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In this Issue:
- News
- Events & Webinars
- Community Resources
- Los Recursos Familial en Español
- Family Resources in English
- Job Opportunities
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Spotlight On: Escucha Tus Emociones Promotes Healing in Milwaukee County | |
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Led by therapist and trainer Ana Paula Soares, the Escucha Tus Emociones // Listen to Your Emotions initiative has trained 60 bilingual Community Health Workers / Promotores de Salud to deliver mental health awareness and substance misuse prevention workshops in Milwaukee County. In 2024, 50 culturally affirming workshops were facilitated to 400 participants, primarily Latinx adults.
Escucha Tus Emociones began as a multimedia campaign created by Soares, Centro Hispano of Dane County, Sandra Dempsey of Source Ten, and other partners. In 2022, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute became a partner in this initiative. With the support of Milwaukee County’s Better Ways to Cope funding and CA-PPI’s administrative infrastructure, Soares worked to develop the workshops and train the Promotores de Salud. During the next year, the Promotores will be deepening their knowledge of substance misuse prevention (especially opioid misuse prevention), offering culturally affirming wellness practices, and providing peer support for each other and community members.
On December 7, a group of Promotores gathered to participate in a healing circle that drew on traditional practices that have been handed down through the generations, as well as the very modern practice of creating personal vision boards for the year ahead. The Promotores shared their reflections on how their involvement in the Escucha Tus Emociones initiative has impacted them and the people in their lives. One woman explained that she is more likely to actively listen to others instead of reacting, while another said the lessons she’s learned from Escucha Tus Emociones have helped her to cope with the recent losses and transitions in her life in a healthy way, allowing her to embrace challenges and appreciate her life’s journey.
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More than Winter Blues: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder | |
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As winter’s chill sets in and daylight fades, many people find themselves battling more than just the cold weather. They may experience a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by seasonal changes. With symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and withdrawal from social activities, SAD can disrupt lives. But there’s hope – understanding SAD and seeking support can help individuals regain control. Read more to learn how to overcome the winter blues.
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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over | |
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Traffic Safety Marketing and the U.S. Department of Transportation have launched Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, a national high-visibility enforcement campaign that focuses on the consequences of drunk driving and is supported by increased law enforcement. With their key dates ranging from December 11, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the campaign offers social media posts and talking points for sharing. Play a role in preventing drunk driving this holiday season.
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Creating Meaning After Loss: Art Therapy Process Group for Suicide Loss Survivors | |
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The Division of Suicide Research and Healing has partnered with the Clara Healing Institute to offer an art therapy processing group for individuals who have experienced a suicide loss. This eight-week series is offered at no cost and is open to any adult who has experienced suicide loss. The group is scheduled to meet on Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- January 9, 16, 23, 30
- February 6, 13, 20, 27
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Navigating Difficult Conversations: Making the Case for Equity in Substance Misuse Prevention
Tuesday, December 17
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Good substance misuse prevention includes careful consideration of health equity, systems of privilege and oppression, and the diverse needs of equally diverse communities. Explaining and justifying these best prevention practices can sometimes be a challenge when these concepts have been distorted, misunderstood, or politicized. This workshop will lead prevention providers to gain confidence in engaging with individuals, groups, and communities who may be resistant to having discussions that center around these important elements of prevention work.
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Workshop elements will include examining best ways to convey these messages using realistic case studies and examples from participants. | |
Presenter: Sarah Surna, MSSA, MPH | |
This workshop is organized by the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network and is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | |
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Communities Talk About: Engaging College and Universities in Prevention - Webinar
Wednesday, December 18
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Participants will learn about the new Communities Talk cycle for 2025 and prevention resources and materials to reach college and university professionals and ways they can participate and host their own Communities Talk prevention events on their campuses in the next year. This webinar will be hosted by SAMHSA CSAP’s Director, CAPT Christopher Jones and will feature past Communities Talk hosts from college and university campuses as well as community-based organizations who will share their prevention story and how participating in this initiative has made an impact in their community. This webinar is scheduled for December 18 at 1 p.m.
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Having a Harm Reduction Conversation
Thursday, December 19
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This interactive webinar will review Harm Reduction as both a concept and how it translates in strategies that can apply in a variety of situations with people actively using substances. Participants will review and practice using basic communication skills of Motivational Interviewing for a person-centered approach to "meet people where they are at," and incite motivation to change. This webinar from the Northeast and Caribbean PTTC is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. on December 19.
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Verbal De-Escalation Techniques
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
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During this virtual workshop, you will learn how to increase safety by utilizing verbal de-escalation techniques. Participants will explore foundational information on how to reduce the level of conflict through self-knowledge, understand how past experiences influence current behavior, and practice de-escalation.
This webinar will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on January 14, 2025, via Zoom.
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SAMHSA Grant Application Process Webinars
Tuesday, January 14, and Thursday, January 16, 2025
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SAMHSA is offering webinars on their grant application process to help organizations better understand the steps to apply for a SAMHSA grant. This webinar will focus on the process to apply, from registration to completion of the application. Organizations that have not received SAMHSA funds may find this webinar helpful.
Use the links below to RSVP for one of the following dates:
- January 14 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
- January 16 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
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QPR Question Persuade Refer
Suicide Prevention Training
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
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We can all save lives.
The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.
This two-hour interactive introduction to suicide awareness and prevention will also cover statistics and intervention strategies. This workshop will be held on January 28, 2025, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
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Domestic Violence 101: Back to Basics
Thursday, January 30, 2025
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The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence is hosting an introductory webinar to describe the dynamics and common tactics that characterize domestic violence. It will also provide an overview of the scope and impact on individuals and society. Because it is impossible to prevent and respond to domestic violence without addressing larger structures of oppression, this webinar will explain the connections between doing racial equity work and ending domestic violence. This session will help new advocates, allied professionals, students, and the general public achieve a basic understanding of this complex issue and how they can be part of the solution. The webinar is scheduled for January 30, 2025, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
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15th Annual Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Conference
Wednesday, May 14 - Friday, May 16, 2025
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Mental Health America-WI and Prevent Suicide Wisconsin (PSW) Conference Planning Committee are accepting presentation proposals for the 2025 PSW Conference: Building Together: Adding to Your Toolkit.
Session Proposal Deadline: Friday, February 14, 2025.
Proposals that demonstrate evidence-based or promising practices, enhance practical skills, support recovery, and energize people are invited to apply. All proposals should demonstrate adherence to appropriate language and messaging around suicide and suicide prevention.
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Hey, there,
-- do you have:
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Job openings?
- Upcoming events?
- News to share?
- Suggestions?
Forward the information to Prevention@CommunityAdvocates.net.
Thank you for your service to Milwaukee!
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Project RETURN'S Circles of Support
Project RETURN's Circles of Support are small groups that meet regularly to provide a stable, supportive network to individuals returning from incarceration. Members of each circle include formerly incarcerated people, a trained circle keeper, and community volunteers. Through a structured process, members grow with each other, learn from one another, and help the community heal from trauma experienced through poverty, crime, and from the direct impact of incarceration. Click here to learn more.
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Avoiding the Addiction Affliction Podcast
When does it stop being a party and start being a problem? Is there a way to steer clear of addiction? Every Wednesday, Mike McGowan explores substance use disorders with expert guests to share their insights and talk about their experiences. Click here to listen.
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Los Recursos Familial en Español | |
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Proyecto de Navegador para familias Latinas
El Proyecto Latino Family Navigator de LOV Inc. apoya a las familias de habla hispana que incluyen personas con discapacidades para abordar sus necesidades más urgentes a través de conexiones con recursos y servicios. Este proyecto, anteriormente conocido como Proyecto Superfamilias, trabaja con familias en el condado de Dane. A través de consultas individuales, trabajamos con las familias para identificar sus necesidades individuales. Aprende más.
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Healthy MKE
De Milwaukee Health Care Partnership y Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, el sitio web Healthy MKE ofrece una única fuente de información para los servicios públicos y privados en el condado de Milwaukee, donde los proveedores y los miembros de la comunidad pueden obtener la información que necesitan para ayudarse a sí mismos o a otros. Accede a ellos aquí.
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Family Resources in English | |
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Children of Addicted Parents Guide: The Impact of Substance Use on Families and Children
Approximately 1 in 8 children live with a parent of caregiver suffering from an alcohol or substance use disorder, and the repercussions of growing up with addicted parents or caregivers do not end with adulthood. This guide from American Addiction Centers explores how and why children and parents can get help. Learn more.
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Childhood Depression: What Parents Need to Know
Depression is not just an adult issue—it can affect children and adolescents too. However, it can often be harder to recognize in younger people, as they may not have the words to express what they're feeling. In this article from KidsHealth, parents and caregivers can learn how to identify the signs of depression in children, understand the causes behind it, and explore effective ways to support their children through difficult times. With practical advice and guidance, this resource empowers families to approach mental health with understanding and care. Click here to learn more.
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Positive Options for Women Entering Recovery
Are you worried about your drinking or other drug use? You aren’t alone. The Positive Options for Women Entering Recovery (POWER) is here to help. The Milwaukee Women’s Center’s POWER provides FREE day treatment for women struggling with alcohol and other drug issues. Click here to learn more or call 414-270-4600 to get help.
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