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
As we wrap up 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this year has shown us: conversations matter.
When adults talk early and often with kids and teens about substance use, mental health, and decision-making, it builds trust and resilience that lasts far beyond one moment. This end-of-year stretch is a powerful time to check in, listen, and reinforce the message that safe, honest conversations are always welcome.
We’re grateful to our community for showing up all year long... and we’re just getting started.
Please share our content, invite friends and family to follow, and stay tuned for our Talk Early, Talk Often campaign as we go all out in 2026!
🎥 Missed our webinar last month? Don’t worry — it’s now available to watch on YouTube! (Link below 👇)
The webinar features Dr. Safdar Medina and Shea Finnegan, who share valuable insights on youth cannabis prevention, communication strategies for parents and caregivers, and the importance of early conversations.
This webinar is part of our Talk Early. Talk Often. campaign — a regional initiative designed to help parents and caregivers start meaningful conversations early and often about substance use, empowering families to make informed, healthy choices.
🎬 Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lHeXCFdCCQ&t=1s
#TalkEarlyTalkOften #PreventionStartsWithYou #ParentingSupport #YouthPrevention #CMSAPC
We believe strong communities start with strong families. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our new prevention initiative: Talk Early, Talk Often.
Backed by the MassCALL3B Grant from the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), this campaign brings together seven communities — Ashland, Hudson, Marlborough, Natick, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough — with one mission: support youth in making healthy, informed choices about cannabis and other substances.
Parents and caregivers told us they want:
✅ Real information
✅ Conversation tips
✅ Confidence talking about cannabis
✅ Resources that fit busy lives
Talk Early, Talk Often encourages open, ongoing conversations between adults and youth — not lectures or “one big talk,” but small, honest moments that build trust over time. Research shows that kids who talk with trusted adults about substance use are less likely to engage in risky behavior. Those conversations truly make a difference.
This campaign lives both online and in your community through:
📱 Instagram & Facebook
🌐 A resource-packed website
🙋 Local ambassadors
👨👩👧 Events and workshops
We’re here to offer tools, tips, and real stories from real families.
Starting the conversation can feel uncomfortable, but you don’t have to do it alone. Follow us, share the message, and let’s build a healthier future together.
Talk early. Talk often. They’re listening.
EN 
ES 
PT