![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/f3a4fdd1-59a1-4796-9b68-38434acf551a/YARC?io=transform:fill,width:350,gravity:center&format=webp) The Youth Advocacy and Research Collaborative focuses on improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people by addressing substance use, providing overdose prevention education, actively involving community partners, and supporting youth and their families. Research & Projects How to Access Naloxone Our Team Training Resources Advocacy ## Current Projects ### Youth Overdose Prevention Study **Objective:** To develop an effective universal overdose prevention intervention (that can be used in clinical settings) for youth to better understand drug risks, reduce risks, and learn how to respond to an overdose. **Summary:** We aim to gather a community advisory board of important stakeholders that will help design and inform a pilot intervention that would provide overdose prevention education to youth in a clinical setting. We then plan to conduct a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) to evaluate acceptability and feasibility of the intervention that the CAB helped design and complete a larger RCT after the pilot study. **Updates:** Currently in the process of developing the pilot intervention and submitting our application to ClinicalTrials.gov **Funding:** National Institute on Drug Abuse - National Institutes of Health (R61DA062217) ### Youth Empowerment Study - YES **Objective:** Create effective overdose prevention educational materials for youth **Summary:** Through focus group and photovoice meetings with youth in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we aim to better understand how they perceive overdose risks and drug supply safety. We also plan to interview adult stakeholders to understand their perspectives regarding overdose risk among young people. The information collected will be used to collaboratively update educational materials and interventions for youth. **Updates:** Completed focus groups with youth and are beginning analysis of those meetings to begin our photovoice activity. Qualitative interviews with adults is currently in progress. **Funding:** National Institute on Drug Abuse - National Institutes of Health (R21DA062256) ## Past Projects ### Building Capacity to Prevent Youth Overdose **Objective:** Build capacity among youth, families, and providers to conduct PCOR (patient-centered outcomes research) and CER (comparative effectiveness research) that addresses youth overdose. **Summary:** Our six-member youth community advisory board (CAB) of youth and a parent/youth advocate in MA (ages 19 -24) had 13 monthly meetings to help develop guiding research questions and agendas for future research on overdose prevention and education. Themes that emerged include risk factors for youth overdose and youth-focused overdose interventions: components, settings, and outcomes. This group helped to inspire and develop the content on this website. **Funding:** Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (EACB-26846) ### BU CTSI – Scoping Review **Objective:** Identify current youth overdose prevention interventions in the U.S to guide public health efforts to create effective overdose education for youth **Summary:** Our team completed a scoping using the adapted PRISMA Checklist for Scoping Reviews to guide our review and structure Our search of Searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed descriptions of youth overdose prevention education interventions from 2010-2023 in the U.S. found 16 unique programs that fit our inclusion criteria, including nine from peer-reviewed literature and seven from gray literature (news articles, reports, blogs, conference papers, etc.). This led to the conclusion that there is a gap in overdose prevention education for youth. **Funding:** National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, through BU-CTSI Grant Number 1UL1TR001430 ### School Based Health Centers **Objective:** To explore attitudes and beliefs of school-based health center staff members in delivering overdose prevention education and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in school-based health centers (SBHCs) in MA. **Summary:** We recruited 13 SBHC staff that identified as medical or behavioral health providers from a two-day youth focused substance use training program. Participants completed two rounds of interviews that covered topics related to examining opioid overdose prevention, OUD treatment, and harm reduction methodologies Themes from both rounds of interviews were examined with the goal of using this data to inform interventions and implementation at SBHC sites. **Updates:** Currently in the process publishing the manuscript with a journal **Funding:** NIDA grant, R25DA033211 and the Becca Schmill Foundation ### Peer Overdose Prevention Project **Objective:** To create effective peer lead overdose prevention educational materials for youth. **Summary:** Through 10 advisory group meetings, students from the John D. O’Bryant School created overdose prevention educational materials that can be used with their peers. **Updates:** Completed first draft of curriculum modules and currently working with students to prepare the content for wider dissemination. **Publication:** Boston University, Boston Medical Center Researchers Work with High School Students to Build Peer-Led Overdose Prevention Program ([Article published by BU Today](https://www.bu.edu/articles/2025/bu-bmc-overdose-prevention-program/)) **Funding:** Boston University School of Public Health ## The PhotoWalk Exhibit (YES Study) This exhibit features photos and audio from a photovoice project our team hosted with youth (age 13 to 25) from MA and RI, as part of YES study activities. Through this research method, participants shared photos, stories, and perspectives on substance use, harm reduction, stigma, and mental health. Our goal is to use their insights to improve youth specific harm reduction resources. ## Diamond In The Rough *"I was on my way to work, and I bumped into this man who appears to be homeless, and he was digging into the trash. But my point in taking this picture is to be able to portray the stigma that surrounds the idea of asking for help."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-1.pdf) ## Finding Your Soul *"This image is the Kundalini tree. It was taken at a program for youth that believes that all people grow like a tree into being the person they're supposed to be, and some people pass away and sadly, tragically, trying to find themselves."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-2.pdf) ## Doodling *"So, if you look on the right, you'll see some earbuds, uh, because I like to listen to music. And then the back is actually, uh, like, a piece of construction paper. Cuz when I'm stressed I like to doodle… I usually draw in my, like, guest room because it has, like, a TV, and I could do, like, tutorials… what I like to do is mostly just doodling and drawing characters and games."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-3.pdf) ## Song of the Soul *"In this photo, it's kind of an example how sometimes when I'm stressed out about something, I decide to play music to calm me down a bit so I can go back into things more calm. That's mostly why I listen to music is background noise."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-4.pdf) ## A Good Distraction *"I decided to take a picture of my favorite book… it's a series that I really like a lot. And books in general, um, I feel like helped me, um, either when I'm stressed or feel like I'm overwhelmed with emotions. Sometimes to get my mind off things, I read books to just try to get to do something, and I would say reading can be good for your hands sometimes, especially when it's a good story and it's engaging."* [Read more](https://bmc.org) ## Getting Out of My Head *"My journal is where I go to, in terms of addressing things like shame or stigma and just more of a personal introspection kind of thing maybe journaling, Google, or reaching out to friends. So, how I intentionally move through things is kinda like journaling or talking to other people. I don't really write as often as I probably should because I have issues with internalizing things, but I think journaling is a pretty positive practice depending on how you articulate yourself."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-6.pdf) ## Reliable *"So the reason I had chosen this photo was because if I were to ever use drugs and, if I want to do it safely, I want to be around a family member."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-7.pdf) ## Always Watching *"I photographed a home security camera because this type of technology plays, like, a big role in increasing awareness and safety because it can monitor, like, it can monitor our surroundings, store video footage, and help us feel more secure whether we're like home or away."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-8.pdf) ## Just Say No *"I picked this picture because the best way for me to stay safe from drugs is just not to use them or to just say no. That was why I picked this picture. I believe it's the best option for me, to take… Um, the photo is, like, very, like, simplistic, but it shows, like, a very big message… like, saying no to drugs."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-9.pdf) ## A Safe Space for Drug Use *"This is a picture of a room at Safe consumption site, where you have that needle box, and, um, that's a basic medical facility where you can go in, and you can use those rooms. And they give you needles, they give you pipes, and they give you all of the stuff that you need, so you can use, um, safely. Um, and that's actually a way that you can use substances safely. Um, and to be safe is to use needle -- like clean needles."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-10.pdf) ## Healthy Choices, Safer Future *"This picture is of our local youth organization. It's created for the teens to hang out and just be like a chill space. So, rather than, like, being outside doing drugs or anything bad, they could be there having fun, spending time with one another, and just, you know, distracting them from doing anything bad outside."* [Read more](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/YES%20Study%20-%20Photovoice%20Quotes%20PDF-part-11.pdf) ### How to Access Naloxone Naloxone (Narcan) rescue kits are available at many pharmacies and stores across Massachusetts, such as CVS, clinics, primary care, health centers, etc. Many pharmacies and stores may have naloxone on shelves or at the front counter, meaning you do not have to talk to a pharmacist. It is available with or without a prescription, but a prescription from your doctor is NOT needed. The Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a [statewide standing order](https://www.mass.gov/doc/naloxone-standing-order-1/download) that allows anyone to request and receive a naloxone rescue kit. In addition, naloxone can also be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) at many retailers [Learn more at the Department of Public Health website](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/getting-naloxone-from-a-pharmacy-or-store) ### Our Team ### [Sarah Bagley, MD](#) Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Boston University ![Sarah Bagley](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Sarah%20Bagley.jpg?itok=hO8PePr5) ### More About Me ![Sarah Bagley](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Sarah%20Bagley.jpg?itok=hO8PePr5)#### Sarah Bagley, MD Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Boston University Sarah Bagley is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine and is board certified in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine. She is the founder of the CATALYST at Boston Medical Center providing integrated substance use care and primary care for youth where she sees patients. Her passion is to ensure that all youth who use substances have access to high quality, equitable care to promote their health. Her research focus is on the engagement of young adults who use drugs and their families in care to minimize risk for overdose and the complications of drug use. She has funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and PCORI to conduct research about engagement in treatment and overdose prevention of young adults after nonfatal opioid overdose and reducing stimulant related overdose [BUSM Profile](https://www.bumc.bu.edu/medicine/profile/sarah-bagley/) Close Dialog ### [Ally Cogan, MPH](#) Research Project Manager ![ally cagan](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Ally%20Cogan%20YARC.jpg?itok=66uEqyYc) ### More About Me ![ally cagan](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Ally%20Cogan%20YARC.jpg?itok=66uEqyYc)#### Ally Cogan, MPH Research Project Manager Ally Cogan is a research project manager for the YARC and the Clinical Addiction and Research Education Unit at Boston Medical Center. She assists in the management of day-to-day operations and activities on research programs focused on youth and young adult overdose prevention and harm reduction curriculum development. She received her MPH from Boston University School of Public Health, where she concentrated in community assessment, program development, implementation, and evaluation. She is passionate about the development of equitable access to tailored healthcare for underserved populations and those typically overlooked by healthcare systems, with specific passion for work with LGBTQIA+ folks. In her spare time she can be found biking, cuddling her cats, or engaging in some kind of fiber craft. Close Dialog ### [Amy Yule, MD ](#) Vice Chair for Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry ![amy yule](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/AI%20Search-Amy%20Yule_115_1x1.jpg?itok=b6AaahkL) ### More About Me ![amy yule](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/AI%20Search-Amy%20Yule_115_1x1.jpg?itok=b6AaahkL)#### Amy Yule, MD Vice Chair for Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry Amy Yule, MD, is board certified in adult, child, and addiction psychiatry. She is the vice chair of addiction psychiatry at Boston Medical Center and an associate professor at the Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Yule works with youth with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders as well as their family in a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic. Her research is focused on decreasing risk associated with substance use for youth, preventing substance use disorders in youth with psychiatric disorders and treatment of co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. [BUSM Profile](https://www.bumc.bu.edu/psychiatry/profile/amy-yule-md/) Close Dialog ### [Cala Renehan, MPH](#) ![Cala Renehan](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Screenshot%202025-06-13%20at%203.54.45%E2%80%AFPM.png?itok=mJ3UHGQ7) ### More About Me ![Cala Renehan](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Screenshot%202025-06-13%20at%203.54.45%E2%80%AFPM.png?itok=mJ3UHGQ7)#### Cala Renehan, MPH Cala Renehan is a research assistant at Boston Medical Center’s Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit. Cala’s passion for harm reduction and overdose prevention stems from her time working at the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver, CO. Her interest and commitment grew while she completed her MPH at Boston University. Cala has an enthusiasm for qualitative data and believes the best way to engage youth and young adults in harm reduction and overdose prevention is to simply talk to them and ensure they are heard. She feels privileged to carry out this work and contribute to work that ensures the safety and wellbeing of youth. Close Dialog ### [Debbie M. Cheng, ScD](#) ![debbie cheng](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Screenshot%202025-06-13%20at%203.55.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?itok=yr-FA3H4) ### More About Me ![debbie cheng](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Screenshot%202025-06-13%20at%203.55.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?itok=yr-FA3H4)#### Debbie M. Cheng, ScD Debbie M. Cheng is assistant dean of data science and the founding executive director of the Center for Health Data Science at the Boston University School of Public Health. She is a professor of biostatistics with a research focus on applied statistics and the design and analysis of clinical trials. She collaborates with investigators worldwide on multiple studies in the areas of substance abuse and HIV. She is also associate director of the Providence/Boston Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and co-director of its Biostatistics Core, as well as director of the Biostatistics and Data Management Core for the International URBAN ARCH Center, which aims to examine the impact of alcohol on multiple aspects of the TB disease continuum. Dr. Cheng is the lead statistician for the Massachusetts site of the HEALing Communities Study, a multi-site cluster randomized trial aimed at reducing opioid-related overdose deaths in communities across four different states, the largest study of its kind in addiction science. Close Dialog ### [Jessica Calihan, MD, MSc](#) ![Jessie Calihan](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Jessica%20Calihan%20YARC.jpg?itok=UNs25jJh) ### More About Me ![Jessie Calihan](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Jessica%20Calihan%20YARC.jpg?itok=UNs25jJh)#### Jessica Calihan, MD, MSc Jessie Calihan is a General Academic Pediatrics fellow in the Boston University Department of Pediatrics and provides primary and integrated substance use care for adolescents at Boston Medical Center. She completed the Urban Health Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency program at Johns Hopkins Hospital prior to completing fellowship training in Addiction Medicine and Adolescent Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. Her clinical work focuses on providing high quality, accessible, and equitable care to promote youth health now and in their futures, and her research focuses on engaging families, particularly those affected by caregiver substance use, to prevent adolescent substance use and related harms. Close Dialog ### [Kimberly Nelson, PhD, MPH](#) ![Kimberly Nelson](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Kim%20Nelson%20YARC.jpg?itok=MBebHf3C) ### More About Me ![Kimberly Nelson](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Kim%20Nelson%20YARC.jpg?itok=MBebHf3C)#### Kimberly Nelson, PhD, MPH Kimberly Nelson is an associate professor of community health sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health and an associate professor of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine. She is also faculty of the Fordham University Research Ethics Training Institute. As both a clinical psychologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Nelson focuses her research on understanding and intervening on psychological and structural determinants of health inequities with a particular focus on health inequities among marginalized adolescents and young adults. Additionally her work focuses on the ethical and legal issues involved in health research and interventions with adolescents and ways to use technology effectively and ethically for data collection and health promotion interventions. Close Dialog ### [Maurice Newman, MEd](#) ![Maurice Newman, MEd](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Maurice%20YARC.jpg?itok=L7-r-Aoa) ### More About Me ![Maurice Newman, MEd](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Maurice%20YARC.jpg?itok=L7-r-Aoa)#### Maurice Newman, MEd Maurice currently serves as a Project Coordinator at the Centre for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) on Opioid & Overdose, serving on the YES & CUTS studies respectively at Rhode Island Hospital, a member of Brown University Health. Maurice has a strong background in harm reduction, as he served at AIDS Project Worcester in various capacties such as Housing Case Manager, Drug Checking Technician, Phlebotomist, Street Outreach, Post Overdose Support Team member, Grant Writer, and Manager of Programs & Services. Maurice is driven by his personal philosphy - helping people becoming better versions of themselves. Maurice currently holds BEd in Elementary Education, MEd in Educational Leadership & Administration, and is pursing his PhD. in Organizational Leadership. Close Dialog ### [Moriah Wiggins](#) Research Coordinator ![Moriah Wiggins](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Moriah%20Wiggins%20YARC.jpg?itok=N9_KydSQ) ### More About Me ![Moriah Wiggins](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Moriah%20Wiggins%20YARC.jpg?itok=N9_KydSQ)#### Moriah Wiggins Research Coordinator Moriah is the current research coordinator for YARC and the Clinical Addiction and Research Education Unit at Boston Medical Center. She is a Boston native, and grew up in Boston’s South End neighborhood. She then attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she received a Bachelor of Science in bioengineering. Upon receiving her undergraduate degree, Moriah served multiple lab roles at Foundation Medicine in Cambridge. During her time at Foundation Medicine, Moriah was also able to pursue her passions for D.E.I., health equity, and community engagement as the founding co-chair of the company’s first employee resource network for communities of color. When Moriah is not working, she wears the hat of a creative and immerses herself into Boston's thriving art communities. Close Dialog ### [Sarah Kosakowski, MPH](#) Associate Director of Research Operations ![Sarah Kosakowski](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Screenshot%202025-06-13%20at%202.51.28%E2%80%AFPM.png?itok=TY73HmCU) ### More About Me ![Sarah Kosakowski](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Screenshot%202025-06-13%20at%202.51.28%E2%80%AFPM.png?itok=TY73HmCU)#### Sarah Kosakowski, MPH Associate Director of Research Operations Sarah Kosakowski is the associate director of research operations for the YARC and the Clinical Addiction and Research Education Unit at Boston Medical Center. She oversees a large research program focused on opioid overdose prevention, behavioral interventions among people who use drugs and are at high risk of overdose, post overdose outreach, and harm reduction education development and implementation among youth and young adults. Additionally, she lead efforts within the Informatics Core on the HEALing Communities Study to integrate community engagement and data driven decision making approaches into developing and implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce opioid overdose fatalities in Massachusetts communities. Sarah received her MPH from Boston University School of Public Health, where she concentrated in health policy, law, and management, and is passionate about translating research findings and public health data to communities in usable, interactive, and digestible formats. In her spare time she likes to hike with her pup Cali, travel as much as she can, and exploring new cuisines Close Dialog ### [Traci Green, PhD, MSc](#) ![Traci Green](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Traci%20Green%20YARC.jpg?itok=IvsrUKQv) ### More About Me ![Traci Green](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Traci%20Green%20YARC.jpg?itok=IvsrUKQv)#### Traci Green, PhD, MSc "Dr. Green is an epidemiologist whose research focuses on drug use, opioid use disorder, and drug-related injury. She earned a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from McGill University and a PhD in Epidemiology from Yale University. She is Professor and Director of the Opioid Policy Research Collaborative at Brandeis University where she oversees research on the drug supply, harm reduction services, and risk mitigation following law enforcement and policy actions. She also co-directs the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) on Opioids and Overdose at Rhode Island Hospital and is an Adjunct Professor of Emergency Medicine and Epidemiology at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University and the Brown School of Public Health. Dr. Green created the web app platform [www.streetcheck.org](http://www.streetcheck.org) to support the growth and excellence of community drug checking. She helped co-found [www.prescribetoprevent.org](http://www.prescribetoprevent.org) for prescribers and pharmacists and its companion site [www.prevent-protect.org](http://www.prevent-protect.org) for families, patients, and community organizations to improve naloxone access. " Close Dialog We offer the following types of training to the community: - Overdose prevention training for youth and adults that includes an overview of overdose risks, overdose recognition, and how to respond - Naloxone/Narcan training We have currently completed trainings with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lawrence and Marlborough, Concord public school, Newton public schools, and the John D. O’Bryant School in Roxbury. [Request Training](https://redcap.bumc.bu.edu/surveys/?s=LACDCWF8YM9NHEC4) [Provide Training Feedback](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwttarChBlnAuo79Ht177gMaSnv7oJx5MSihzSQSa9tIpZyg/viewform?usp=header) ## Important Hotlines *Hotlines are completely free, completely confidential, and are run 24/7. Hotlines are NOT connected to law enforcement.* ### Hotlines - [Safe Spot](https://safe-spot.me/): 1-800-972-0590 - Connect with a trained operator who can call for help in case of overdose - [The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline:](https://helplinema.org/) 1-800-327-5050 - Text: “HOPE” to 800327 - [National Drug Helpline (SAMHSA):](https://drughelpline.org/) 1-844-289-0879 ## Harm Reduction (Drug Testing, Narcan, Safer use supplies) ### Massachusetts - [Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS)](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-substance-addiction-services) - Boston - [Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education (AHOPE) is a harm reduction and needle exchange site](https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/recovery-services/services-active-users) - Quincy - Springfield/ Holyoke - New Bedford/ Fall River - Lawrence - Worcester - The Cape - [Plymouth County Outreach](https://plymouthcountyoutreach.org/harm-reduction/) - AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod - [Harm Reduction Program Locator](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/harm-reduction-program-locator) - Nalox-Boxes ### National (U.S.) - [National Harm Reduction Coalition](https://harmreduction.org) - [Drug Policy Alliance](https://drugpolicy.org/harmreduction/) - [End Overdose](https://endoverdose.net/) - [Bunk Police](https://bunkpolice.com/) - (For purchase) Provides resources for drug testing, identifying substances, and how to identify drug contamination ## Mental Health & Emotional Support ### Massachusetts - [Center for Addiction Treatment for AdoLescent/Young adults who use SubsTances (CATALYST) program ](https://www.bmc.org/catalyst-clinic) ### National - [Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration](https://www.samhsa.gov/) (SAMHSA) Advocacy and legislation are crucial for improved youth health outcomes because they work together to create a safer, healthier world for young people. On this page you will find current and upcoming Massachusetts and federal legislation and advocacy work that our team is connected to or would like to support. ## Legislation Important bills that have passed or are in progress ### MA: Student Learning and Mental Health \[Bill S.2581\] *Passed* **Summary:** Requires all public school districts in Massachusetts to implement a policy that prohibits students from using personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, during the school day. The bill aims to reduce distractions in the classroom, improve student focus and academic performance, and enhance mental health. It mandates that schools provide a method for parents to contact their children during school hours and includes exceptions for students who require devices for medical reasons, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or to accommodate a disability. Districts must implement this policy before the start of the 2026-2027 school year. ### MA: Narcan Availability in Schools \[Bill S.1422\] *In Progress* **Summary:** Requires all public school districts in Massachusetts to implement a naloxone (Narcan) overdose prevention program. The bill mandates that every school nurse be trained in naloxone assistance and maintain naloxone in their office. Public high schools will be required to offer extracurricular training to secondary students on how to administer naloxone. **Recent update:** (9/11/2025) Among the senate, the bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means ## Advocacy Efforts Local and national efforts members of our team have participated in. ### Item 1 ### Item 2 ### Item 3