Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative

09/08/2026

🥠 Your future is looking pretty good…

Swipe to crack open your fortune and see what could be waiting for you when you join the Marlborough/Hudson Youth Substance Awareness & Prevention Coalition! 👀

Meet new people. Build leadership skills. Make your voice heard. Help shape decisions in your community. And most importantly, have a real say in the issues that affect young people.

🔮 Like your fortune? Make it happen.
Interested in joining? DM us “Coalition” or email [email protected] to get connected and stay updated!

YouthLeadership PreventionWorks CommunityLeadership MetroWestMA

09/08/2026

Great tips from the CDC!

Parenting a teen means talking about hard stuff too, like anxiety, depression, and drug and alcohol use.

Checking in regularly and creating a judgment-free space can help your teen feel comfortable opening up and help protect them from pressure to use drugs and alcohol.

Start small: listen without judgement, lead with compassion, and let them know you're paying attention. You don’t need to have all the answers. Being present and keeping the conversation matters.

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/free-mind/parents/index.html

09/08/2026

09/03/2026

🧠 Brain Fact #8: The adolescent brain is still developing, especially the systems tied to reward, decision-making, and impulse control. That can make teens more vulnerable to developing problems with substance use than adults.
That’s one more reason why prevention matters early. Open, honest conversations with young people can help them understand the risks and make healthier choices.
💬 Talk early. Talk often. Keep the conversation going.
Learn more and find parent/caregiver resources at cmsapc.org.
SubstanceUsePrevention ParentingTeens TeenBrain PreventionWorks PublicHealth MetroWestMA

09/01/2026

💜☮️

💜 International Overdose Awareness Day 💜

Tonight, Hudson Town Hall is illuminated in purple as we join communities around the world in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day.

The purple flags on the Town Hall lawn represent lives lost to overdose — each one a reminder of a person, a family, and a community forever impacted by substance use and overdose.

Today is a day to remember without stigma, support those who are grieving, celebrate recovery, and remind our community that help is available.

There are many resources available right here in Hudson and throughout the MetroWest area, and the Hudson Health Department can be a first stop for anyone who isn’t sure where to turn. Whether you are looking for help for yourself, a family member, a friend, or your child, please reach out.

Our team can help connect community members with:
• Recovery and treatment resources
• Harm reduction services and supplies, including Narcan and fentanyl test strips
• Behavioral health and social service supports
• Resources for families and loved ones
• Youth substance use prevention, education, and support
• Community programs and connections to additional local services

You do not need to know exactly what kind of help you need before contacting us. Start with us, and we will help you navigate the next step.

Tonight, we remember those we have lost, stand beside those who are struggling, and recognize the strength of those in recovery. Most importantly, we remind our community that there is hope, there is help, and no one has to navigate this alone. 💜

📞 Hudson Health Department: 978-562-2020
📧 [email protected]
📍 78 Main Street Hudson, 1st floor

08/31/2026

Today we remember the lives lost to overdose, acknowledge the grief of the families, friends, and communities left behind, and stand with those whose lives have been impacted by substance use.
Every life matters. Every loss counts.

International Overdose Awareness Day is also a reminder of the importance of prevention, education, reducing stigma, and having honest conversations about substance use. Together, we can help create communities where people feel supported, informed, and able to ask for help.

For regional youth substance use prevention information and resources, visit CMSAPC.org.

SubstanceUsePrevention CMSAPC EveryLifeMatters

08/27/2026

Earlier this month, Governor Maura Healey’s administration announced emergency action restricting the sale of kratom products in Massachusetts. With kratom and highly concentrated products like 7-OH receiving increased attention, it’s important to understand what these substances are and the potential risks associated with them.

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia and can produce stimulant-like or opioid-like effects. Products sold today can vary significantly in strength and ingredients, and concentrated 7-OH products may carry particularly serious risks, including addiction, dependence, and withdrawal.

This graphic from the MetroWest Shared Public Health Services breaks down what kratom is, how products can differ, potential health risks, and what the new Massachusetts restrictions mean.

Being informed is an important part of prevention. Please share this information with others in your community who may find it helpful.

🔗 Learn more at mass.gov/kratom

08/27/2026

🧠 Did you know? The brain learns through repetition.
When it comes to talking with young people about cannabis and other substances, one big conversation isn’t the goal. Regular, age-appropriate conversations over time can help reinforce healthy messages, build trust, and make it easier for teens to come to a trusted adult with questions.
Start early. Keep talking. Small conversations can make a difference. 💬
Learn more and find resources for parents and caregivers at cmsapc.org.
HealthyChoices

08/25/2026

💬 Tuesday Tip #7: Listen more than you talk.
Sometimes the best way to connect with a young person isn’t having the perfect advice or knowing exactly what to say. It’s making sure they know they’re being heard.
When teens feel listened to and respected, it can help build trust and make it easier for them to come to the adults in their lives when something is on their mind. Try asking questions, giving them time to answer, and reflecting back what you hear before jumping in with advice.
Strong connections are built one conversation at a time. Talk Early. Talk Often. 💚💙
ParentingTips TrustedAdults HealthyConversations MetroWestMA

08/20/2026

International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those we have lost, support those affected by overdose, and come together as a community to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

There are events happening throughout the Metrowest area where we can learn, connect, remember, and support one another. Take a look at the local events below and consider attending an event.

Together, we can remember without stigma, support without judgement, and work toward a future where fewer lives are lost to overdose.