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
Studies consistently show that young people who talk with a trusted adult about substance use are:
✅ Less likely to start using substances
✅ More likely to understand risks and make healthy choices
✅ Better prepared to handle peer pressure
✅ More likely to seek help if they ever feel overwhelmed or curious
Conversations help delay use... and delaying use is one of the most protective things we can do for youth.
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."
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