Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham - SPAN

Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham - SPAN SPAN is a community coalition that works to implement strategies for youth substance use prevention. No commercial ads allowed.
2. No profanity allowed.

Needham Parents Care is subset of the Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham (SPAN) and is made up of Needham parents of school-aged children. The group exists to share information and discuss how we can empower Needham parents to talk to their children in order to enhance overall health and wellness, build coping skills, and enhance resilience. The goal is to establish these discussions and rou

tines early, so they are in place when the pressures associated with substances and other negative influences come into play. GROUP GUIDELINES:
Needham Parents Care is intended to be a discussion and information sharing forum about ways that parents can prepare and build resilience in their children. We ask that topics remain focused on this subject and please take the following into consideration:
1. No continual disrespectful, rude or extremely ‘snarky’ comments allowed or your posts will be deleted.
3. If you’ve had previous warnings the next post containing profanity will lead to being *deleted* from the group.
4. Please do not share the personal information (names, etc…) of others.
5. Any action deemed necessary by Admins to keep the group in good form will be taken. If you block an Admin, they will have to delete you because the Admin will not be able to see your posts/respond to them, therefore will have no way to determine if guidelines are being met. You may unfriend an Admin but not block. Welcome to the Needham Parents Care page, we’re happy you’re here with us! Please read our guidelines so you’re not unexpectedly *deleted* from the group. If you have questions reach out to us in a message prior to posting. We do not censor things for the sake of 'keeping the peace' (it's not our place to keep the peace) if comments are respectful they’ll remain. If a respectful post disappears the original poster may have taken it down or there may be a temporary FB glitch (if it's a glitch the post should return on its own). This is an open, public group & admins are not responsible for content of members' posts but will try to maintain decorum as frequently as possible.

Your roots run deep. You are not alone in your recovery – connect with your community, find hope, and reclaim your futur...
08/21/2026

Your roots run deep. You are not alone in your recovery – connect with your community, find hope, and reclaim your future. has tools and support for your journey: https://samhsa.gov/recoverme

This is your recovery, your way. Peer support? Treatment? Self-care? Whatever works for you,   is here to empower you wi...
08/17/2026

This is your recovery, your way. Peer support? Treatment? Self-care? Whatever works for you, is here to empower you with practical resources to help you face challenges with substance use and mental health. Visit: https://samhsa.gov/recoverme

👥 Bystanders have the power to make a difference.Bullying doesn't just affect the people directly involved—it impacts ev...
08/12/2026

👥 Bystanders have the power to make a difference.

Bullying doesn't just affect the people directly involved—it impacts everyone who witnesses it. The good news is that when bystanders choose to support someone being bullied or safely speak up, they can help stop bullying and create a more positive environment.

According to StopBullying.gov, parents can help by talking with their children about what bullying looks like, encouraging empathy, and discussing safe ways to intervene or report bullying when they see it. Helping kids understand that even small acts of kindness and support can make a big impact empowers them to be part of the solution.

📚 Learn how to help your child become an "upstander" with this featured resource—link in our bio.

🏫 A safe school year starts at home.As students head back to school, it's important to prepare for more than just classe...
08/10/2026

🏫 A safe school year starts at home.

As students head back to school, it's important to prepare for more than just classes and homework. Talking with your child about safety, creating family emergency plans, and staying connected with their school can help them feel more confident and prepared throughout the year.

The National Safety Council recommends that families discuss topics like emergency contacts, transportation safety, online safety, bullying prevention, and knowing when to speak up if something doesn't feel right. These simple conversations can help build resilience and empower children to make safe decisions.

📚 Learn more about school safety at home through this featured resource—link in our bio.

🎓 College is a big milestone—but your influence doesn't end at move-in day.As your young adult prepares for college, the...
08/07/2026

🎓 College is a big milestone—but your influence doesn't end at move-in day.

As your young adult prepares for college, they're likely to face new freedoms, responsibilities, and decisions about alcohol. The good news? Research shows that parents still have a powerful influence during this transition.

SAMHSA's Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol guide offers practical tips for starting meaningful conversations before they leave home. Learn how to discuss expectations, campus policies, the risks of underage drinking, and strategies for making safe, healthy choices. These conversations don't have to happen all at once—what matters most is keeping them going.

📚 Check out this resource through the link in our bio.

Talking with your child about alcohol and other drugs doesn't have to be a one-time conversation—it should grow with the...
08/05/2026

Talking with your child about alcohol and other drugs doesn't have to be a one-time conversation—it should grow with them. 💙

SAMHSA's Talk. They Hear You. campaign provides free, research-based resources to help parents and caregivers start meaningful conversations about substance use early and continue them as children grow. From conversation starters and fact sheets to videos and practical tips, these tools can help build trust, strengthen communication, and reduce the risk of underage substance use.

📚 One of this month's featured resource is available through the link in our bio. Take a few minutes to explore these free tools and feel more confident starting the conversation.

💜 Join us for Needham's 5th Annual Overdose Awareness Vigil.Together, we'll honor those we've lost, support those impact...
08/03/2026

💜 Join us for Needham's 5th Annual Overdose Awareness Vigil.

Together, we'll honor those we've lost, support those impacted by substance use, and raise awareness that recovery is possible.

📅 Thursday, August 27, 2026
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Memorial Park Gazebo

The evening will include guest speakers, music, free naloxone and naloxone training, and resource tables from local organizations.

Whether you've been personally affected or simply want to support your community, we invite you to stand with us.

📱 Is social media helping—or hurting—your child's mental health?The answer isn't always simple. While social media can h...
08/03/2026

📱 Is social media helping—or hurting—your child's mental health?

The answer isn't always simple. While social media can help young people connect and express themselves, too much time online or negative experiences can affect their mental health and well-being.

The good news? Parents don't have to have all the answers. SAMHSA recommends focusing on open conversations, creating healthy screen-time habits together, modeling balanced technology use, and making time for offline activities that strengthen family connections.

Small changes can make a big impact. 💙 Start the conversation today.

Source: SAMHSA's Social Media, Online Safety, and Youth Mental Health fact sheet. Link in the bio!

🎒 August is officially Back to School month! Stay tuned for resources to guide your talk with your young one about subst...
08/01/2026

🎒 August is officially Back to School month! Stay tuned for resources to guide your talk with your young one about substances.

☀️ Summer break can mean more freedom—but it can also bring more risk. 🚨  Longer days, less structure, and more social g...
07/21/2026

☀️ Summer break can mean more freedom—but it can also bring more risk.

🚨 Longer days, less structure, and more social gatherings can increase the chances of teens experimenting with alcohol or other drugs. As parents and caregivers, staying connected, setting clear expectations, and encouraging healthy, substance-free activities can make a big difference.

🙌 This summer, keep the conversation going. Your support and involvement matters more than you may realize.

🔗 Source: PrairieCare, "Summer Substance Use: Why Teenage and Young Adult Drinking and Drug Use Increase in Summer."

Address

178 Rosemary Street
Needham, MA
02494

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