For close to 20 years, I worked with psychiatrists researching the epidemiology and treatments for patients with very severe depression and bipolar disorder. We focused on patients who, unfortunately, received no relief from standard drug or talk therapy, usually more than 10 different types of drug therapy, including electroconvulsive therapy. Most were in their mid-to-late 40's and had multiple unsuccessful suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalizations. Many had comorbidities like substance abuse. What really struck me most was that the vast majority of these patients were diagnosed and began treatment in adolescence, the time during which the brain goes through its final push to maturity.
In addition to this research, I've seen firsthand the devastating impact that mental illness and substance abuse can have on not only the teens suffering from it, but their whole families.
Consequently, when I saw Behavioral Health Innovators (BHI) program I saw it as a bright spot, a community-based preventive measure for teens and young adults. BHI's PASS and other programs provide the type of social and environmental interventions and, importantly a community, that can positively impact in these final, crucial few years of childhood. Providing compassionate engagement and meeting individuals where they are is crucial, whether it represents the main intervention or sugments other therapies the teens receive.
I'll be cycling 60 miles for my 60th birthday and can think of no worthier cause than helping change the life trajectory of teens suffering from substance abuse, providing both them and their families hope and support.
Please help me support BHI and our Cape Cod teens and families. Thanks!
Behavioral Health Innovators - Second Summer Cycle
Overview
The Second Summer Cycle is the perfect event for riders of all levels, offering a picturesque journey through 8 historic Cape Cod towns and a strong committment to rider safety. Four distances are being offered, 15, 30, 60, and 100 miles. The start and finish is at beautiful Smugglers Beach in South Yarmouth where there will be a Finish Line Celebration from 12PM-4PM, including local beer, food trucks and live music.
Beneficiaries
18 Local non profits will benefit from the monies generated by the riders, each of whom is asked to raise at least $250 for their non-profit of choice, or to be disseminated across all participating charities, in addition to the registration fee.
Hosted by: Second Summer Cycle, Inc, a 501c3, non-profit organization.
Don't miss your chance to be part of the Second Summer Cycle on September 13th, 2026!
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Behavioral Health Innovators (BHI) is a Cape Cod based nonprofit that provides a continuum of programs from prevention through recovery for teens and young adults living with substance use and mental health challenges. BHI’s work includes education and outreach grounded in harm reduction, with a focus on compassionate engagement and meeting individuals where they are. The organization also offers prevention and early intervention programming through PASS (Positive Alternatives for Student Support). PASS partners with schools across Cape Cod to offer an alternative to suspension while also providing ongoing support for students identified as experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Within treatment and recovery, Behavioral Health Innovators offers Cape Teens Rising, a community based after school program that provides structured peer support and recovery oriented activities for teens on Cape Cod navigating substance use challenges.