On October 20th, 2025, the SPIFFY and Communities That Care Coalition co-organized a Western Massachusetts Legislative Event on Youth Substance Misuse Prevention. More than 50 participants, including legislators and legislative staff from across Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden, Berkshire, and Western Worcester Counties, as well as public health professionals, local officials, and those who work directly with youth throughout the region attended this event. Below are some follow-up resources from this event:
- The slide deck that was presented at the event
- Recording of the event (password: t6zr7.LMD$)
- Two-page summary of the bills discussed
- Digital resource packet: “Western Massachusetts Youth Substance Misuse Prevention: Policy Recommendations”
- The resource packet includes links to Western Massachusetts youth substance misuse prevention coalitions as well as other public health organizations, local youth health data, evidence-based substance misuse prevention strategies, local youth voice, and bills in the 2025-26 Massachusetts Legislative Session that would have a direct impact on youth health if signed into law.
We look forward to connecting and collaborating with our state legislators to craft policies that support youth health. Please reach out to the event’s co-organizers, Ilana (ilana@frcog.org) or Lexi (apolokoff@collaborative.org), with questions, requests, or ideas at any time.
