Dedham Organization for Substance Awareness

04/25/2026

DOSA is now at Dedham’s Town Libraries every month!

Join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 3:30–5:30 PM for a space focused on connection, conversation, and community. We’ll be here for teens and parents alike, talking openly about substance use and decision-making, and creating a supportive environment where anyone can ask questions and share perspectives.

There will also be the occasional game, activity, and chances to win prizes—no pressure, just a welcoming space to show up as you are.

Stop by, bring a friend, and check it out.

04/22/2026

We’d love to have you join us for our next Coalition Meeting on April 29 from 6:00–7:30 PM.

We’ll be talking about:
• Va**ng in schools and building out a prevention-focused logic model
• A new Alternative to Suspension program
• Substance use trends around town, including local hotspots

Whether you’ve joined us before or are new, this is a great way to stay connected, share your perspective, and be part of the conversation.

RSVP at dedhamcoalition.org

04/22/2026

Art isn’t just creative—it’s protective.

Creative expression can act as a protective factor for mental health. It gives people a way to process emotions, reduce stress, build identity, and feel a sense of control—especially during times that feel uncertain or overwhelming.

One powerful form of this is zine-making.

Zines—small, self-published booklets—are all about self-expression. There are no rules, no expectations, and no “right” way to create one. They can hold stories, drawings, poetry, collages, thoughts, or questions. They can be shared widely or kept private. What matters is the process.

For young people especially, spaces that allow for authentic expression without judgment can build confidence, connection, and resilience. Zines offer exactly that: a low-pressure, accessible way to explore identity, voice experiences, and be heard.

Whether it’s through painting, music, writing, or zines—creative outlets matter. They support wellbeing in ways that are both personal and powerful.

04/22/2026

04/21/2026

The Dedham Police Department will once again participate in the DEA National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday April 25, 2026.

Unused or expired medications may be disposed of in the parking lot area of the Dedham Police Department located at 26 Bryant Street between 10 am – 1 pm on Saturday April 25, 2026. An officer will be present to accept the medications.

Why are the Dedham Police participating in this program?

- Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue which can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse.
- Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision.
- The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends, and the home medicine cabinet.
- Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold.
- Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.
- Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs. The Dedham Police accept unused and expired drugs in the public lobby of the Police Station 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

- For more information on prescription drug abuse go to:
o www.dea.gov
o www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com
o www.justthinktwice.com

We encourage all to do some spring cleaning. Check your medicine cabinets for unused and expired medications. Bring them to the Dedham Police Station on Saturday April 25, 2026, between 10 am – 1 pm for safe disposal.

03/23/2026

📣Today's sessions are now on Zoom exclusively 📣
Join us TODAY for two powerful workshops addressing bullying, and how to move forward past your senior year. (For both teens and parents!)

Topic: Bullying and Personal Health
Time: Mar 23, 2026 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8180520909?omn=85990513540

Meeting ID: 818 052 0909
Passcode: Photo

Topic: Beyond Senior Year
Time: Mar 23, 2026 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8180520909?omn=85666396164

Meeting ID: 818 052 0909
Passcode: Photo

🤝 Knowledge empowers communities. Come be part of the conversation.

03/11/2026

📣 Let’s Talk About Teen Health

Join us March 31st for two powerful workshops addressing substance use and mental health in adolescents.


🚭 Va**ng, Smoking & Narcotics
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Endicott Library
Explore how substance use among teens is evolving and learn about the physical, social, and mental health impacts.

🧠 Depression & Su***de
6:30 PM - 7:45 PM | Main Library
Gain insight into adolescent mental health and how to recognize warning signs and support young people with care and understanding.

🤝 Knowledge empowers communities. Come be part of the conversation.

https://events.dedhamlibrary.com

03/10/2026

📢 Two Important Conversations for Teens & Families!

Join us March 23rd for workshops focused on navigating real challenges teens face today |

🛑 Bullying & Personal Health
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Endicott Branch
Learn how to recognize bullying, understand its impact, and support resilience in adolescents.

🎓 Beyond Senior Year
6:30 PM - 7:45 PM | Main Library
Life after high school is full of changes. Let’s talk about independence, responsibility, relationships, and what comes next.

Join us for thoughtful discussions that support teens through some of life’s biggest transitions.

https://events.dedhamlibrary.com

03/05/2026

📢 Calling all parents and guardians of Dedham 6th-12th graders! 📢

Your voice MATTERS!

Please consider taking a few minutes to complete this ANONYMOUS survey. Your participation supports youth substance use prevention efforts and helps keep young people in our community safe AND healthy!

🔗Scan the QR code for the survey link or find it in our bio.

Thank you for your support!

02/25/2026

🧠🚧 Adolescent brains are still under construction!

‼️ Alcohol can interfere with brain development, making it harder to control impulses, make healthy choices, sense danger, and remember important moments.

‼️🤩 Join the 77% of Dedham High students who chose NOT to consume alcohol in the last month, it’s the norm 😎
(Source: 2023 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey)

02/09/2026

Small device. BIG impact.

‼️ Vapes are NOT harmless and many contain ni****ne that can hook the brain in seconds, plus chemicals and metals that can damage the lungs.

‼️ The earlier use starts, the harder it can be to quit.

✨ Together, we can spread awareness, reduce harm, and support teens in choosing what’s best for their health!

01/23/2026

・・・
Awareness IS Prevention: Free Community Workshops

The Dedham Youth Commission is honored to have Greg West, M.Ed, EMT, EMS I/C, CPP, join as our guest speaker for this important community workshop.

📆 When: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 (2 sessions; one for youth and one for parents/caregivers)
📍 Where: Dedham Town Hall, 3rd Floor, Room 304

SESSION 1: The Risks of Drugs and Va**ng for Youth
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Learn about the health risks of va**ng, THC, and other drugs that young people are using today. We will talk about addiction, physical health problems, and how these substances affect teens and their families.

SESSION 2: Bullying and Risky Behavior - For Parents and Caregivers
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Understand the difference between normal conflict and bullying. Learn how to help young people become stronger and more resilient. Discover the link between bullying and dangerous behaviors like substance use. Get practical tips you can use right away to support your children.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
How to talk about prevention with your family and community. Ways to create safer spaces at home, school, and online. Tools for early action before problems get worse. Why awareness is the first step to prevention.

About Greg West: Greg taught Health Science for 32 years before retiring in 2020. He now teaches health education to students, parents, and teachers. Greg worked as a firefighter and EMT, and currently teaches Emergency Medical Technician students at North Shore Community College.