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Greetings!
The dedication, knowledge and drive our Youth Action Board (YAB) teens bring to the table regarding substance abuse prevention is phenomenal. Because of what appears to be an increase in substance use, YAB teens are even more committed to raising awareness and changing this trend.  | | YAB Teens Meet at Bloomfield Township Library |
Recently, one of our teens connected YAB with Club 42 at the First United Methodist Church in Birmingham. This connection resulted in the two groups working together on a fun, substance free night for area teens which took place on Saturday, December 11. Another YAB teen connected us with Borders Books & Music in Birmingham where we spent two different days wrapping gifts for donations and educating people about the Coalition. YAB teens will be distributing their "Straight Edge Substance Free" bracelets to teens and tweens in our community as well as developing new campaigns to address the dangers involving 4Loko and prescription drugs along with messaging about marijuana and alcohol.  You can visit our website's calendar to learn more about programs, activities and events scheduled in 2011. And, while you are there, please make your year-end financial contribution to support our substance use/abuse prevention efforts. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us. Working together, with you, for substance free youth, Carol Mastroianni & Kelly MichaudExecutive Director Youth Program Coordinator |
| Keeping our Youth Safe: Prescription Drugs 101 | |
 | | Looking for Prescription Drugs at Home |
Since prescription drugs are found in the home, parents can take immediate action to reduce their children's access to them. NotInMyHouse.com provides the following 3 step plan to reduce access which includes 1) Monitor, 2) Secure,
3) Dispose: http://tiny.cc/es1k7
Learn what teens in our community want you to know about teen drinking and drug use. Read the letter to Parents from Youth Action Board Teens.
Did you know there are several Prescription Drug Drop Off Sites in our area, including police departments in the Village of Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, and Troy? To learn more visit Operation Medicine Cabinet at: http://tiny.cc/8ik9p |
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K2/Ice & Whipped Lightning In the News | |
K2, otherwise known as, "Fake Pot," has temporarily been banned nationwide by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Up until now, K2 has been legally sold in most states as an incense product. This ban now makes it illegal to possess or sell K2, along with several other similar products, said to give users a marijuana-like high.
The DEA and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will use the next year to further study these chemicals and products and make a decision on potentially banning them permanently.
Link to DEA's Press Release in Full:
DEA Moves to Emergency Control Synthetic Marijuana
Editor's Note: Oakland County Coalition's worked to get K2 quickly banned in Michigan. This effort was led by the North Oakland Community Coalition.
Whipped Lightning (one of the brand names out there), is also being referred to as "whipahol" and ranges from 16% to 18% alcohol by volume, is available in nine different flavors, is sold for around $13 a can and is being marketed as a product with "elegance, style and sophistication."
The product maker says, "whipped cream is not just for kids anymore," and encourages consumers to dress up their alcoholic drinks, coffees and desserts with a wallop of whipahol. One can of Whipped Lightning is equivalent to about three to four beers. Whipahol is currently not considered a food product and is therefore not subject to FDA approval.
This product is not yet available in Michigan, however, there are several other states where it can be purchased. To view where Whipped Lightning is available, visit: http://www.whippedlightning.com/where.jsp. |
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The Birmingham Community Coalition, a 501(c)(3),non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and mobilize the entire community to prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, with a primary focus on our youth! The Coalition's service area includes... Read On
The Youth Action Board (YAB) is a volunteer high school youth group representing the 12 public and private high schools in the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills School Districts. YAB members meet on a regular basis to dialogue on substance use and abuse trends, as well as other important issues teens face today. Based on this information, they plan and organize safe, fun, alternative community-based and supported events and leadership opportunities for teens. |
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