Spring is finally here and so is the Dedham Board of Health update!

The Dedham Organization for Substance Awareness (DOSA), in collaboration with MassCALL3 Prevention Partners, is surveying parents of 6th - 12th graders to learn more about their personal beliefs and perceptions regarding underage drinking and substance use and misuse among youth. We would appreciate your time completing this anonymous, 10 to 15-minute survey.

Why should you take the survey? Dedham youth substance use rates remain a concern. 

In the 2023 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, 

• 41% of Dedham High School students report alcohol use in their lifetime, and 22% report using alcohol in the past 30 days. 
• 14% report binge drinking, which is defined as consuming 4+ drinks in a row for females and 5+ drinks in a row for males. 

Your feedback will inform DOSA’s prevention work to address youth substance use. 

Please click this link to begin the survey:  https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8696401/dedhamparent26

DOSA will share the survey results with the community later this year.

Please contact Mae Mears, Program Director, Dedham Organization for Substance Awareness at amears@dedhamma.gov with any questions or to learn more about DOSA.

As Spring approaches, the following Board of Health permits will be expiring and require online renewal at dedhamma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1073:

• Domestic Animals (chickens) – expire June 30
• Pools – expire June 30
• Saunas, Steam Rooms – expire June 30
• Tanning Facilities – expire June 30
• Waste Haulers & Septic Installers – expire June 30

The CareCab Program is a transportation service program designed to support those seeking access to mental health and substance use recovery programs in the Dedham area. It is a free, convenient, and reliable transportation service available to eligible Dedham residents in need of a ride to and from local providers for mental health and substance use recovery services.  This program is made possible thanks to a partnership and funding through the BID Needham Determination of Need Community Health Initiative Funds.

To qualify for the Dedham CareCab program, riders must meet the following criteria:

• Rider must be a Dedham resident or attending a program/service located in Dedham
• Riders must be 18 years of age or older (riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
• Riders must be able to enter/exit the vehicle and buildings independently

Please use one of the following methods to book a ride with the Dedham CareCab:

• Online Application: Visit bit.ly/CareCab_Request
• Request In-Person Application: Town Hall, 8:30AM to 430 PM, Monday through Thursday; and 8:30AM to 1:00PM on Fridays
• Phone or Text: 781-805-5712
• Email: CareCab@dedhamma.gov

Through a collaboration within the NC-8 Coalition Dedham has partnered with Riverside Community Care’s Connect2Recovery. This program provides Recovery Coaching services, available to Dedham residents that are in recovery or interested in recovery from substance use. Services are provided with no out of pocket costs, regardless of insurance status. This program is funded through the individual town Opioid Abatement Funds. For more information or to apply for the program please visit: https://www.riversidecc.org/adult-services/mental-health-substance-use-adults/nc-8-recovery-coaching-program/.

• Emma Reidy, Chair
• Leanne Jasset, Vice-Chair
• Bernadette Chirokas, Member