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.

%

of kids who learn about the risks of drugs are less likely to use.
mother and daughter browsing on a laptop together

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

Get to know the community coalitions that make up CMSAPC. These dedicated groups share in our mission and work to craft prevention strategies suited to their community’s unique needs.

Ashland

Hudson

Marlborough

Natick

Northborough

Southborough

Westborough

View All Communities

Youth Substance Use
Prevention Resources

Want to make a real impact? Our resources are your playbook for building healthier habits for community youth and your family.

Community Events

View our Events Calendar to stay informed about workshops, training sessions, and wellness activities happening across Central MetroWest.

Latest Past Events

Follow Us & Join the
CMSAPC Online Community

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💬 Have you had conversations about vaping or cannabis products yet?

One of the biggest challenges communities are facing right now when it comes to substance misuse: Access.

With the rise of vape devices, cannabis products are easier to use — and easier to share — than ever before. Many don’t require preparation, don’t have a strong smell, and can be passed between peers quickly and discreetly. That ease of access can make a big difference, especially for young people.

These products often contain higher levels of THC, and it can be difficult to know how much is being used in a single moment. That uncertainty can increase the risk of negative experiences, particularly for youth who may not fully understand what they’re using.

That’s why awareness matters:
✔ Understanding what these products look like
✔ Knowing how they’re used
✔ Keeping open, judgment-free conversations going

The more informed adults are, the better we can support young people in making safe, healthy decisions!
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💬 What’s one way you keep conversations open with the young people in your life?

Today’s cannabis is very different from what many adults remember. Products are often more potent, which can increase the risk of negative effects ... especially for young or first-time users.

That’s why prevention starts with conversation. Young people are incredibly impressionable in both positive and negative ways. As adults, we have an opportunity to guide them with clear, honest, and age-appropriate information.

The goal isn’t fear, it’s understanding.

✔ What cannabis is
✔ How it’s changed
✔ Why delaying use matters

The Talk Early. Talk Often. campaign is here to help make those conversations easier — and more effective.

Start early. Stay consistent. Keep it real.
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Come check out our “ Talk Early. Talk Often.” table during then Open House tomorrow! At Hudson High from 4-6!It’s National Public Health Week! 🎉🩺

Join us as we celebrate the power of public health and the impact it has on our everyday lives — from the air we breathe to the services that keep our community safe and healthy.

This year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Action!”, is all about coming together and taking steps—big and small—to build a healthier future for all.

The Hudson Health Department is excited to bring a full week of events to our community:

📚 Public Health StoryWalk (all week!) with the Hudson Public Library
💊 Narcan Training
🏫 Public Health Open House
🧘 Free Yoga Sculpt Class at the Hudson MA Senior Center
🩸 Blood Drive with Hudson Massachusetts Police Department

Whether you join us for one event or all of them, there’s something for everyone!

✨ Don’t forget to stop by our Open House to complete your punch card for a chance to win a raffle prize!

Public health is all around us—and it starts with each of us. We hope to see you there! 💙

#NPHW #ReadySetAction #PublicHealth #HudsonMA #CommunityHealth #PreventionWorks
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