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
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of youth haven’t used cannabis in the last 30 days.
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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
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.
Data is the backbone of effective prevention. It shines a light on the challenges we face, helps track progress, and ensures resources are directed where they’re needed most. Understanding substance use starts with accurate, reliable data.
These statistics provide a snapshot of the issues our community is addressing, with a focus on youth and substances of first use (alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana).
Here are some key findings specific to our Central MetroWest community:
📊Youth Alcohol Use: 21% of local youth reported drinking alcohol recently, 12% reported recent binge drinking, and 40% reported lifetime use – overall, a significant decline in use since 2006.
📊 Youth Electronic Vapor Product Use containing Nicotine (EVPs): Fewer than one in five high school students report lifetime EVP use (18%), and one in ten (10%) report current use. Reports of EVP use have declined by more than half since they peaked in 2018.
📊 Youth Marijuana Use: Following a sharp decline since 2018, fewer than one in five youth (18%) have tried marijuana in their lifetime, and one in 10 (10%) report having used it in the past 30 days.
When compared to state and national averages, the CMSAPC region shows both strengths and areas for improvement. For example:
▪️Alcohol Usage: Despite notable declines in alcohol use both locally and nationally, current alcohol use and binge drinking in MetroWest is higher than national rates.
▪️ Vaping Rates: Lifetime and current use of EVPs in MetroWest is lower than in the nation.
▪️ Cannabis Use: MetroWest rates are lower than national rates for both lifetime and current cannabis use.
Today: Join the Conversation on Youth Cannabis Use with Dr. Safdar Medina!
The Central & Metrowest Substance Addiction Prevention Coalition (CMSAPC) is proud to launch its Talk Early. Talk Often. youth cannabis prevention campaign... and it all begins today with an important and engaging online discussion!
🗓 Event Details
Topic: Youth Cannabis Use with Dr. Safdar Medina
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
Location: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration)
As cannabis becomes increasingly accessible, understanding its effects on youth health and development is more critical than ever. Today’s webinar will explore the realities and risks of youth cannabis use, offering both medical insight and real-world perspective.
Dr. Safdar Medina, a pediatrician affiliated with UMass Memorial and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMass Chan Medical School, will share evidence-based insights into how cannabis impacts young people’s brains, behavior, and long-term well-being.
Joining him is Shea Finnegan, Wellness Associate at Herren Wellness, who will offer his lived experience and reflections on prevention and recovery — emphasizing the importance of early, open conversations between parents, caregivers, and youth.
The Talk Early. Talk Often. campaign is all about starting meaningful conversations before substance use becomes an issue. By fostering open dialogue and equipping families with accurate information, CMSAPC aims to empower communities to make informed, healthy choices.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or community member: this event is a valuable opportunity to learn, ask questions, and be part of a supportive network working toward youth wellness.
Don’t Miss Out:he conversation starts at 11:00 AM today — reserve your spot now and be part of the movement to support youth health and prevention.
👉 Register here: www.tinyurl.com/CMSAPCWebinar 🔗 .
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