In this Issue:

• News
• Events & Webinars
• Community Resources
• Los Recursos Familial en Español
• Family Resources in English
• Job Opportunities

Spotlight On: Community Turns Out for International Overdose Awareness Day

Hundreds of loved ones and allies of those impacted by overdose gathered during three community events on Thursday, August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day.

The events kicked off with a press conference at Samad’s House, a sober living facility for women, on Tuesday to encourage community members to attend the Thursday events and get help.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, Milwaukee County Prevention Integration Manager, Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services Jeremy Triblett, and Dr. Mike Totoraitis, City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner, spoke about the need for more support and resources for community members who are living with a substance use disorder, as well as their friends and families. Milwaukee County was found to have the eighth highest overdose rate in the country in 2022.

Chief Lipski, who also chairs the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition, stressed the fact that substance misuse does not discriminate, and affects those from all walks of life. "There is no us and them in this," he said. "It’s everybody."

On Thursday, hundreds of individuals of all ages attended three International Overdose Awareness Day events throughout Milwaukee. The events featured resources, Narcan training and supplies, fentanyl test strips, healing activities, prayers, kids’ activities, a memorial lantern lighting, and a march to end overdose. A Memorial Tree decorated with purple ribbons will be on display at City Hall. In addition, the Hoan Bridge lit up purple on August 30 and 31, thanks to Light the Hoan, to show support for those living with a substance use disorder and their friends and family.

The events, presented by RISE Drug Free MKE, were hosted and organized by Samad’s House, UMOS Inc., Team HAVOC, and RISE Drug Free MKE. Partnering organizations were: City of Milwaukee Health Department, CleanSlate Medical Group, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, Community Medical Services, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, Milwaukee Fire Department, Nar-Anon, Onepillkills, RISE Drug Free MKE, Samad’s House, Street Angels, Team HAVOC, UMOS Inc., Vivent Health, and Wauwatosa Health Department.

A big thank you goes out to everyone who attended and welcomed visitors on this meaningful day. The turnout from the community and commitment from local organizations prove that the will to tackle substance misuse and overdose is mighty. 

Discover Wellness

New Date: Friday, September 22

New Location: Alice's Garden

Diverse groups from across Milwaukee County are inviting individuals and families to Alice's Garden on Friday, September 22, for activities and resources that can improve their health and wellness. Now in its second year, “Discover Wellness” will feature free healthy snacks, prizes, wellness activities, and a chance to win a bike and other prizes.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on September 22, “Discover Wellness” will encompass the eight dimensions of wellness—emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual—to provide visitors with a broad range of activities and resources that can help to enhance their health and well-being.

Highlights include: healthy activities, raffles and giveaways, a book library, yoga and Reiki, tools for emotional wellness, and free healthy snacks from Neu-Life Community Development’s Farmfork, an urban agriculture and culinary arts program for youth.

Then, at sunset, guests can enjoy a free screening of "The Little Mermaid."

“Discover Wellness” will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 22, at Alice's Garden, 2136 N. 21st St., Milwaukee. All are invited to attend this free, family-friendly community event.

“Discover Wellness” partners include Alice's Garden, Cudahy Health Department, Goal Chasers 2000, The House of Kings and Priests, Neu-Life Community Development, Oak Creek Health Department, The Parenting Network, RISE Drug Free MKE, Wauwatosa Health Department, and Community Advocates.

Community Advocates is looking for a motivated intern to help us implement our Vape Disposal Awareness Campaign, which consists of providing vape disposal kits to schools, health departments, and community organizations across Southeast Wisconsin in a day of action. This is a temporary position, up to 20 hours a week, and offers a stipend after the project is complete. You’ll learn a lot and improve the health of our community members and environment. 

We’re pleased to announce that Community Advocates’ downtown offices, located at 728 N. James Lovell St., now hosts a Harm Reduction Vending Machine thanks to funding from Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. The vending machine is stocked with Narcan, fentanyl test strips, safe disposal kits, medication lock pouches, gun locks, and information and resources. All supplies are free to the public during regular business hours. 

The Mammographic Quality Initiative (MQI) is an initiative run by the Community and Cancer Science Network from the Medical College of Wisconsin. The MQI is focused on increasing the quality of mammograms in Wisconsin through hearing workgroup members’ experiences. Read more about the initiative here. To better understand the quality of mammograms in Wisconsin, the MQI group would like individuals to complete this survey. The short survey is meant for people 40+, to understand their breast cancer screening experiences. However, it includes questions for people who have not been screened (younger or older than 40). This is a quality improvement project, NOT research. Responses will be used to change mammogram practices in Wisconsin. All responses are anonymous, unless people choose "yes" to follow-up for deeper interviews and enter their info. 

La Iniciativa de Calidad Mamográfica (MQI) es una iniciativa dirigida por la Red Comunitaria y de Ciencias del Cáncer de la Facultad de Medicina de Wisconsin. El MQI se centra en aumentar la calidad de las mamografías en Wisconsin escuchando las experiencias de los miembros del grupo de trabajo. Lea más sobre la iniciativa aquí. Para comprender mejor la calidad de las mamografías en Wisconsin, al grupo MQI le gustaría que las personas completaran esta encuesta. Esta breve encuesta está destinada a personas mayores de 40 años para comprender sus experiencias en la detección del cáncer de mama. Sin embargo, incluye preguntas para personas que no han sido examinadas (menores o mayores de 40 años). Este es un proyecto de mejora de la calidad, NO una investigación. Las respuestas se utilizarán para cambiar las prácticas de mamografía en Wisconsin. Todas las respuestas son anónimas, a menos que las personas elijan "sí" para realizar un seguimiento para entrevistas más profundas e ingresar su información. 

The Great Lakes MHTTC and People Incorporated Training Institute are offering a new certification in Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health. This certification is designed to equip professionals in the behavioral health and human services field with an advanced understanding of neurocriminology and its implications for interviewing, screening, and treatment of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. 

Each September, prevention advocates and stakeholders highlight the importance of learning how to identify and discuss potential warning signs of suicide.

This month, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will provide Question, Persuade, Refer QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper workshops at your organization upon request. This 1.5-hour workshop normalizes conversations about suicide and teaches participants how to listen nonjudgmentally and encourage someone who may be thinking of suicide to get appropriate help. Interested in offering this session to your organization? Contact Rita Liesiefsky at rliesiefsky@communityadvocates.net.

We’re also expanding the number of QPR sessions in September to encourage more people to learn how to talk to someone who may be considering suicide:

• September 11 (morning and afternoon)
• September 18 (afternoon and evening)
• September 20 (morning and evening)
• September 25 (morning)

Click here to see all of our workshops in September.

Franciscan Peacemakers, RISE Drug Free MKE and Samad’s House are organizing a Family Personal Care Pantry Donation Drive. Please contribute essential personal items such as undergarments and socks for all ages and personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, bodywash, hand towels, and similar items. Look for five donation bins around the City of Milwaukee to drop off your gifts.

The Family Personal Care Pantry will be open on September 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1700 N. 34th St., Milwaukee.

Community partners are City of Milwaukee Health Department, Community Medical Services, Franciscan Peacemakers, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, RISE Drug Free MKE & Samad’s House.

Registration is open for the WPHA Public Health in Practice Conference, which will be held October 4 and 5 at the Oshkosh Convention Center, although a virtual attendance option will be available. The PHiP conference is targeted for professionals working in both governmental and non-governmental public health positions. Attendees will walk away with specific skills and usable tools to execute strategies to improve community or workplace health through systems change thinking, evidence-based practices and capacity building. 

Children Living in Grandparent-Led and Multigenerational Families:

Implications for Policy and Practice

Wednesday, September 6

About 30% of children in the United States will live in a multigenerational or skipped-generation household at some point during their childhood. This is even more common for children of color and for those whose adult family members are low income. In this webinar, panelists will examine the scope of the issue and its implications for child well-being and security, as well as opportunities for policy and practice to support these children and their adult household members. This webinar from the Institute for Research on Poverty will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on September 6. 

Proud & Empowered:

A School-Based Intervention for LGBTQ+ Youth Coping

Thursday, September 7

After 10 years of research, Proud & Empowered has shown efficacy to support its use in school and community settings. The 10-week small group intervention uses a mix of didactic learning strategies to support LGBTQ+ youth as they navigate their family, peer, school and other community environments. This webinar will be held on September 7 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CECs are available. 

Youth Prevention Summit

Friday, September 8

Safe & Sound Inc and Milwaukee Academy of Science are organizing a Youth Prevention Summit to provide:

• Alcohol and other drug prevention
• STD education
• Domestic violence prevention
• Job readiness
• Financial literacy
• Relatable mentorship

The summit will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on September 8 at 2000 W. Kilbourn Ave. 

Petty Union Tribute to Howie Epstein and

Brian Lynch Quartet

Benefit for RISE Drug Free MKE

Sunday, September 10

A benefit concert will honor two Nicolet High School classmates and Grammy Award winners—the late Howie Epstein, who played bass for 20 years for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Brian Lynch, a jazz trumpeter. This unique concert will feature Petty Union, a Tom Petty tribute band, and Lynch, who will cover some jazz greats and play a few songs from his albums. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7 p.m. on September 10 at Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell Ave. Proceeds will benefit RISE Drug Free MKE. This show is open to those 21+.

Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference

September 13 & September 14

Organized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Wisconsin Connect, this event features sessions focused on reducing the issues that arise from the use of drugs. This year's theme is "Together, We Rise: The Journey for Prevention, Resiliency, and Equity." It'll be held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells and all sessions will be available in real time via Zoom.

Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee Workshop: Services for Veterans

Wednesday, September 20

The Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee (ECOM) is a monthly gathering of social services professionals, advocates, and consumers organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute. ECOM meets the third Wednesday of the month throughout the year (except December) and explores topics that are vital to Milwaukee’s human services professionals. This month's topic is Services for Veterans. Fee is $5 for light refreshments and materials. 

Improving Behavioral Health Services and Care for Your Sexual and Gender Diverse Clients:

Trauma-Informed Care for the LGBTQ+ Community

Thursday, September 21

In this session organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, participants will explore the concept of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and its importance for the LGBTQ+ community, who face potentially traumatic experiences such as discrimination, violence, and rejection. This virtual workshop aims to equip attendees with foundational knowledge and skills. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of stress, trauma, and mental health. They will learn a framework for how to incorporate Trauma-Informed Care principles into both personal and professional practice. And they will discover strategies and tips for taking a trauma-informed approach to daily life. This session will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on September 21. 

Wisconsin Crisis Intervention Conference

September 21 & September 22

Organized by UW-Stevens Point, this event features sessions focused on strategies to support people experiencing mental health and substance use emergencies. To provide education on best practices in a culturally aware format that leads to superior quality mental healthcare services that benefits individuals, providers, and communities. It’ll be held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells and also offers a virtual option. 

Substance Use Disorder Conference

September 21 & September 22

Organized by Fox Valley Technical College, this Appleton event features sessions focused on substance use treatment. A keynote speaker is Shawn Smith, who will present on Motivational Interviewing. 

Celebrating Abilities Family Forum

Saturday, September 23

The 20th annual Celebrating Abilities Family Forum will provide families with information and resources to support their students with special education needs. This family-friendly event will include informative workshops, programs for families, and a resource fair that will feature representatives from dozens of community agencies. The forum will be held on Saturday, September 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at South Division High School. It will include breakfast and lunch for the whole family. Free childcare is available for children over age 3. Please register by September 15. Questions? Contact Monica Lopez at (414) 902-8434 or lopezmm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or Meredith Welch at (414) 438-3478 or welchm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us. 

Celebrando el Foro Familiar de Habilidades

Sábado 23 de septiembre

El vigésimo Foro Familiar anual Celebrating Abilities brindará a las familias información y recursos para apoyar a sus estudiantes con necesidades de educación especial. Este evento familiar incluirá talleres informativos, programas para familias y una feria de recursos que contará con representantes de docenas de agencias comunitarias. El foro se llevará a cabo el sábado 23 de septiembre de 8:30 a 14:30 horas. en la escuela secundaria de la División Sur. Incluirá desayuno y almuerzo para toda la familia. Hay cuidado de niños gratuito disponible para niños mayores de 3 años. Regístrese antes del 15 de septiembre. ¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con Mónica López al (414) 902-8434 o lopezmm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us o Meredith Welch al (414) 438-3478 o welchm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit

Wednesday, October 11

The Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit focuses on education for the interprofessional team about evidence-based approaches for optimal, culturally congruent health care for Native American people and communities. Summit speakers will highlight best practices for holistic care, interprofessional collaboration, whole-person care, and culturally specific trauma-informed care.

The event includes:

• Information about pathways to healing professions for middle and high school students.
• Career advancement opportunities within nursing.
• Continuing education for RNs, advanced practice nurses, physicians, psychologists, and social workers. Learn more about continuing education credit.

UW-Madison School of Nursing is partnering with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University and the College of Menominee Nation’s Seven Generations Summit. The Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit will serve as the pre-convening for the Seven Generations Summit on Wednesday, October 11. There will be additional nursing and health-related sessions during the Seven Generations Summit on October 12 and 13.

Both summits will take place at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University in Hayward.

Milwaukee Data Day 2023

Wednesday, October 18

Data Day, hosted by Data You Can Use, provides an opportunity for leaders from neighborhoods, nonprofits, universities, the public sector, and beyond to better understand what data are available, the implications of data on community revitalization, and how to increase connections between research and practice. Data Day 2023 will be Milwaukee’s 9th annual Data Day celebration, and the theme this year is “Journey to Justice: Using Data for Systems Change in Milwaukee.” Registration will open soon. However, you can apply for a Data Dream, sign on to be a sponsor, and apply to offer a five-minute Ignite Presentation on your data work.

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Forward the information to Prevention@CommunityAdvocates.net.

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Connecting Communities to Substance Use Services: Practical Tools for First Responders

From SAMHSA, this guide provides practical, evidence-based information that first responder agencies, their partners, and communities can use to implement or expand practices and programs for linking people to substance use services. Download it here.

In Their Own Words: Teens’ Tips for Partnering with Youth

The Great Lakes MHTTC and Wisconsin PATCH (Providers and Teens Communicating for Health) asked teens to describe the best ways adults can partner with youth and what motivates young people to get involved with organizations like PATCH. The responses featured in this resource were provided by teenage participants of the PATCH Teen Educators program. Download it here.

Apoye a los jóvenes

El apoyo para la juventud y sus necesidades de la salud mental ha sido un área de un fuerte y creciendo interés ya, y la pandemia solo ha agravado las carencias marcadas de una juventud batallando para arreglárselas. Las tasas de ansiedad, depresión, y autolesionar que han reportado los jóvenes están subiendo, y tan solo uno de cada cuatro jóvenes en Wisconsin informan que están recibiendo la ayuda que necesiten cuando sienten angustiados (McCoy, 2018, 2020). Para responder a esa realidad la UW Extension ha redactado una serie de hojas informativas para padres y otros adultos que o cuidan a los jóvenes o trabajan con ellos. Cada hoja informativa es fundamentada en investigación, fácil de leer, y contiene estrategias prácticas para apoyar la salud mental de los jóvenes. Descarguelo aqui.

Supporting You(th)

Supporting youth and their mental health needs have been a growing concern for some time, and the pandemic only amplified the already staggering needs of youth struggling to cope. Rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm reported by young people have been increasing, and only one in four Wisconsin youth report that they receive the help they need when they feel distressed (McCoy, 2018, 2020). In response to this reality, UW Extension has developed a series of fact sheets for parents, caregivers and other adults who live or work with young people. Each fact sheet is research-based, easy to read, and provides practical strategies to support youth mental health. Download it here.

Mental Health America’s Back-to-School Toolkit

This year’s theme is "Selfies, Social, and Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth." MHA’s 2023 toolkit provides information, tips, and resources for young people, caregivers, and school personnel on how to protect youth mental health in a digital world. Get the toolkit.

Txhawb cov Tub Ntxhais Hluas

Pab txhawb cov tub/ntxhais hluas thiab lawv cov kev nyuaj siab yog yam uas peb tau txhawj heev tau ib ntus no lawm, thiab thaum muab kab mob haj yam ua rau cov tub/ntxhais xav tau kev pab tshaj no ntxiv. Txoj kev ntxov siab, nyuaj siab, thiab rov txov tus kheej nthuav los ntawm cov tub/ntxhais hluas mas coob tshaj lawm, thiab tsuas yog ib leej ntawm plaub tug tub/ntxhais hluas nyob hauv Wisconsin thiaj hais tias lawv tau txais kev pab thaum lawv muaj kev nyuaj siab (McCoy, 2018, 2020).

Txoj kev los daws qhov teeb meem no, Extension tau tsim cov ntaub ntawv qhia txog cov muaj tseeb rau cov niam/txiv, cov neeg tu lwm tus thiab lwm cov neeg laus uas nyob nrog los yog ua hauj lwm nrog cov tub/ntxhais hluas. Txhua daim ntawv qhia txog cov muaj tseeb mas yeej mus tshawb fawb los lawm, nyeem yooj yim, thiab qhia cov kev zoo los pab cov tub/ntxhais hluas txog cov kev nyuaj siab. Download tau nws ntawm no.

Job Opportunities

• Bay View Community Center: Bilingual Customer Service Associate (Part Time)
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee: Enrollment and Match Support Specialist
• Casa Guadalupe Education Center: Executive Director
• Community Advocates: Energy Assistance Advocate (Seasonal)
• Community Advocates: Juul Project Intern (Part Time)
• Community Advocates: Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator
• Community Advocates: Older Abused Women’s Program Outreach and Community Case Manager
• Community Advocates: Quality Assurance Processor
• Community Advocates: Resident Manager Second Shift
• Community Advocates: Shelter Advocate
• Community Advocates: Shelter Case Manager
• Community Advocates: Social Media and Communications Coordinator
• End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: Associate Director
• End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: Engagement and Services Director
• Grand Avenue Club: Program Coordinator
• Kenosha County Food Bank: Director
• Life Navigators: Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver Case Manager / Service and Support Coordinator
• Lotus Legal Clinic: Bilingual Survivor Advocate
• Meta House: Family Facilitator
• Meta House: Medication Technician
• Milwaukee Public Library: Milwaukee Public Library / LibraryNow Program Specialist
• Next Door: Early Head Start Teacher
• Next Door: Co-Teacher
• Next Door: Head Start Teacher
• Next Door: Parent Educator
• Next Door: Wellness Specialist (Part Time)
• The Parenting Network: Youth Prevention Educator
• Pathfinders: Back-Up Youth and Family Advocate (Part Time)
• Pathfinders: CRAY Manager
• Pathfinders: Hand-in-Hand Therapist
• Pathfinders: Supportive Employment Case Manager
• Sirona Recovery: Recovery Support Coordinator
• UMOS: Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate (Bilingual)
• UMOS: Case Manager (Bilingual)
• UMOS: Immigration Attorney
• Urban Ecology Center: Bilingual Neighborhood Engagement Specialist – Spanish/English (Part Time)
• The Women’s Center: Shelter Advocate (Weekdays, Third Shift)

This newsletter was created and delivered to you thanks to the financial support of Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services Behavioral Health Services and other funders.

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute | 414-270-2950 

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