Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative

12/22/2025

School breaks bring freedom, flexibility, and sometimes extra downtime. While the change in routine can be fun, it can also create moments where kids and teens feel bored, disconnected, or unsure how to spend their time.

This is a great opportunity to set clear expectations, talk about plans, and stay connected. Checking in about where kids will be, who they’ll be with, and how they’re feeling helps reinforce safety without pressure and opens the door for ongoing conversations.

Looking for ways to stay engaged during school break? Here are some ideas families can try together:
☃️ Create a loose daily routine that balances rest, fun, and responsibility
☃️ Set aside short “check-in” moments each day to talk about plans, moods, or highlights
☃️ Work on a small school-related project like reading together, journaling, or practicing a skill without pressure
☃️ Play games as a family: board games, card games, puzzles, or trivia spark connection and conversation
☃️ Get outside when possible for walks, snow play, or fresh air to boost mood and energy
☃️ Try a creative activity like cooking, baking, art, music, or building something together
☃️ Volunteer or help others, even small acts build purpose and connection
☃️ Talk about healthy ways to handle boredom or stress, reinforcing that substances aren’t a solution

School breaks don’t need to be packed with activities to be meaningful. Simple, shared moments help strengthen relationships and those relationships are the foundation of prevention.

12/21/2025

“Middle school feels like the right time to start the conversation.”

Local parent Kevin shares what many parents and caregivers feel: once kids become more socially aware and independent, it’s important to start talking about substance use. And just as importantly: many adults don’t feel like they have all the right tools or information yet.

That’s okay. You don’t need to be an expert to begin.

The Talk Early. Talk Often. campaign exists to support parents and caregivers with age-appropriate resources, conversation tips, and myth-vs-fact guidance ... so no one has to navigate these conversations alone.

Starting the conversation is the first step. We’re here to help with the rest. 💬

12/20/2025

Winter can bring changes in routines, moods, and energy levels. Encouraging healthy habits - like staying active, getting enough rest, and checking in emotionally - can make a big difference.

This season is also a good time to remind kids and teens that substances aren’t a solution to boredom or stress.

Healthy coping skills matter year-round. Here are a few conversation starters you can use:

❄️ “What helps you feel better when you’re bored or stressed during the winter?”

❄️ “What do you usually notice about your mood when your routine changes?”

❄️ “If a friend was feeling overwhelmed, what are some healthy ways you think they could cope?”

❄️ “What activities help you relax or reset when you’ve had a long day?”

❄️ “Who do you feel comfortable talking to when something feels hard?”

12/19/2025

When should parents start talking to kids about substance use?

According to Dr. Brian Reagan, Superintendent of Schools in Hudson, the conversation shouldn’t wait until the teen years. Starting in the middle elementary school years helps normalize open, honest dialogue and builds trust long before tough situations arise.

That’s the heart of the Talk Early. Talk Often. campaign: creating space for ongoing conversations that grow with your child, rather than relying on one “big talk.”

You don’t need all the answers. You just need to start the conversation. 💬

12/18/2025

Community connection plays a big role in prevention. Whether it’s family activities, school events, or local gatherings, shared experiences create opportunities for meaningful conversations.

Recently, CMSAPC Coordinator Michael (Mike) Rugg attended a Westborough Connects and The Square One Collaboration in Westborough QPR training and shared information about our mission... which is closely tied to the QPR mission, too.

The QPR Institute’s (qprinstitute.com) mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven su***de prevention training. QPR Institute believes that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. A QPR gatekeeper - what this training was for - is someone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating su***de. QPR Gatekeepers can be anyone, but include: Parents, Teachers, Ministers, Coaches, Doctors, First Responders, Mental Health Professionals, and YOU!

Attending events together helps normalize communication, strengthens relationships, and gives kids and teens positive ways to spend their time.

Prevention doesn’t always look like a lecture, sometimes it looks like showing up.

12/17/2025

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!

11/12/2025

🎥 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lHeXCFdCCQ&t=1s

This webinar, hosted by the Central MetroWest Substance Awareness and Prevention Collaborative (CMSAPC), highlights the Talk Early. Talk Often. Campaign — a ...

10/16/2025

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.

10/09/2025

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, ni****ne, and ma*****na).

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 V***r Product Use containing Ni****ne (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 Ma*****na Use: Following a sharp decline since 2018, fewer than one in five youth (18%) have tried ma*****na 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.
▪️ Va**ng 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.

10/07/2025

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 🔗 .

10/06/2025

We’re excited to kick off CMSAPC’s new "Talk Early. Talk Often." youth cannabis prevention campaign with an engaging, one-hour webinar next week. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, coach, health professional, or a community member who cares about young people, this session is for you.

A Discussion on Youth Cannabis Use (Webinar)
When: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: Zoom (link provided after registration)
🔗 https://www.tinyurl.com/CMSAPCWebinar

What you’ll learn:
✅ The latest on how cannabis affects the developing teen brain and overall health
✅ Signs to watch for and ways to respond with care
✅ Practical, age-appropriate conversation starters for families and schools
✅ What’s changing in local use patterns and policies—and why it matters
✅ Supports and resources available in our region

Our featured speaker, Dr. Safdar Medina, is a pediatrician affiliated with UMass Memorial and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMass Chan Medical School. He sees patients at Tri River Health Center in Uxbridge, with a focus on treating mental health and substance use in adolescents. Dr. Medina is also a member of Encompass, the Northborough/Southborough Substance Use Prevention Coalition, and has spoken widely over the years on youth substance use and prevention.

We will also hear from Shea Finnegan, who will share his personal story of struggle and recovery. Growing up in Douglas, Massachusetts, Shea had what many would call a normal childhood filled with sports, friends, and family. But at 14, he began using substances, which led to challenges with mental health, addiction, and setbacks in school. After entering Herren Wellness in 2022, Shea began his recovery journey and has since dedicated his life to helping others. He has worked as a Recovery Counselor at Charles River Recovery, a Peer Support Specialist with teens in state care, and now serves as a Wellness Associate at Herren Wellness — the same place where he found his own path to recovery.

We hope you can join us for this important opportunity to learn, ask questions, and join us in starting the conversation early and often with the youth in our lives!

09/18/2025

✨ This Sunday! ✨
Join us for “I’ll Never Do That” a powerful live performance that shares one family’s hidden struggles with addiction. As a parent falls deeper into substance use, the rest of the family must cope with the pain, challenges, and impact that remind us addiction is a “family disease.”

Presented by 2nd Act, a collective of artists in recovery, this moving story uses theater to break stigma and open up conversation about recovery and hope.

📍 Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe St
🗓️ Sunday, Sept. 21 | 4:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission | Registration encouraged

This event is recommended for adults & teens.