In-Focus Advertorial | Published May 23, 2025
BIRMINGHAM — For three decades, the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition has remained steadfast in its mission to prevent youth substance use — adapting and evolving to meet new challenges with compassion, creativity, and courage.
It all started in the mid-1990s, when a group of parents channeled their concerns about substance abuse over spring break into proactive conversations and dialogue about teen drug and alcohol use.
In recent years, BBCC has deepened its focus beyond alcohol and other drug prevention to include the mental health and emotional well-being of our youth. This shift — sparked by the voices of our Youth Action Board YAB teens as early as 2012 — has shaped a more holistic approach. BBCC now emphasizes stress, anxiety and coping strategies alongside research-backed substance use prevention, ensuring our programs stay relevant to today’s young people.
At its core, BBCC works to address the root causes of substance misuse, mental health challenges, and other critical issues impacting young people and families in the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills areas. By staying ahead of trends and listening to our community, we remain responsive and effective.
Years before national trends caught on, BBCC was already talking to teens and the community about the risks of vaping and marijuana. Today, those concerns are more urgent than ever. Vaping is not a safe stress reliever — it can cause irreversible lung damage and lead to serious health outcomes like EVALI. Meanwhile, teens who vape THC face a significantly higher risk of developing psychosis. And now, energy drinks are emerging as a new health concern among youth.
At the heart of BBCC’s work are safe, guided, and consistent spaces for youth leadership and connection. The YAB gives high school students a place to be heard, be seen, and belong. Our Mid Action Board welcomes 8th graders into this circle of youth-driven prevention early, supporting them during a critical transition period as they prepare for high school.
We stay grounded in local data and real conversations. Our youth surveys adapt regularly to reflect what’s happening in our schools and homes — tracking substance trends, policy changes, and mental health challenges. Through this, BBCC ensures its programs are shaped with youth, not just for them.
Key takeaway for parents in 2025
Many parents underestimate how widespread and dangerous youth substance use is — or believe that allowing drinking at home is a safe workaround. They may not realize teens are often using multiple substances at once, especially during transitional times like graduation or preparing for college. At the same time, many parents feel unprepared to address substance use alongside their kids’ increasing stress, anxiety and mental health challenges.
How you can support BBCC
Help us continue this life-changing work by attending events, becoming a community partner, or making a tax-deductible donation. Together, we can help youth rise above life challenges and save lives. Learn more at www.bbcoalition.org.