Town of Sandwich to Host Community Event on Youth Substance Use Prevention and Family Resources
SANDWICH, Mass., October 8, 2026 – The Town of Sandwich will host a community event on October 16 focused on youth substance abuse prevention, education, and resources.
The event, held in recognition of Substance Use Prevention Month, will take place from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Sandwich Center for Active Living, 70 Quaker Meetinghouse Road. The evening will give families an opportunity to learn about youth substance use, explore local resources and services, and gain practical tools for starting and strengthening conversations with young people. Parents, caregivers, youth, and members of the entire community are welcome to join.
“Having open, informed conversations with young people can make a real difference, and we want to give parents and caregivers the information and resources to feel more comfortable having those conversations,” said Parker Monks, Social Worker for the Town of Sandwich. “This event is really about bringing people together, answering questions and making sure families know they don’t have to navigate these issues alone.”
The evening will feature the Hidden in Plain Sight Trailer, with Barnstable School Resource Officers, where parents and caregivers can explore a mock bedroom and learn about common places where substances may be hidden.
Keynote speaker Kevin Rosario will discuss youth substance use, the developing brain and strategies for having meaningful and effective conversations with children. A community resource fair will also connect attendees with local organizations, agencies and service providers.
Children and teens are welcome to attend and can participate in open gym activities while parents and caregivers attend the presentations. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.
The event is supported through the Town of Sandwich’s Opioid Abatement Funds, which support community-based efforts related to substance use prevention, education, treatment, recovery and other approved opioid abatement strategies. The Town has identified adolescent and teen prevention, community collaboration and improved access to resources as priorities for its opioid abatement funding.
The Town encourages parents, caregivers and community members to take advantage of this opportunity to learn, ask questions, connect with local resources and strengthen conversations about substance use prevention.
Event Details
Friday, October 16, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Sandwich Center for Active Living
70 Quaker Meetinghouse Road
Sandwich, MA
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Sandwich Center for Active Living
70 Quaker Meetinghouse Road
Sandwich, MA
No registration is required. This event is open to the public and press.
About the Town of Sandwich, Massachusetts
Incorporated in 1639, Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod. Located approximately one hour from Boston, the town borders Cape Cod Bay and the Cape Cod Canal and is a vibrant year-round community and popular vacation destination. The population of Sandwich was approximately 20,000 residents as of July 1, 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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