Issue 8-9 | April 22, 2019
News
Spotlight On:
Cheap, Flavored Tobacco Easily Accessible To Milwaukee Teens
One in four tobacco retailers in the City of Milwaukee sold tobacco or nicotine products to underage youth during 2018 compliance checks, according to newly released data from  Wisconsin Wins . During the Wisconsin Wins compliance checks, minors attempt to purchase tobacco or nicotine products, including cheap, flavored cigarillos, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or single cigarettes. If they are successful, a Milwaukee police officer working with the minors writes a ticket on the spot or retailers can choose to sign up for the MARTS program (Milwaukee Achieving Responsible Tobacco Sales) to avoid citation.

The 25% rate of sale was an increase from the previous year (19%), making 2018 the second highest rate-of-sale since compliance checks began in 2009. A peak of 27% was seen in 2015.
98% of the products purchased were cheap, flavored cigarillos. This type of tobacco product enjoys a lower tax rate than traditional cigarettes while still packing the same punch as a pack of cigarettes. Cigarillos, which are high in nicotine content, are typically sold in packs of two and often cost 99 cents per pack, whereas a traditional pack of twenty cigarettes costs around $8, including the Wisconsin state tobacco tax of $2.52 per pack. 2018 was the first year that single cigarette (loosies) and e-cigarette purchase attempts were made. E-cigarettes are currently not taxed in Wisconsin. Single cigarette sales are illegal, yet still common in Milwaukee’s central city.

Spring Wellness Fair
Saturday, May 11
Are you feeling stressed, tired, or uninspired? You can renew your spirit and embrace wellness at this FREE community event sponsored by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division . We're planning a full day of demonstrations, resources, free food at lunchtime, and prizes to honor May as Mental Health Month. You can expect yoga, line dancing, creativity exercises, a basketball demonstration, a fire apparatus, a game corner, and much more.

The Spring Wellness Fair will be held on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Community Advocates Training Center, 6900 W. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee.

RSVPs are recommended here so we can plan for the day.
City of MKE Tobacco-Free Alliance Debuts New Video
at Alverno Drag Show
On Friday, April 12, the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance debuted a new video in their #TobaccoFreePride series at the Alverno Drag Show. The video features drag performer Maker Moist and was produced by Hinckley Productions. It highlights how the drag performer quit smoking after finding better ways to cope with stress and anxiety, including communicating feelings, instead of reaching for a cigarette, and using an FDA-approved quit aid like the nicotine patch or mini lozenge. The video screened to a full house during Alverno College’s annual drag show, where seven performers entertained the crowd with elaborate costumes, lip syncing, and dancing. The #TobaccoFreePride series is part of CoMTFA’s efforts to reduce tobacco disparities in the LGBTQ community, which smokes at roughly twice the rate of the general public due to minority stress, targeted marketing by Big Tobacco, and social norms where tobacco use is seen as acceptable. To see the video along with the other stories in the series, visit https://bit.ly/tobaccofreepride . 
ReCast Milwaukee May Training Schedule
The City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention is sponsoring FREE training opportunities in partnership with Community Advocates Public Policy Institute .   

These FREE learning opportunities will give you a greater understanding of trauma, mental health, suicide, youth development and drug abuse. You will build support skills to help youth and adults at home, at work, and in your neighborhood. Each training opportunity is uniquely designed to make sure you and those you love live your lives to your fullest potential. Join us at these three events:


These training opportunities are free but registration is required. 
Community Medical Services in West Allis Now Open
A new 24/7 medication-assisted treatment clinic has opened in West Allis. Community Medical Services accepts individuals struggling with opioids any time of the day, including walk-ins. MAT is combined with group and individual therapy to give clients their best chance at recovery. Contact the clinic at 414-885-3525 or info@addictiontx.net . The clinic is also hiring for a number of positions. Check out their employment opportunities here.
Adopt-A-Beach with the Alliance for the Great Lakes
Join the Alliance for Great Lakes in cleaning up Milwaukee beaches! Anneke from City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance joined a cleanup at Bradford Beach on April 16, where volunteers collected a whopping 40 pounds of litter, including cigarette butts, cigar tips, plastic bottle caps, plastic straws, and bits of styrofoam. As part of CoMTFA’s Outdoor Spaces initiative, they will be partnering with the Alliance for Great La kes and other grou ps to install cigarette butt receptacles at Milwaukee beaches this summer. The Fund for Lake Michigan is providing support for the receptacles. 

S ign up for an upcoming cleanup at greatlakesadopt.org . 
Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals
May 30 & 31
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and Partnerships for Success are pleased to offer this no-cost, two-day training for education and other professionals to learn how to identify chemically impaired individuals.

Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals (DITEP) is aimed toward educators, school nurses, administrators, law enforcement, parents, nonprofit professionals, and youth-serving organizations. Participants will learn how to assess individuals for substance use and ensure a safe environment for all.

The two-day training will be held on May 30 and 31 at Community Advocates Training Center, 6900 W. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee. There is no cost to attend, and participants will receive a manual and lunch. RSVP now as space is limited.
Save the Date
Wisconsin’s Annual Drug Endangered Children’s Conference with
The National Drug Endangered Children’s Conference
July 16-18
The national and Wisconsin conference on drug endangered children will be held at the La Crosse Center (300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse) from July 16-18. Jerry Moe, the national director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Children’s Program, will provide the opening keynote speech, while Carlton Hall, a former leader with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), will offer the closing plenary. Breakout topics include reports on drug trends, drug endangered children and driving, as well as an in-depth look at meth’s impact on children. You can find more information here .
Events
UNCOM’s Neighborhood Summit 2019
Wednesday, April 24
United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee will have their third annual Neighborhood Summit at the St. Joseph’s Hospital Campus, 5000 W. Chambers St., Milwaukee. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with the theme of “Strengthening Neighborhood Assets,” featuring keynote speakers Susan Dreyfus, President and CEO of Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, and Deanna Singh, Chief Change Agent of The Flying Elephant. Please register in advance for this free event here . 
National Drug Endangered Child Awareness Day
Wednesday, April 24
To mark April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (DEC) will recognize April 24 as National DEC Awareness Day. Supporters can celebrate with colorful pinwheels that represent a happy childhood that each youth deserves, collect kids’ necessities and donate them to Child Protective Services, plan a fun activity with kids, or increase awareness of child endangered children. 
Stewards of Children Training Day
Friday, April 26
Stewards of Children is aimed to provide tools to prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in our communities. The training, organized by The Parenting Network , will be held from 12 noon until 3 p.m. at the Community Advocates Training Center, 6900 W. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee. Training is beneficial for: youth workers, teachers, social workers, coaches, clergy, counselors, childcare providers, parents, and volunteers. Mandatory Reporting laws will be covered. Please register in advance here . 
Drug Take-Back Event
Saturday, April 27
Get rid of your unused and unwanted medication at this Drug Take-Back Event! Bring medication you no longer need and it will be disposed of safely and securely. This resource is sponsored by Take Back My Meds MKE, the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) coalition, Safe & Sound, Clean Wisconsin, Milwaukee Police Department and Dose of Reality. It'll be held at Christ-St. Peter Lutheran School Lot, 2137 W. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee. Can't attend this event? Go to MCSAP's site or   Take Back My Meds MKE's website   for a list of year-round drop-off sites throughout Milwaukee County.
Mix in the Morning
Saturday, April 27
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee will host a networking and discussion event at Colectivo Coffee, 2211 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, for those interested in furthering the mission or mentoring young people. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be provided, as well as first-hand advice and stories from mentors. The event will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. You can RSVP here . 
Reimagining Justice for Wisconsinites with Mental Illness
Monday, April 29
Sponsored by the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force and MKE Turner Confronting Mass Incarceration Committee, this “reimagining justice” event will include a panel discussion with Wisconsin Department of Corrections Secretary Kevin Carr, state Rep. David Bowen, State of Wisconsin Chief Psychologist Christine Apple, and EXPO/WISDOM organizer Alan Schultz, and moderated by Rev. Willie Brisco, WISDOM President. The forum will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 29, at Independence First , 540 S. First St., Milwaukee. Space is limited so RSVPs are a must. Get details and register at this link.
Realities of Child and Adolescent Mental Illness
in the West Allis Community
Wednesday, May 1
The West Allis West Milwaukee Mental Health and Substance Abuse Task Force is organizing a panel discussion aimed at community knowledge surrounding childhood and adolescent mental health and substance abuse issues. The event is from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Aurora West Allis Medical Center (8901 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis), with a panel Q&A to follow. To register, please RSVP in advance to Terese Beauchamp via email or at 414-328-7521. 
Is Extension the Missing Piece to Your Prevention Puzzle?
Maximizing the Impact of Community-Based Prevention through Extension Partnerships
Thursday, May 2
The Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center will host this webinar on how to leverage county and regional Extension educators as a key partner on community-based teams. The event will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on May 2, featuring presenters Janet A. Welsh, Ph.D., and Daniel F. Perkins, Ph.D., both of Penn State University. You can register in advance here .  
Empower Me Foster Walk
Saturday, May 4 
The inaugural Empower Me 3K foster walk , organized by The J.A. Love Project, will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on May 4, beginning at Lakeshore State Park, 500 N Harbor Drive, Milwaukee. Register in advance here , or on the morning of the walk from 9 to 9:30; cost is $20. The walk is a way to raise awareness of the more than 7,000 youth in Wisconsin’s foster care system and the 200+ youth who age out of care every year. 
Free Line Dance for Wellness Classes
May 7, 14, 21, 28
To celebrate Mental Health Month, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division and Mind Body & Soul Dancers are offering free line dance classes every Tuesday in May. Everything is free, including light refreshments, dancing, and a lot of positive energy and stress relief. These family-friendly classes will be held every Tuesday throughout May from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wisconsin African American Women’s Center, 3020 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee. Register here to let the organizers know you’re coming.
Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) Facilitator Training
May 7-10 
GONA will be hosting a training of facilitators May 7-10 at the Hall of Nations in the Lake of the Torches Casino, 510 Old Abe Road, Lac du Flambeau. The training is intended to enhance tribal GONA facilitator capacity and increase tribal collaboration and healing. It’s open to all Wisconsin tribes, with a limit of two participants from each tribe to join in the training. There is a $100 registration fee, and lunch will be provided each day. The application deadline is April 29 at 4 p.m. You can download the application form here . Please contact Lashawnda Maulson or Lisa Schuman with any questions or inquiries related to the application process. 
Compassion Resilience Facilitator Training Sessions
May 7 & June 5
Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee and Milwaukee Public Schools will hold two training sessions aimed at administrators and facilitators in a team-building environment. The event is free, with an optional lunch available for $15.
 
●        Tuesday, May 7: Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, 1450 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee
●        Wednesday, June 5: MATC West Allis, 1200 S. 71st St., West Allis
 
Both events run from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Please register in advance via email with Megan Littel. The full toolkit is available online here . 
You’re Not Alone Premiere
Monday, May 13
Rory Linnane of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will premiere the documentary You’re Not Alone , a collaborative effort between Linnane, USA Today Network-Wisconsin, and Milwaukee PBS, on Monday, May 13, at Milwaukee Pius XI High School, 175 N. 76th St., Milwaukee. The film follows four youth on their journey with mental health, overcoming obstacles including bullying, assault and incarceration, eventually finding the love and support they need through strong networks.

The premiere begins at 7 p.m., but attendees are encouraged to arrive an hour earlier to network and view the many resources available. You can find tickets to the premiere here . Want to provide a resource table or volunteer as a counselor for any youth who may need someone to talk to? Email Linnane.
Research & Resources
Rubber Rover Will Come to You
Half of all sexually active people locally will get an STD before the age of 25, according to the Milwaukee Health Department. To bring attention to sexual health and help reduce the stigma associated with STDs, local nonprofit Diverse & Resilient is bringing the Rubber Rover , a condom-themed vehicle aimed at increasing conversations about safer sex, to Milwaukee in the month of June. If you would like to have the Rubber Rover come out to your community event please reach out to Anthony Harris at Diverse & Resilient ( aharris@diverseandresilient.org or 414-390-0444).  
Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals Scholarship
Deadline to Apply: May 3
Applications must be postmarked and received by Friday, May 3, to be considered for the Dr. Wesley L. Scott Scholarship sponsored by the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals . There are three $1,000 scholarships available to Milwaukee-area high school students heading into college. In order to qualify, the applicant must: Have a 3.3 GPA or higher, be of African American descent, be a resident of Milwaukee, attend a Milwaukee County high school and be accepted into an undergraduate or two-year college program for fall 2019. For more information, please click here . Any questions, please contact Tiffany Henry .  
Apply Now for Alert Neighbor Program
The City of Milwaukee has launched an Alert Neighbor Program to assist neighborhood organizations, block clubs and other community groups to “identify and implement” strategies for a more cohesive neighborhood. Topics include addressing criminal activity, neighborhood / porch lighting, security cameras and neighborhood improvement projects. Funding will be available for various aspects of these goals. Please click here for more information.  
May is Mental Health Month Toolkit 
This year’s toolkit from Mental Health America will feature focuses on animal companionship, work/life balance, humor, standard toolkit graphics, and many other relevant items. You can access the full version here .
Job Opportunities
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Community Advocates Public Policy Institute | 414-270-2950  | ppi.communityadvocates.net
Community Advocates is supported by ReCAST MKE, 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.