Bailey Cox

Hoover High School

Hoover, Alabama

Bailey Cox, a senior at Hoover High School, is a remarkable young woman who has transformed personal struggles into a powerful platform for advocacy and healing. As a fellow mental health advocate, Susan Baty-Pierce, President of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Birmingham Affiliate, has been deeply inspired by Bailey’s courage and commitment to raising awareness about mental health. Maintaining a 3.75 GPA while actively involved in numerous school and community organizations, Bailey demonstrates a dedication to both academic excellence and service.

At Hoover High School, Bailey serves as Parliamentarian for the Student Government Association, Engagement Director for DECA, and is a member of the Business Academy. She also participates in the Peer Helper and Teens Need Teens programs, reflecting her commitment to supporting her fellow students. Her community involvement includes participation in the Ignite Hoover Youth Leadership Program, the Hoover City Schools Foundation Student Board, and the Birmingham Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Bailey’s most impactful contribution to her community has been her unwavering advocacy for mental health awareness. She bravely organized and moderated “BA;LEY,” a public awareness panel on self-harm and mental health held on January 5, 2025, at the Ross Bridge Community Center. This event, featured in the Hoover Sun, brought together mental health professionals, including her mother (a practicing psychiatrist,) a pediatrician, a Hoover Schools mental health specialist, and the City of Hoover’s behavioral health coordinator, to address the critical issues of mental illness and self-harm among youth. Bailey courageously shared her own story of struggling with depression and self-harm, a journey that began at age 13 after a traumatic experience. She spoke openly about her struggles, her therapy, and her eventual journey to healing through faith. Her vulnerability and honesty resonated deeply with others, offering hope and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Bailey plans to continue hosting panels and events to keep the conversation going and to ensure that young people do not suffer in silence.

Bailey’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond her local community. She and her mother have been invited to speak at the NAMI Birmingham meeting in May 2025, and to attend a legislative breakfast in February to further their mission. Bailey and her family will also travel to Washington, D.C., in 2026, to attend the NAMI National Convention and advocate for mental health resources with elected officials. Susan Baty-Pierce notes that Bailey’s heartfelt story and passionate dedication to giving back are unparalleled in her 40 years of advocacy work. She believes that Bailey will be a beacon of hope for countless individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

Bailey’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. She has transformed her personal struggles into a powerful platform for change, offering hope, raising awareness, and advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. Bailey Cox is a true inspiration and a deserving candidate for recognition as a Young Hero.