Milwaukee Prevention Journal 
April 16, 2018
Issue 7-8

Thank you for your commitment to making Milwaukee a better place by investing in prevention efforts. Do you have:
  • Job openings?
  • Upcoming events?
  • News to share?
  • Suggestions?

Forward the information to Elysse at EChay@CommunityAdvocates.net. Thank you for your service to Milwaukee!

Yours in prevention,
Elysse Chay 
Prevention Services Manager
Community Advocates
Public Policy Institute 


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newsNews

"How I see young people is how I serve young people."

That's just some of the wisdom given by Jeremy Triblett, ReCAST Resource Coordinator, who is partnering with Elysse Chay, Public Policy Institute's Prevention Services Manager, on   Youth Mental Health First Aid training sessions at Community Advocates.

The duo is offering this no-cost training to the public, as well as groups of youth-serving professionals, to broaden attendees' ability to assess and appropriately respond to a young person potentially dealing with mental health crisis or ongoing issue. More than 85 members of the Milwaukee community have signed up for one of Chay and Triblett's trainings.

The eight-hour session teaches attendees five strategies to use when a young person is struggling with a mental health issue, akin to CPR training for those with a physical health crisis.

But first, Chay and Triblett lay down some ground rules for the day to invite participation in a safe, respectful manner. One directive is to use "first-person language." For example, to say that an individual "lives with schizophrenia," instead of saying that person "is schizophrenic." That shift in wording is more respectful, decreases stigma, and recognizes that there's more to that person's identity than a mental health diagnosis.

Another matter to clear up: What exactly is a mental illness?



MCSAP Makes It Easy to Get Rid of Unwanted Meds 

On Thursday, the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) coalition helped to sponsor two drug take-back drives for those who want to get rid of their unused and unwanted medication. Proper disposal of medication is one of MCSAP's top prevention initiatives, as spare meds in the home can get into the hands of the wrong person -- a young person or an adult who could become addicted. 

Last week, MCSAP offered two locations for those getting rid of their meds, at Hayat Pharmacy on North Avenue and at Summit Place in West Allis. Coalition members also provided resources for anyone interested in addressing substance abuse within our community. 

MCSAP is also encouraging the community to participate in the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 28

And don't forget that drug drop-off options are expanding throughout Milwaukee County and will receive unwanted medication every day of the year.

Thanks to secure, MCSAP-enabled drop boxes, prescription medications can be dropped off at all City of Milwaukee and suburban Milwaukee County police stations, as well as at UW-Milwaukee and Marquette University police stations, with no questions asked. 

In addition, City of Milwaukee fire stations offer secure mail-back envelopes so that you can dispose of your medications through the mail. Hayat Pharmacy, and some Walgreens and CVS locations, also offer take-back options as well. 


Community Advocates 
Public Policy Institute
10th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, April 26

The Roots and Legacy of Housing Segregation

~Low Ticket Alert~



On April 26, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will celebrate our 10th anniversary with a special night at the Milwaukee Public Museum featuring keynote speaker Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, a finalist for the National Book Award in nonfiction. Local historian Reggie Jackson, Head Griot of America's Black Holocaust Museum, will also address the audience.

Richard Rothstein


Reggie Jackson


Here's what you can expect:

VIP Reception, 6 p.m.: Sponsors and individuals with VIP tickets will be able to meet Rothstein and Jackson in an intimate gathering at the Milwaukee Public Museum with light refreshments from 6 to 7 p.m., before the main program begins. Individual VIP tickets, which include admission to the VIP Reception, the Main Event, and the Mix & Mingle, are $210.

Main Event, 7 p.m.: All guests will attend attend Rothstein's and Jackson's presentations on the roots and legacy of local and national policies creating residential segregation. Individual general admission tickets to the Main Event and Mix & Mingle are $55.

Mix & Mingle, 8 p.m.: All guests will enjoy private, after-hours access to Milwaukee Public Museum's recently renovated Streets of Old Milwaukee, which provides an environment in which guests can reflect on the past in order to transform the future. Our mix and mingle, with desserts and coffee, will conclude at 9 p.m. Admission to the Mix & Mingle is included with all ticket purchases.

Haven't read  The Color of Law yet?  Boswell Book Co. will be on hand to sell copies, which Rothstein has graciously agreed to sign that evening.

Individual tickets are on sale now. They're going quickly, so purchase your individual VIP or general admission ticket today!

The Public Policy Institute is also offering organizations an opportunity to sponsor this one-of-a-kind evening event.  Contact PPI Deputy Director Kari Lerch at klerch@communityadvocates.net or 414-270-2950 for details about partnering with the Public Policy Institute on this event.

Partner Sponsor


Contributing Sponsors
















Media Sponsor





Surgeon General Urges the Public to Carry Naloxone

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams issued a groundbreaking public health advisory urging more members of the public to become trained on administering the opioid overdose medication naloxone and carrying it in case they encounter someone who is overdosing. He's specifically asking family, friends, and those who are at risk for an overdose to keep naloxone on hand.

"I, Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service, VADM Jerome Adams, am emphasizing the importance of the overdose-reversing drug naloxone. For patients currently taking high doses of opioids as prescribed for pain, individuals misusing prescription opioids, individuals using illicit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, health care practitioners, family and friends of people who have an opioid use disorder, and community members who come into contact with people at risk for opioid overdose,  knowing how to use naloxone and keeping it within reach can save a life," he declared.

The Surgeon General's website includes reliable information about opioid overdose prevention, a naloxone training video, safe prescribing guidelines, and more.



Synthetic Cannabinoids 
Kill 3
 in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that three people died after using synthetic cannabinoids, while 104 people in Illinois have experienced severe bleeding after using the drug, often called Spice, K2, or fake weed.

"Individuals who have bee n sickened by the synthetic cannabinoids have reported coughing up blood, blood in the urine, severe bloody nose, bleeding gums, and/or internal bleeding," the statement declared. "Numerous have tested positive for brodifacoum, a lethal anticoagulant often used in rat poison. "

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made mind-altering chemicals that are either sprayed on dried, shredded plant material so they can be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices. These products are also known as herbal or liquid incense."

The lethal synthetic cannabinoids likely haven't yet shown up in Wisconsin, but the Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a warning to public health professionals about its potential appearance in Wisconsin.

The DHS's bulletin stated: " Please contact the Wisconsin Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for questions regarding diagnostic testing and treatment regimens for these patients. Providers are asked to report suspect cases to their local health department (LHD). If the LHD is not available, please notify the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at 608-267-7178 during business hours or 608-258-0099 after 4 p.m. on weekdays and weekends."

Save 
Save the Date

 Southeast Wisconsin 
Reentry Employment Expo
Thursday, May 17

Having trouble finding work-ready employees? Then stop in the Southeast Wisconsin Reentry Employment Expo and develop relationships with agencies preparing ex-offenders to be successful workers.  This is a no-cost networking event aimed at helping businesses thrive by learning how to successfully employ the previously incarcerated.

The expo will be held on Thursday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cousins Center, 3501 S. Lake Shore Drive, Milwaukee. Get details here.



Alliance for Wisconsin Youth
Regional Training 
in the Works

Members of the Northeast, Southeast, and Southern regions of the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth should save May 21 and 22 for this training opportunity. Registration will open soon for this Milwaukee-area training. 




2018 National Conference to End Homelessness and Capitol Hill Day
July 23-25

The National Alliance for Ending Homelessness is organizing this Washington, D.C., conference, Capitol Hill visits, and for a chance to meet and collaborate with like-minded individuals who are working towards the shared goals of ending homelessness in America. Get the details here.

Events
events
ACTS Housing Orientation
Wednesdays
       
Interested in owning a home but don't know where to turn? ACTS Housing is hosting weekly orientation sessions on Wednesdays throughout the spring. New homeowners can learn how to save money by buying a home that requires some sweat equity. Work one on one with customized financial and homebuyer counselors and not-for-profit real estate agents, and learn about home repair grants, loans, and coaching. Be ready to pay to pull your credit report ($30 individual; $45 married couple). 

Orientation sessions are held at various times on Wednesdays at 2414 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee. Click here for information in English and en Espanol.



Parent and Teen Wellness Circles
April-May
       
REDgen is organizing no-cost six-week supportive wellness circles for parents with children, and for teens alone. 

The Parent Wellness Circles will meet Mondays, April 16-May 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Kingo Lutheran Church, 1225 E. Olive St., Shorewood. REDgen board members and facilitators Carolyn Karl and Nora Kubacki will lead these sessions. To register, email cmkarl@mac.com. The Teen Wellness Circles will meet Wednesdays, April 18 to May 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Bayshore Town Center, Samaritan Family Wellness Offices, 500 W. Silver Spring Drive, #270K, Glendale. Holly Stoner, therapist and co-creator of The Parent and Teen Wellness Compass programs, will lead these sessions. To register, email holly@samaritanfamilywellness.org.


Blutender Event Benefiting
The Parenting Network
Tuesday, April 17
       
Support The Parenting Network by stopping by the Pfister Hotel's 23rd floor Blu Bar, with incredible views of the city. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, April 17, 10% of bar revenue and 100% of tips will support The Parenting Network.

Safety Planning with Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence: 
A Guide for Homeless/Housing Programs
Thursday, April 19
       
This webinar from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence is designed to introduce some basic concepts and best practices related to discussing safety with survivors participating in homeless/housing program. It'll be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 19. Register here.
Here I Am: 
An Evening of Youth Storytelling on Mental Health
April 20 & May 2
       
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the National Alliance on Mental Illness present two evenings of storytelling by youth. Students and young adults will share short stories about their personal experiences with mental health challenges. You'll also hear from local experts on mental health and will have the opportunity to pick up resources from community organizations.

On Friday, April 20, the event will be held in the Richard T. Anderson Education Center at Waukesha County Technical College, 800 W. Main St. Pewaukee, and will feature youth from Southeastern Wisconsin. On Wednesday, May 2, Milwaukee youth will tell their stories at Loos Room at Centennial Hall, 733 N. Eighth St., Milwaukee. Both events will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with resource fairs slated from 6:30 to 7 p.m. These presentations are f ree, accessible, and open to the public. Arrive early to make sure you get a seat.

Workshop on Circles of Support for
Returning Citizens
Friday, April 20
       
Learn from panel of practitioners on how Circles of Support enable returning citizens to re-enter the community successfully. Panelists include John Givens, Director of Circles of Support, Madison Area Urban Ministry; James Schatzman, Executive Director, Racine Vocational Ministry; and Terri Strodthoff, Executive Director, Alma Center. The panel will be facilitated by Gina Barton of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 

The workshop will be held on Friday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, in the first floor meeting room at Welford Sanders Historic Lofts, 2821 N. 4th St., Milwaukee. Contact: Conor Williams, Community Advocates, 262-442-4646 or conorw1@icloud.com; Wendel Hruska, Project Return, 414-374-8029 or wendel@projectreturnmilwaukee.org; or Joseph Ellwanger, MICAH, 414-795-2343 or joe.ellwanger@gmail.com. Organized by Milwaukee Reentry Council, Project Return, and MICAH.

Amani United Spring Clean Up
Saturday, April 21
       


It takes a village to keep a neighborhood clean. Join the Amani United volunteers to mark Earth Day and clean up the area from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. Questions? Call the Dominican Center at 414-444-9930.

Denim Week
Tuesday, April 23
 through Friday, April 28
        
On April 25, 2018, Milwaukee will mark its seventh annual Denim Day, a day focused on raising awareness of sexual assault and victim blaming.
Over the last several years, Denim Day has generated much-needed awareness and discussion around preventing sexual assault and supporting survivors. This year, Milwaukee's Denim Day is expanding to Denim Week. Organizers encourage everyone to consider their networks, relationships, and resources and reflect on the question, "What will I do to end sexual violence?" and ultimately act to fulfill those commitments. To show your support for survivors, wear denim on Wednesday, April 25, attend an event or organize your own, promote the values in the city's Blueprint for Peace, and use the hashtags #denimdayMKE and #metooMKE. For more information, go to denimdayMKE.org.


Teacher Session: Katherine Reynolds Lewis
Tuesday, April 24
        
Katherine Reynolds Lewis, author of The Good News about Bad Behavior: Why Kids Are Less Disciplined Than Ever -- And What to Do about It, will discuss  a crisis of self-regulation -- and shows how children rise to the occasion when their parents learn to trust them, let them face consequences, and train them in the art of self-control. Lewis will speak from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at University School of Milwaukee's Mellowes Hall, 2100 W. Fairy Chasm Road, River Hills. Sponsored by REDgen, University School of Milwaukee, and Boswell Book Co., which will sell Lewis' book at the event. Register for this free session here.


How to Talk to Kids about Difficult Topics:
Creating Resilient Children One Conversation at a Time
Thursday, April 26
        
This talk by Deborah Gilboa, M.D., ("Ask Doctor G") is intended for educators, physicians, and other youth professionals. It'll be held from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish BayDr. Gilboa is also offering "Get the Behavior You Want... Without Being the Parent You Hate," for parents and the general public from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on April 26 at the JCC. Both sessions are free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required here. Sponsored by REDgen, Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, and Harold & Terry Nash JCC Family and Children Center.

Second Chance Expungement Clinic
Saturday, April 28

If you have a criminal conviction of a nonviolent Class H or Class I felony or a misdemeanor and want a fresh start, this expungement clinic can help you remove that conviction from your record. The clinic is presented by the law office of Odalo J. Ohiku at MATC's Downtown Campus, Room M605, 700 W. State St., Milwaukee. Registration is required at getmysecondchance.com. Doors open at 8 a.m.; clinic hours are 9 a.m. to noon. The clinic also includes a resource fair for job-seekers and those needing help enrolling in job training or educational programs.



Pain in the Nation Webinar
Tuesday, May 1
       
Please join this Dialogue4Health Web Forum co-hosted by Well Being Trust and Trust for America's Health for a panel discussion with public health leaders as they highlight the report Pain in the Nation: The Drug, Alcohol and Suicide Epidemics and the Need for a National Resilience Strategy, which found that deaths from drugs, alcohol, and suicide could account for 1.6 million fatalities over the coming decade. And that's a conservative estimate. 

This no-cost webinar will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1. RSVP here.

Sixteenth Street Community Health Center
Layton Clinic Grand Opening
Wednesday, May 9

Stop by Sixteenth Street Community Health Center's newest location, which will feature medical, behavioral health, AODA, and child and adolescent day treatment services. This event is free and open to the public. Details: 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 9, 4570 S. 27th Street, Milwaukee. A 10:30 a.m. program will feature President and CEO Julie Schuller, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, state Rep. John Nygren, and Aurora Health's Cristy Garcia-Thomas. RSVP here or call 414-897-5157.

Tyler Bares Memorial Golf Outing
Saturday, May 12

This golf outing at Fire Ridge Golf Club intends to raise awareness of substance abuse and will donate all proceeds to Starting Point in Ozaukee. Golfers will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a cart, a boxed lunch, a taco dinner, and the chance to win prizes ($100 per golfer). Non-golfers can enjoy the taco dinner for $20. For details and registration, click here.


Milwaukee Got Talent Showcase
Friday, May 18

This House of Kings and Priests event will showcase local singing, dancing, rapping, and instrumentals and will be hosted by V100's Promise. The event, which also includes a resource fair, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 18, at North Division High School, 1011 W. Center St., Milwaukee. The recommended $5 or more donation will go toward sending a few young people to Rico Love's We Love Music Conference. Sponsored by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division, Light and Unite Red, and Families Forward. Questions? Contact Bernadette Anderson at 414-810-4657.
Bike Day
Saturday, May 19
       
 Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers is once again sponsoring Bike Day at Kosciuszko Park (2201 S. Seventh St., Milwaukee) on Saturday, May 19, a family-friendly day of food, music, activities, Zumba and Salsa, healthy food, a bike parade, and raffles for free bikes, helmets, and locks. Questions: Call 414-897-5158 for more information.





resourcesResearch & Resources
The Teen Compass Wellness Notebook

In the wake of horrific school shootings, the Glendale-based Samaritan Family Wellness Foundation is promoting the importance of adolescent mental health. For a limited time, it's offering The Teen Compass Wellness Notebook as a free digital download, along with the accompanying leaders guide. The 114-page interactive workbook uses self-reflection methods to train students to assess their wellness in eight, interconnected areas and provides tools to improve stress resiliency, goal setting and problem-solving. The notebook is appropriate for use by parents, teachers, tutors, mentors, schools, youth development workers, counselors, and teens in the 8th grade and above.  The printed version of the notebook is available for $10.
Camp Northstar Openings

Here's a wonderful opportunity for youth ages 7-13 who are experiencing housing instability. One Heartland's Camp Northstar in Minnesota offers a no-cost, week-long camping opportunity for youth who lack a permanent, stable home. Activities include typical camping experiences -- archery, arts and crafts, swimming, and more -- but camp counselors also encourage campers to explore their feelings and experiences involving their housing situation. 2018 dates are June 17-21 and July 1-5. Transportation to and from Minnesota is provided. One Heartland also offers camps for LGBT+ youth, youth wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, and youth living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Wisconsin DHS Opioid Forum Materials

Handouts from last week's state Department of Health Services Opioid Forum, held in Milwaukee, are available online. Videos of some speakers, including pro BMXer and Olympic coach Tony Hoffman, are archived online as well.

Countering the Production of Health Inequities through Systems and Sectors

This video and report from Prevention Institute focus on poor health outcomes among communities of color and those living in concentrated poverty. " These poor outcomes have been produced by historical and current-day policies, laws, practices, and procedures that shape the determinants of health and, consequently, have segregated too many people from the opportunity to be healthy," the Institute explains.



Our Partners & Allies Are Seeking...




Contact:
Elysse Chay
CA-PPI Prevention Services Manager
728 N. James Lovell Street, Milwaukee WI 53233  |  414-270-6936

Community Advocates is supported by ReCAST, a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services, under Grant No. 5H79SM063524.