Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Hazel Park Community Coalition (HPCC)?

The Hazel Park Community Coalition (HPCC) is a community-based organization dedicated to preventing youth substance misuse and promoting healthy lifestyles among young people and families in Hazel Park.

Our Mission: To lead and facilitate data-driven, community-based initiatives that empower Hazel Park youth and families to choose a chemical-free lifestyle, resulting in a reduction in substance use among youth.

We bring together schools, families, students, local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to create a supportive environment where young people can thrive.

Through prevention education, youth leadership opportunities, community engagement, and evidence-based strategies, HPCC works to address the factors that contribute to youth substance use while strengthening the protective factors that encourage healthy decision-making.

Who does HPCC serve?

HPCC primarily serves Hazel Park youth in grades 5–12, along with their families, educators, and other caring adults.

Our work extends beyond the classroom. We collaborate with community organizations, local businesses, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to promote healthier environments for young people.

While youth substance misuse prevention is our primary focus, we recognize that meaningful prevention requires the involvement of the entire community.

Is HPCC part of Hazel Park Schools?

HPCC works in close partnership with Hazel Park Schools, which serves as the coalition's fiscal agent and provides administrative and financial oversight for coalition funding.

This relationship allows HPCC to collaborate directly with district leadership, educators, and students while maintaining a community-wide approach to prevention.

HPCC's work is not limited to school-based programming. We also engage families, community organizations, businesses, and other local partners in prevention efforts.

What is substance misuse prevention, and why is it important?

Substance misuse prevention focuses on helping young people develop the knowledge, skills, relationships, and support systems needed to make healthy decisions and avoid substance use.

Rather than simply telling young people what not to do, prevention emphasizes building protective factors such as positive peer relationships, strong family connections, emotional wellness, leadership skills, and healthy coping strategies.

Prevention is important because substance use during adolescence can affect brain development, academic performance, mental health, and long-term well-being.

By addressing risk factors early and strengthening protective factors, HPCC works to reduce youth substance use before problems develop.

How is HPCC funded?

HPCC is supported through a combination of federal and other grant funding, community partnerships, charitable contributions, and in-kind support.

Funding helps sustain prevention education, youth leadership development, community awareness campaigns, evaluation activities, and programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles.

Hazel Park Schools serves as HPCC's fiscal agent, providing financial administration and oversight for coalition funds.

Community investment also plays an important role in expanding opportunities for local youth.

How can I learn about HPCC's impact?

HPCC is committed to transparency, accountability, and measuring the effectiveness of its prevention efforts.

We collect program participation data, participant feedback, and evaluation results to understand what is working and identify opportunities for improvement.

Our impact reports highlight program outcomes, student experiences, community partnerships, and progress toward coalition goals.

Visit our website's Impact section to explore program impact reports, annual coalition updates, and other information about our work.

How can I talk to my child about vaping, alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medication misuse?

Open, honest, and ongoing conversations are among the most important ways parents and caregivers can help prevent youth substance use.

Start conversations early, use age-appropriate language, ask open-ended questions, and create opportunities for your child to share their thoughts without fear of judgment.

Rather than relying on a single conversation, make substance use prevention part of regular discussions about health, relationships, decision-making, and personal goals.

Helpful resources include:

• SAMHSA's Talk. They Hear You. — Guidance for parents and caregivers on discussing alcohol and other drugs: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you

• CDC Youth Tobacco Prevention — Information about youth vaping and nicotine use: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/

• NIDA for Teens — Science-based information about drugs and their effects: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators

What are the warning signs of youth substance use?

Changes in behavior do not necessarily indicate substance use, but certain patterns may suggest that a young person needs additional support.

Possible warning signs include:

• Sudden changes in friendships, behavior, or academic performance

• Increased secrecySudden changes in friendships, behavior, or academic performance

• Increased secrecy or withdrawal from family activities

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Unexplained changes in mood or motivation

• The presence of vaping devices, alcohol, or other substances

These signs may also be associated with stress, mental health concerns, or typical adolescent development.

The most important first step is to approach your child with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to listen.

If concerns persist, consider speaking with a school counselor, healthcare provider, or qualified behavioral health professional.

Where can I find help if I am concerned about my child's substance use?

If you are concerned that your child may be using alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or other substances, support is available.

Start by speaking with your child's healthcare provider or school counselor, who can help assess concerns and recommend appropriate next steps.

Additional resources include:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — Confidential treatment referral and information service

• FindTreatment.gov: https://findtreatment.gov — Search for substance use treatment services

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate emotional or mental health crisis support

HPCC focuses on substance misuse prevention and education rather than clinical treatment. However, we can help families identify appropriate community resources and referral options.

Does HPCC offer programs or resources for parents and caregivers?

Yes! The Hazel Park Community Coalition (HPCC) recognizes that parents and caregivers play a critical role in supporting healthy youth development and preventing substance misuse.

HPCC regularly partners with community organizations and service providers to offer parent and caregiver workshops designed to address the evolving needs and interests of Hazel Park families. Workshop topics may include substance misuse prevention, mental wellness, positive parenting strategies, effective communication, and other issues affecting children and families.

In addition to workshops, HPCC provides prevention education materials, awareness resources, and connections to community programs that help families make informed decisions and access support.

We encourage parents and caregivers to participate in coalition activities, share their perspectives, and help identify topics and resources that would be most beneficial to their families.

Visit our Resources and Upcoming Events pages to explore available programs, workshops, and opportunities to get involved.

How can I safely store and dispose of unused medications?

Proper medication storage and disposal are important steps in preventing prescription medication misuse, accidental poisoning, and unauthorized access, particularly among children and teens.

The Hazel Park Community Coalition (HPCC) offers FREE medication lock bags and Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits to help residents safely secure and dispose of medications.

• Free Medication Lock Bags: HPCC provides medication lock bags to help families securely store prescription and over-the-counter medications at home.

• Free Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits: Deterra kits offer a convenient way to deactivate unused, unwanted, or expired medications for safe disposal at home. HPCC also manages a Deterra distribution station at the Hazel Park Police Department.

Where can I pick up these free resources?

Community members can visit the HPCC office, located inside the Longfellow Community Center at 24400 Battelle, to receive free medication lock bags and Deterra kits. Free Deterra kits are also available at the Hazel Park Police Department.

We encourage families to store medications securely, monitor medication quantities, and properly dispose of medications that are no longer needed.

Together, we can reduce access to potentially harmful substances and help keep Hazel Park youth and families safe.

Are HPCC programs and activities free?

HPCC strives to remove financial barriers to participation by offering grant-funded prevention programs and youth engagement opportunities at no cost whenever possible.

Many of our school-based activities, awareness campaigns, and youth leadership opportunities are provided free of charge.

Some activities may require advance registration, parental permission, or have limited capacity.

Specific participation requirements will be included in each program or event announcement.

What is the HPCC Youth Advisory Board (YAB)?

The HPCC Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a student-led leadership group that gives young people a voice in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing substance misuse among their peers.

YAB members work together to develop awareness campaigns, organize school activities, share prevention messages, and encourage positive decision-making.

The board provides opportunities for students to strengthen leadership, communication, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills while making a meaningful difference in their school community.

YAB is guided by student officers and supported by HPCC staff.

How can I join the Youth Advisory Board?

High school students interested in leadership, community service, creativity, or making a positive difference are encouraged to join the HPCC Youth Advisory Board (YAB)!

The Hazel Park High School Youth Advisory Board meets on Mondays from 11:00–11:50 a.m. in the Fishbowl, where students collaborate to plan activities, develop prevention campaigns, and create opportunities for positive peer engagement.

Ready to get involved? Complete our Youth Advisory Board Membership Application to express your interest in joining.

No prior leadership experience is necessary. We welcome students with diverse interests, talents, and perspectives who want to make a positive impact in their school community!

Do I need leadership experience to participate?

Absolutely not!

YAB is designed to help students discover and develop their leadership potential.

Whether you enjoy public speaking, organizing events, creating social media content, designing graphics, working behind the scenes, or simply sharing ideas, there is an opportunity to contribute.

We value different perspectives, talents, and experiences because effective prevention requires diverse student voices.

What types of activities does the Youth Advisory Board organize?

The HPCC Youth Advisory Board (YAB) plans and leads a variety of engaging activities that promote healthy choices, positive peer relationships, leadership development, and substance-free lifestyles.

Throughout the school year, YAB organizes recurring student-led activities such as pumpkin decorating, ice skating, volleyball, and other recreational and social experiences that provide opportunities for students to connect, build friendships, develop teamwork skills, and engage in positive activities with their peers.

These activities are intentionally designed to strengthen protective factors such as a sense of belonging, positive peer connections, healthy coping skills, and school connectedness that help reduce the likelihood of youth substance use.

In addition to recreational activities, YAB members develop schoolwide awareness campaigns, create peer-to-peer prevention messages, and participate in creative initiatives which empowers students to educate their peers about the risks associated with substance misuse.

Through these experiences, students do more than participate in prevention efforts, they help shape and lead them, building valuable leadership skills while contributing to a healthier, more connected school community.

Can I earn volunteer or community service hours through HPCC?

Students may have opportunities to earn volunteer or community service hours by supporting eligible HPCC events, outreach activities, and prevention initiatives.

Opportunities vary based on the activity and the responsibilities involved.

Students seeking service hours should contact HPCC in advance to confirm eligibility, participation expectations, and documentation requirements.

Can students suggest activities or campaigns?

Absolutely! Student voice is central to HPCC's prevention approach.

We encourage young people to share ideas for activities, awareness campaigns, school events, and creative projects that reflect their interests and the needs of their peers.

Students can bring ideas to Youth Advisory Board meetings or contact HPCC directly.

Some of our most engaging activities begin with student suggestions.

How can HPCC support prevention efforts in my school or classroom?

The Hazel Park Community Coalition (HPCC) partners with school administrators, educators, counselors, and student organizations to bring engaging, meaningful prevention programming and experiential learning opportunities to students.

Through our partnership with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, HPCC connects schools with prevention specialists and educational programming that can be delivered directly in classrooms and through after-school programs.

Our coalition supports schools through a variety of opportunities, including:

• Classroom Prevention Workshops: Interactive, evidence-based workshops addressing substance misuse prevention, mental wellness, healthy decision-making, life skills, and positive peer relationships.

• After-School Programming: Enrichment activities and prevention-focused experiences that encourage healthy lifestyles, positive peer connections, and personal development.

• Educational Field Trips: Experiential learning opportunities, including visits to the Michigan State Capitol, that introduce students to advocacy, civic engagement, leadership, and prevention initiatives.

• Youth Leadership and Professional Development Camps: Experiences hosted at locations throughout Metro Detroit that strengthen students' leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

• Schoolwide Presentations and Assemblies: Engaging presentations and awareness campaigns that reinforce prevention messaging and promote a positive school culture.

• Student-Led Initiatives: Opportunities to collaborate with the HPCC Youth Advisory Board on peer-led prevention campaigns, recreational activities, and schoolwide engagement events.

Our approach extends beyond substance misuse education to strengthen protective factors such as school connectedness, positive peer relationships, leadership, confidence, and healthy coping skills that support student well-being and reduce the risk of substance use.

Interested in bringing prevention programming to your classroom or school? Contact HPCC to discuss your students' needs, available programming, and opportunities for collaboration.

Can HPCC help organize a schoolwide awareness campaign or event?

Yes! HPCC welcomes opportunities to collaborate with school staff on activities that reinforce positive behaviors and healthy lifestyles.

Examples include substance misuse awareness campaigns, student engagement events, prevention-themed activities, and initiatives aligned with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

School staff are encouraged to contact HPCC early in the planning process to discuss the proposed activity, intended audience, timeline, and available resources.

Requests are reviewed based on alignment with coalition goals, staffing, funding, and scheduling.

Does HPCC offer classroom presentations or guest speakers?

HPCC works with prevention specialists, educators, and community partners to connect schools with educational programming and prevention-related expertise.

Presentation topics and availability may vary depending on current partnerships, funding, and program schedules.

School staff interested in classroom presentations, assemblies, or guest speakers are encouraged to contact HPCC to discuss their needs and explore available options.

How can I request HPCC support for a student activity or initiative?

School staff can email HPCC with information about their proposed activity or initiative.

To help us evaluate requests, please include the intended audience, educational or prevention objectives, preferred date, anticipated number of participants, and type of support requested.

HPCC reviews requests for alignment with coalition priorities and available resources.

Advance notice is encouraged to allow adequate time for planning and coordination.

What is the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) survey, and how is the data used?

The Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) is a student survey that collects information about health behaviors, experiences, and risk and protective factors affecting young people.

Survey topics include substance use, mental health, school experiences, safety, and other factors related to adolescent well-being.

HPCC uses available MiPHY data to better understand local trends, identify emerging concerns, establish prevention priorities, and evaluate progress over time.

Survey results help ensure that coalition strategies respond to the actual needs of Hazel Park youth rather than assumptions.

Data are analyzed and reported in aggregate to protect individual student privacy.

How can school staff partner with the Youth Advisory Board?

School staff can collaborate with YAB to develop student-centered activities, promote prevention messaging, and support schoolwide engagement initiatives.

Partnership opportunities may include co-hosting events, identifying student leadership opportunities, providing meeting or activity space, and helping connect students with relevant school initiatives.

Educators and administrators are encouraged to contact HPCC to explore opportunities that align with school goals and student interests.

How can I get involved with HPCC?

There are many ways to support HPCC's mission!

Community members can participate in coalition meetings, volunteer at events, serve on committees, share professional expertise, support prevention campaigns, or help connect HPCC with local resources.

Parents, residents, students, educators, business owners, and community leaders all have valuable perspectives to contribute.

Contact HPCC to learn about current opportunities and find a role that matches your interests and availability.

Who can become a coalition member?

HPCC welcomes individuals and organizations committed to supporting healthy youth development and preventing substance misuse.

As a community coalition, we seek representation from a broad range of sectors, including youth, parents, schools, businesses, healthcare, law enforcement, government, faith-based organizations, civic groups, youth-serving organizations, media, and other community stakeholders.

A diverse coalition helps ensure prevention strategies reflect community needs and benefit from shared expertise.

How do I join the HPCC Board of Directors?

The Hazel Park Community Coalition (HPCC) Board of Directors brings together dedicated community members and representatives from diverse sectors to provide leadership, strategic guidance, and oversight in advancing the coalition's mission of preventing youth substance misuse.

Board members play an important role in shaping coalition priorities, strengthening community partnerships, supporting prevention initiatives, and ensuring that HPCC's work reflects the needs of Hazel Park youth and families.

We welcome individuals who are passionate about youth wellness, community engagement, and creating positive change. Board service provides an opportunity to contribute your expertise, share your perspective, and collaborate with others committed to building a healthier Hazel Park.

Interested in serving on the HPCC Board of Directors? Complete our Board of Directors Interest Form to express your interest and learn more about opportunities to get involved.

Board membership is subject to available positions and the coalition's established selection process.

When and where does HPCC meet?

The Hazel Park Community Coalition (HPCC) holds regularly scheduled Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, and other coalition activities throughout the year to advance our prevention initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and address the needs of Hazel Park youth and families.

HPCC's office is located inside the Longfellow Community Center in Hazel Park. Meeting dates, times, and locations may vary depending on the type of meeting or activity.

Community members, parents, educators, and local partners interested in learning more about coalition leadership or participating in meetings are encouraged to visit our Leadership page for additional information.

We welcome community involvement and encourage individuals interested in supporting youth substance misuse prevention to connect with HPCC.

Can my organization or business partner with HPCC?

Yes! Community partnerships are essential to HPCC's success.

We welcome collaboration with businesses, nonprofits, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and other organizations that share our commitment to youth wellness and prevention.

Partnership opportunities may include sponsoring youth programs, providing guest speakers, contributing supplies or services, supporting community events, or collaborating on prevention initiatives.

We encourage interested organizations to contact HPCC to discuss opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

Does HPCC accept donations or sponsorships?

Yes! The Hazel Park Community Coalition (HPCC) welcomes donations, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions from individuals, businesses, and community organizations committed to supporting healthy youth development and substance misuse prevention.

Community contributions help HPCC expand meaningful opportunities for Hazel Park youth and families, including prevention education, youth leadership development, educational field trips, schoolwide awareness campaigns, and enrichment activities that strengthen positive peer connections and healthy decision-making.

Whether through financial support, event sponsorships, donated goods and services, or collaborative partnerships, every contribution helps us create engaging experiences that empower young people to make healthy choices.

Hazel Park Schools serves as HPCC's fiscal agent, providing financial administration and oversight for coalition funding and contributions.

Interested in making a difference? Visit our Impact > Donate page to explore ways to give and support our mission.

Together, we can invest in prevention, empower young people, and build a healthier Hazel Park community.