DAAC works very closely with the Holliston Fire Department in a unique coalition partnership that strengthens community safety, wellness, and outreach. This collaboration is especially impactful with substance use prevention, as both organizations share a commitment to education, early intervention, and reducing stigma. Together, they support youth prevention initiatives aimed at reducing underage use, and work to raise awareness about the risks of substance misuse in the community.
At the center of this collaboration is Fire Chief Michael Cassidy, who also serves as the Emergency Management Director for the town. In addition to leading Holliston’s emergency services, Chief Cassidy plays a key role in the coalition’s prevention efforts as the Authorized Organization Representative, where he signs off on financial reports for the federal CDC grant.
This technical role helps support the financial foundation of HDAAC, but Cassidy’s involvement runs deeper. As a coalition partner and town leader, he helps bridge emergency response with long-term prevention strategies—especially during the summer, when teens may face more risks.
Summer Safety: Parties and Celebrations
“Safety is a focus for us all year round,” Cassidy explained, but with graduation celebrations and holidays like the Fourth of July, summer often means more parties— Cassidy acknowledged that this time of year requires extra awareness: “As there are more parties, there are often more opportunities for there to be alcohol and other substances that are available,” he said. Cassidy encourages teens to prepare for these situations in advance: “People need to make sure they are aware of what they can and cannot have access to. Just because you can access something doesn’t mean it’s safe or right for you, or that it’s going to be a healthy choice.”
Knowing How to Say “No”
For teens, saying no to substances in social settings can be difficult, especially when peer pressure is involved. Cassidy spoke openly about how challenging that moment can be—and why preparation is essential.
“First of all, make sure that you’re surrounding yourself with the right people,” he said. “People who are going to be influencing you for good and not for negative choices.” He advised teens to have a plan in place with a friend before attending events, such as a verbal cue or signal to leave if things get uncomfortable.
Whether it’s “a safe word—just like we want students to have with their parents” or a nonverbal signal, Cassidy said the goal is to remove yourself from a dangerous situation safely and with support. “It’s often hard to be the one who says, ‘I’m choosing not to do this because I’m concerned about my future.’”
He offered practical suggestions for teens who want to stay safe but without making a scene. “You can say something like, ‘Oh, I promised my folks we wouldn’t be out too late. Thanks for having us!’ Just take care of yourself.”
Understanding the Social Host Law
For parents and caregivers, Cassidy stressed the importance of knowing and understanding Massachusetts’ Social Host Law, which can carry serious consequences.
“The Social Host Law says that if you provide alcohol to guests, or allow alcohol consumption on property that you control—and they are underage—you will be held responsible,” he explained. “You can be held criminally and civilly responsible.”
He highlighted cases where adults faced life-changing legal and financial consequences after allowing underage drinking in their homes. “What you think is just a casual get-together—where you collect keys and think everything is going to be fine—can go wrong. People can get hurt, or worse. And then people are losing their homes because of lawsuits or losing years of their lives because of court proceedings.”
Importantly, Cassidy emphasized that simply claiming ignorance is not an excuse. “The courts have held that you should know what’s going on in your house, building, or dwelling. Saying ‘Oh, they were downstairs, I didn’t want to butt in’ doesn’t work.”
Protective Factors in the Community
Despite these risks, Holliston offers strong community support and protective factors that help teens avoid dangerous situations. “Fortunately, we have a lot of great options for teens to be involved with to keep them busy with healthy things,” Cassidy said. “There are lots of sports, faith organizations, and nonprofits. Whether it’s through HDAAC, school clubs, community events, internships, or even advocacy at the state level, there are so many ways to help make sure your peers are making healthy choices.”
He added that staying busy with positive activities and people can make a major difference. “When you’re engaged in healthy activities with like-minded people, you’re not in situations where those negative opportunities come up. Your calendar is already full.”
Cassidy also emphasized the community-wide collaboration between town departments and organizations. “We’ve made really great partnerships. HDAAC is part of that, and so are the schools, police, fire, Youth and Family Services, and faith organizations. Everybody is working together.”
The shared mission, he explained, is to help teens reach adulthood safely—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Conclusive Reminders
Staying safe around substances is important for everyone, and especially youth. Always think ahead and make a plan before going out. Never drink and drive—your safety and the safety of others depends on it. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, call an Uber, stay sober, or plan to stay over if needed. If you’re attending a party, take extra steps to protect yourself: set a safe word with a trusted adult in case you need help, keep your phone fully charged, and use the buddy system so no one is ever alone. It’s also important to remember that the legal drinking age is 21. Waiting to drink and saying no to substances are strong, responsible choices. Being prepared and making responsible choices helps ensure everyone stays safe and contributes to a healthier, more supportive community.
Resource for Preventing Underage Drinking and Information on the Social Host Law