QHSUA is interested in providing education and research on substance use and mental health related topics to the community. If you have a topic you’re interested in learning more about, email Maegan Boutot, our epidemiologist at mboutot (at) townofware (dot) com.
Our documents
School surveys
Every two years, we work with local school districts and students to help learn about student health.
- Powerpoint with 2023 substance use results, presented at September 2023 coalition meeting: QHSUA Student Survey 2023 – Substances
- Powerpoint with 2021 results: 2021 PNAS Presentation Final
Community and parent/guardian surveys
We run surveys with the larger QHSUA community as well as specifically with parents/guardians.
Results from the 2021-2022 Community Survey
Other documents
One page review of how alcohol pricing affects consumption (PDF): QHSUA_AlcoholPriceReview
One page review on the health effects of high potency cannabis: QHSUA_HighPotencyCannabisReview
Recommended resources
National Institute of Health’s HEALing Communities Resources
From 2021 to 2023, the National Institute of Health worked with local experts in Ware and Belchertown to conduct one part of the HEALing Communities study. Here are some informational documents from the project:
(i)Medications for Opioid Use Disorder saves lives: English, Spanish
(ii) Carry naloxone. Help save a life: English, Spanish
(iii) Opioid use disorder and addiction are treatable: English, Spanish
(iv) Stand up to stigma: English, Spanish
(v) Treatment and recovery for addiction: English, Spanish
Break the Stigma Campaign
For substance use:
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
The Tobacco Education Resource Library from the US FDA
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) from the US HHS
One Choice – a program designed to help students choose to not use any substances before they turn 21. It’s easier just to make one choice!