “a healthy community” mean to you?
Lizzy Chalfin, from the Natick Health Department and the Natick 180 Coalition, shares what it means to give back to the same community that raised her and how prevention, education, and recovery are all part of the same conversation.
Substance use doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s connected to mental health, access to resources, community support, and the systems that shape everyday life.
That’s why coalitions like Natick 180, and partners across MetroWest, take a full-spectrum approach:
✔ Prevention
✔ Education
✔ Treatment & recovery support
Because when we talk early, support often, and stay connected as a community, we create environments where young people (and adults) can make healthier choices.
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