by Leia Owen
The 2010 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey identified concerning levels of substance use among Hudson youth. Earlier this year, the Town of Hudson applied for and received a three-year grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation for a youth adolescent substance use initiative. This grant will support various initiatives throughout Hudson. The cornerstone of the initiative is a community-based coalition, which will include many community members. The coalition will guide and support all youth substance use initiatives in Hudson.
Coalition goals include building community capacity and reversing the current trend of increasing prevalence of adolescent substance use in Hudson, especially marijuana use and prescription drug misuse.
The Hudson Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is pleased to announce the recent launch of its website: www.preventhudsonsa.org.
Through discussions about ways to effectively engage youth, parents, and the community, coalition partners agreed that a website would be a helpful forum to educate community members on topics related to youth substance abuse prevention.
The website content is guided by the coalition including community, parent, and youth partners. Topics include:
• Community, youth, and family resources
• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug facts
• Tools to support healthy decision-making
The website includes information about the initiative, including the coalition strategy, and meeting agendas and minutes. Community events are also highlighted. Community members are encouraged to visit the website and check back for coalition and community-wide updates.
The next coalition meeting is scheduled for April 11. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact Town of Hudson Public Health Director Sam Wong at 978-562-2020 or by email at [email protected].
