Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative

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Hudson, MA
Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative

CMSAPC consists of Ashland, Hudson, Marlborough, Natick, Northborough, Southborough & Westborough Massachusetts. We want every young person to thrive!

We aim to unite communities through connection & collaboration to prevent youth substance use/misuse.

01/23/2026

As we settle into 2026, we’re energized and ready to keep the conversation going.

Prevention works best when communities stay engaged, informed, and connected.

Thank you for being part of a movement that supports healthier, safer futures—let’s go!

01/22/2026

Get Ready! FOLLOW & SHARE for the MetroWest REGIONAL LAUNCH - Building Bright Brains campaign coming soon!!

01/21/2026

Healthy goals don’t have to be big to matter.

Prioritizing communication, emotional wellness, and informed choices helps young people build resilience.

Talking regularly about substances, stress, and peer pressure supports these goals all year long.

01/20/2026

This season often brings pressure to “reinvent” ourselves.

It’s helpful to remind kids and teens that growth doesn’t require perfection.

Small steps, honest conversations, and self-awareness are powerful tools for long-term well-being.

01/16/2026

A new year brings fresh opportunities to strengthen relationships and reinforce healthy habits.

Prevention isn’t about fear, it’s about knowledge, connection, and confidence.

Let’s carry those values forward together! Send this post to a friend, family member, or someone in your community that you think would benefit from following our campaign.

12/27/2025

“The choices you make can have lasting consequences.”

Detective Chad Crogan shares an important reminder for young people: using cannabis or alcohol in unsafe ways can lead to life-changing outcomes that can’t always be undone. These aren’t scare tactics, they’re real-world lessons shaped by experience.

That’s why prevention starts with honest, age-appropriate conversations. Talking early and often helps kids understand risk, build decision-making skills, and feel supported when faced with pressure.

Clear messages. Trusted adults. Ongoing conversations.
That’s how we help young people make smart, safe choices!

12/26/2025

Extra downtime doesn’t have to mean risky choices.

Creative activities, family projects, outdoor time, and low-pressure fun can help kids and teens stay engaged.

Boredom is also a chance to talk about healthy ways to cope and make choices that align with personal goals.

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. 💬

Address

78 Main Street
Hudson, MA
01749

Telephone

+19785622020

Website

https://www.hudsonhealthdept.org/sapc

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