Substance misuse remains a significant challenge facing communities locally and across the nation, impacting individuals and families of all ages. Prevention is the most effective way to reduce these harms, especially among youth. During Prevention Month, the Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC) highlights the importance of early, community-driven prevention efforts. Through education, collaboration, and empowerment, we work tirelessly to build a safe and healthy environment for all residents of Holliston.
What Prevention Is and Best Strategies
Prevention is the proactive effort to stop substance misuse before it starts. At HDAAC, prevention means addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors through education, community engagement, policy, and youth leadership. Effective prevention strategies include:
- Education: Providing information about the risks associated with alcohol, drugs, vaping, and opioids to youth, parents, and the wider community.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging open dialogue, peer support, and activities for all to foster a supportive environment.
- Policy Advocacy: Strengthening local laws and ordinances to reduce access to substances and exposure to harmful advertisements.
- Youth Empowerment: Involving young people in leadership roles to create relatable, impactful prevention initiatives.
- Early Intervention: Offering resources and assistance to individuals and families before substance misuse occurs.
- Addressing Mental Health and Equity: Recognizing the connection between mental health, social equity, and substance misuse, ensuring prevention efforts are inclusive and comprehensive.
Together, these strategies build resilience and promote healthy choices throughout the Holliston community.
HDAAC is a community-driven coalition dedicated to reducing youth substance misuse in Holliston. We operate under the umbrella of Holliston Youth and Family Services (HYFS) and connect representatives from 12 key sectors—businesses, healthcare, law enforcement, media, schools, parents, youth, religious organizations, government, civic groups, substance use organizations, and youth-serving entities.
This broad coalition fosters communication, collaboration, and mutual support to create a substance-free, healthy community. Each sector brings unique perspectives and resources, allowing us to address substance misuse from multiple angles. By working together, we ensure that prevention efforts are comprehensive, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of Holliston residents.
Youth involvement is especially important to us, as young people are not only the most affected by substance misuse but also powerful agents of change. Our Youth Action Team (YAT) empowers local high school students to say “no” to substances, promote wellness, and raise awareness through their participation in trainings and leading a variety of school initiatives.
What We Do
Through ongoing partnerships, education, and shared goals, HDAAC builds a strong network of individuals and organizations committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all families in Holliston. HDAAC works year-round to implement prevention initiatives tailored to Holliston’s needs:
- Fall: Tabling at football games, school open houses, and community events; providing parent education.
- Winter: Hosting our annual Stakeholders Retreat to plan the upcoming year; attending the national CADCA Leadership Forum to learn new strategies.
- Spring: Organizing Student Speaker Events; leading Mental Health Awareness Month activities; offering interactive events like the Drunk Driving Simulator and youth gatherings.
- Summer: Training Junior Police Academy participants and Parks and Rec campers; reporting season.
How We’re Funded
Our work is sustained by three main funding sources:
- Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grant: Our primary funding comes from a $625,000 federal grant awarded by the CDC, distributed as $125,000 annually over five years. This grant supports our Coordinator’s salary, travel to conferences and trainings, speakers, supplies, and program costs. After the initial term, we have the opportunity to renew for up to an additional five years.
- Opioid Settlement Funds: The Town of Holliston has received approximately $150,000 from opioid settlement dollars. At the 2025 Town Meeting, HDAAC was awarded $50,000 of these funds—about one-third of the total—with unanimous community support. An estimated additional $40,000 per year will continue for the next 18 years. These funds support community members affected by the opioid crisis through the Community Action Fund (CAF) and help fund prevention education and Narcan training and distribution.
These funds ensure HDAAC can maintain consistent, impactful prevention programming.
Why Prevention Matters
Prevention reduces the negative impact of substance misuse on individuals, families, and the broader community. By focusing on education, collaboration, and youth empowerment, HDAAC helps build a stronger, healthier Holliston—a town known for its close-knit neighborhoods, dedicated schools, and deep sense of community.
Prevention Month is a perfect time to get involved—attend local events, volunteer, share resources, or start meaningful conversations with friends, family, and neighbors. In a town like Holliston, where community connections run deep, even small actions can have a big impact. Together, we can nurture a caring and supportive environment where every person feels valued, connected, and empowered to live a healthy, substance-free life.
How To Get Involved
- Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Monthly updates on resources, events, and meeting summaries. - Share Our Messaging
Follow us on Facebook (HDAAC-Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition) and Instagram (@HollistonDAAC) and share our posts. - Attend Our Coalition Meetings
Monthly on the 2nd Thursday, 6:30–7:30 PM on Zoom. Email moreauz@holliston.k12.ma.us for the link.
For more information or to get involved, please visit our website or contact Coordinator Zoe Moreau (moreauz@holliston.k12.ma.us).