Substance Abuse Prevention Programs

History of Substance Abuse Prevention in Hudson

In 2012, the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey uncovered areas of concern for Hudson’s youth, especially the prevalence of substance use among high school students. That same year, the Hudson Board of Health received a three-year grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation to support community efforts addressing youth substance abuse prevention, intervention, and increased access to treatment. While this grant ended in 2015, it helped to spark many of the prevention efforts currently happening in Hudson.

Hudson Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (Hudson YSAP)

Since unhealthy behaviors threaten not just the well-being of youth, but ultimately have negative economic consequences for communities, it makes sense to seek community-wide solutions. The Hudson Youth Substance Abuse Prevention (YSAP) initiative engages the entire community through a three-pronged approach; a community substance use coalition, environmental modifications, and school-based programs. By integrating various strategies into existing or new policies and activities throughout the community, the initiative will strive to create sustainable change for the town of Hudson. For more information about YSAP, click here.

Central Metrowest Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (CMSAPC)

Hudson was awarded the the Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (SAPC) grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Substance Abuse Services to focus on underage drinking prevention. Hudson leads a group of Metrowest towns in a regional effort to address teen alcohol misuse and abuse, coordinating on best practices and initiatives including increasing youth connections to caring adults in their community and changing local policies to decrease youth access to alcohol. For more information on SAPC's efforts, click here.

Free Nasal Naloxone (Narcan) Training

In partnership with the MetroWest Health Foundation, the Hudson Health Department is offering free training on the administration of Narcan. By the end of this training, participants will understand how to administer this life-saving drug, which temporary reverses an opioid overdose and allows time for the individual to access life-saving medical attention. The participant will leave the 20-minute training with a custom Narcan kit, complete with 2 doses of the drug, instructions, and personal protective equipment. For more information, or to schedule a training for you or your organization, contact us here.