Spotlight On: Family Unity Night Celebrated the Family Meal
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On October 13, the Milwaukee Teen Pregnancy Prevention Network (MTPPN) hosted its much-loved 14th annual Family Unity Night (FUN), a gathering for parents, caregivers, and kids to recognize the importance of sitting down for a shared family meal and enjoying each other’s company during "Let’s Talk Month."
MTPPN invited families connected to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Neu-Life Community Development, Stronger Families Milwaukee, and Community Advocates Public Policy Institute for an evening of good food, activities, and improved relationships. More than 150 parents and kids came out for a pasta dinner buffet, DJ and dancing, a photo booth, games, and a family fun bag.
Studies show that regular family meals and conversation can contribute to better physical and mental health and lower rates of teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, tobacco use, and eating disorders. And contrary to popular belief, teens actually want to spend time talking with their parents or caregivers during family meals.
"During Family Unity Night, we wanted to provide families with an opportunity recognize the importance of devoting time solely to being with each other and talking," said Jody Rhodes, Executive Director of Neu-Life Community Development. "Families' lives can get complicated and busy sometimes, but it’s good to get back to basics around the dinner table with a regular family meal. We had a great time during FUN—the families did not want to leave!"
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MHA of Wisconsin Peer-to-Peer School-Based
Suicide Prevention Grants
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Mental Health America of Wisconsin is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for elementary, middle, and high schools in Wisconsin. With a focus on training Wisconsin students to recognize the signs of suicide shown by fellow students, peer-to-peer programs use messages of hope, health, and strength to develop peer leaders and resources for students who may be struggling. Get details at this link.
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Racial Justice Competencies for Public Health Professionals
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Over the last year, the Public Health Training Centers (PHTC, in partnership with the National Network of Public Health Institutes), began developing a Racial Competencies for Public Health Professionals that can be used in developing racial justice education training. This is consistent with agencies across the country declaring racism a public health issue, and expressing interest in ongoing health equity and racial justice training. Learn more here.
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Health Equity and Racial Justice in Public Health Training Series
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This six-part program from Region V Public Health Training Center covers basic health equity and racial justice principles for public health professionals. The program consists of six separate components including a podcast, one self-paced training with free CE, and four On Demand-No CE trainings, each covering different aspects of either health equity or racial justice in public health. This program is helpful for public health professionals looking to increase their understanding of health equity and racial justice and gain tools to engage in antiracist practices. Get details and enroll at this link.
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Homelessness Awareness Week
October 17 through October 21
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Homelessness Awareness Week runs October 17 – October 21 across greater Milwaukee and Waukesha counties to increase public education on the current state of homelessness in our local communities. It’s kicking off on Monday, October 17, with a press conference of government officials discussing work being done in our communities to address homelessness; speakers will include Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, and representatives from the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Housing Services, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.
The United Way will be hosting events throughout the week online and at the United Way JCI Volunteer Center, 200 W. Pleasant St., Milwaukee. (Proof of vaccination is required to enter.) Virtual events will be held on street outreach, landlord appreciation, and homelessness advocacy. Please follow this link to learn more about the events hosted throughout the week and to register.
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Facilitating Not Fixing: Understanding and Fostering Autistic Mental Health & Wellness
Tuesday, October 18
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Much of the current clinical and scholarly information around autism is deficit-based and limited. In fact, some of it is now known to be completely inaccurate. The result is a disconnect from the actual experience of being autistic. Misinformation, misguided support, and oppression creates and contributes to mental health difficulties, stress, and unintentional harm. Bring your knowledge up-to-date based on the past 15 years of the neurodiversity movement, which is largely informed by autistic scholars and the autistic experience. This informational, experiential, and reflective experience will help you understand autistic thinking and thriving in ways that might be unrecognizable to non-autistic people. Begin to explore how to adapt your current practices to foster genuine autistic happiness, health, and healing across the lifespan. This session from the Great Lakes MHTTC will be held on October 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register here.
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Boundaries and Self-Disclosure
Tuesday, October 18
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It can often be difficult to know how much personal information to share in a professional setting with the people we support and what crosses the line as being too personal. Finding this balance is becoming more complicated as communication is increasingly digital, text based, and being conducted on various social media platforms. This class from Great Lakes MHTTC explores best practices in this difficult area. It will be held from 12:45 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18. RSVP here.
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Confronting Implicit Bias in Society and Ourselves Series
Wednesday, October 19 & Wednesday, October 26
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This series of interactive workshops, hosted by Mountain Plains MHTTC, is designed to support educators and mental health professionals recognize and readdress patterns of bias and inequity in their institutions, their peer networks, and themselves. The sessions are:
Impact Over Intention: Addressing Microaggressions in School (10/19/22)
In this workshop, participants will explore how implicit bias can surface and harm others through microaggressions, how to address these on an individual scale, and consider strategies to establish a culture of belonging for every student, family, and staff member.
From Theory to Praxis: Exploring Real World Scenarios (10/26/22)
In this workshop, participants will have an open frame to explore the culmination of their learning, delve into resources to continue their work in this topic, and examine scenarios to authentically push their theoretical understanding of implicit bias into praxis.
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Love without Violence Conference
Wednesday, October 19-Friday, October 21
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The Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention will host the fourth annual Love without Violence Conference, October 19-21. This year’s conference will be held at the Hillside Terrace Family Resource Center, 1452 N. Seventh St., Milwaukee, and can be accessed through Facebook live on the City of Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention page.
This year, organizers invite survivors, advocates, and organizations working in the area of family violence to educate, mobilize and raise awareness to support efforts to prevent domestic and intimate partner violence in our community. The goal of the conference is to create a transformational learning space that offers practical solutions to actualize safety, healing and justice without creating more harm to survivors and their families. The conference will feature three days of dynamic speakers discussing the realities of domestic violence. Get details and register here.
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Cultural Considerations for Addressing Mental Health Issues and Racial Discrimination in Hispanic/Latinx Children & Youth
Wednesday, October 19
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Latinx youths are at significant risk for mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts. Latinx youths are also less likely to access culturally responsive mental health services and continue to be undiagnosed or untreated. This can lead to negative outcomes such as negative interactions at school and with authorities, increased disconnection from family and society, and exposure to the criminal justice system. The presenter will also discuss factors that affect Hispanic and Latino youth mental health and academic performance, the use of culturally centered interventions in school mental health, and how to engage effectively Hispanic and Latino youth and families in school mental health treatment. This session from the Great Lakes MHTTC will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on October 19. RSVP at this link.
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2023-2028 MKE Elevate
Community Health Improvement Plan Meetings
Thursday, October 20 & Tuesday, November 1
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The Milwaukee Health Department is seeking feedback from the Milwaukee community to help choose priorities for the 2023-2028 MKE Elevate Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Join MKE Elevate at one of four upcoming community meetings:
Thursday, October 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch
906 Historic Mitchell Street
Tuesday, November 1, 5:30– 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
The meetings are open to anyone who lives, works, or plays in Milwaukee. Each meeting will include a brief informational presentation, a photo display from the recent Photovoice contest, and small group discussions to prioritize top health issues. Participants will gain a better understanding of community health data, help set the agenda for community health improvement in Milwaukee, and learn how to stay engaged by joining a steering committee or action team. The meetings are free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided. Interested participants can register at Milwaukee.gov/MKEelevate.
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Safe Trick or Treat
Saturday, October 22
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KK River Neighbors in Action, Milwaukee County Parks, 16th Street Community Health Clinic, and Fund for Lake Michigan are providing a safe trick or treat from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 22 at Pulaski Park Pavilion, 2677 S. 16th St., Milwaukee. Put your costume on and get in the Halloween spirit!
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Virtual QPR Question, Persuade, Refer Training
October 24 & 26, November 7, 8, 30
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Community Advocates is offering QPR Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper workshops 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.
Community Advocates will offer this introductory session on:
- October 24 (virtual), from 9 to 11 a.m.
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October 26 (virtual), from 9 to 11 a.m.
- November 7 (in person), from 5 to 7 p.m.
- November 8 (virtual), from 9 to 11 a.m.
- November 30 (virtual), from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
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SDC 2022 Summit on Poverty
October 25-27
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Join the Social Development Commission (SDC)’s 2022 Summit on Poverty from October 25-27, happening virtually and in-person at the Wisconsin Center.
The goal is to expand learning, engagement, and advocacy by providing access to community action agencies, human service, government, and education professionals nationwide as we address our 2022 Summit on Poverty theme: In Pursuit of Resilience & Self-Determination.
The COVID-19 global pandemic is still a clear & present threat. As a country, we are still experiencing an economic crisis and a reality of racial and economic disparities. The 2022 theme for our annual Summit on Poverty seeks evidence-based, innovative strategies that focus on resiliency and determination. Learn more and register at this link.
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Cope ‘N’ Trunk
Saturday, October 29
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Please join Samad's House and Milwaukee County for their Better Ways to Cope Annual Cope 'N' Trunk. This event will be held on Saturday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Samad’s House, 2875 N. 23rd St., Milwaukee. This community event will highlight the importance of Narcan training to reverse the effects of drug overdose, the use of fentanyl testing strips, and access to holistic options for coping with life. This event will have activities for the whole family, plus snacks and candy!
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HIV A to Z: An Interactive Training for
Prevention and Treatment Providers
Tuesday, November 1
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The Southeast PTTC, in partnership with CarolinasCARE Partnership, presents “HIV A to Z: An Interactive Training for Prevention & Treatment Providers.” This interactive learning opportunity will examine Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through an intersectional lens. During this 6-hour virtual training, participants will learn about the history, as well as the future, of HIV. Instructors will use activities, videos, case studies, and interactive lecture format to introduce topics such as HIV Basics, History, Trauma, Homelessness, Mental Health, Substance Use, and Prevention Options for SUD professionals and other providers. Get details and register here.
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Mindful Gratitude Workshop
Wednesday, November 2
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Challenges at work, home, in relationships, and in society can leave us feeling sad, hurt, disconnected, frustrated, or even angry. Research shows that mindfulness and gratitude can help us cope with difficulties and improve mental, emotional, and physical health. But how do we put mindfulness and gratitude into practice? Show yourself some TLC, and attend a Mindful Gratitude workshop to find out! The Mindful Gratitude Workshop offers a safe and supportive environment for you to relax, recharge, and reconnect with your joy and purpose! You will also receive a gift bag crafted by Mindful Gratitude.
Learn skills to help you:
- See the unique beauty in your life, even on the hard days
- Stay calm, even in difficult situations
- Stay centered, even in a fast changing world
Participants receive:
- Journal, pen, and sticker gift set
- Online follow-up session to discuss barriers & breakthroughs!
This workshop is for you if you:
- Want to find more joy and meaning in your everyday life
- Want to improve your sense of wellbeing
- Sometimes feel overwhelmed by work, family, relationships, and responsibilities
This session, presented by Christel Wendelberger, will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on November 2 at Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee. Get details and register at this link.
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Virtual Adult Mental Health First Aid
Monday, November 7 & Tuesday, November 15
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Community Advocates is offering Adult Mental Health First Aid workshops to help participants to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. Community Advocates will offer this introductory session via Zoom. To register, click on the link below:
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10 Tips to Reduce Conflict:
Practical Verbal De-Escalation Techniques
Wednesday, November 16
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Community Advocates is offering a virtual De-Escalation Techniques training to teach participants how to defuse a situation and increase safety using verbal de-escalation techniques. This workshop is aimed toward individuals who encounter conflict in the workplace, at home, or in the community, whether you are a parent or educator, work in the helping professions, or otherwise work with the public in potentially tense situations. This training will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on November 16. Details and RSVP here.
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Trauma and the Brain: An Introduction
Wednesday, November 16
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As a result of this workshop, participants will gain a better understanding as to how trauma affects the brain, discuss risk factors for substance use disorders, and develop their strategy for intervention methods for a particular population.
What we will discuss:
- Trauma definition
- How trauma affects the brain
- Statistics on substance use and ACEs
- Risk factors
- Strategies for care
- Prioritizing risk factors
- What has your organization done and how has it worked?
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Youth Mental Health First Aid
Friday, November 18
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Community Advocates is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid workshops to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The next session will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on November 18 (register by November 11).
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Updated Mental Health & Wellness Resource Guide
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Office of Children's Mental Health Focuses on
Hispanic Mental Health
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In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Office of Children’s Mental Health Director Linda Hall today announces the publication of a new fact sheet, Hispanic Mental Health, and what our families, schools, providers, and communities can do to make a difference.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched an online program for Wisconsinites to get free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests delivered directly to them. Wisconsin residents can go to the Say Yes! COVID Test website and place an order for a package of five rapid antigen COVID-19 tests at no cost. Initial supplies will allow each household to order one package that will arrive in 1-2 weeks.
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The Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC have created an online flipbook for the Alcohol is STILL a Drug series. Alcohol is STILL a Drug is comprised of ten 30-minute videos recorded between September 2021–August 2022. Each video addresses the impacts of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and is presented by a leading professional in that field. You can view the flipbook online or you can download a PDF version. The videos and supplemental resources are accessible in either format.
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#BeThere to Prevent Suicide
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We can all #BeThere to prevent suicide by taking actions that can promote healing and help, and give hope. Many people find it difficult to talk about suicide, and especially difficult to know how to talk to someone that is having thoughts of suicide. But there are clear actions that we can take. We can all learn the five steps for how to talk to someone who might be suicidal. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.
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¿Cómo controlar pensamientos negativos?
How to Control Negative Thoughts
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La Oficina de Salud Mental Infantil se Enfoca en la Salud Mental de los Hispanos
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En reconocimiento al Mes de la Herencia Hispana, la directora de la Oficina de Salud Mental Infantil, Linda Hall, anuncia hoy la publicación de una nueva hoja informativa, Salud mental hispana y lo que nuestras familias, escuelas, proveedores y comunidades pueden hacer para marcar la diferencia.
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The Parenting Network's Resources for Parents and Caregivers
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The Parenting Network’s website features a wealth of resources for those in a caregiving role, from tip sheets and helpful techniques for common childhood experiences, information on youth sexual abuse prevention, developmental guides, parenting classes, and more. In addition, TPN’s Parent Helpline is 414-671-0566.
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Milwaukee Market Match 2022
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Got EBT? Get FREE fruits and veggies with Milwaukee Market Match! Buy $1 with your QUEST card, get $1 of free produce!
¿Usas EBT? ¡Obtén tus frutas y vegetales GRATUITOS con Milwaukee Market Match! Con $1 de compras en la tarjeta QUEST → Te ganarás $1 más de productos agrícolas GRATUITOS.
Tau EBT? Tau txiv hmab txiv ntoo thiab zaub DAWB nrog Milwaukee Market Match! Yuav $1 yam siv daim npav tshum nyiaj QUEST → Tau zaub DAWB muaj nqis $1.
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Small Talks: How WI Prevents Underage Drinking
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Underage drinking is a real problem in Wisconsin, and it starts earlier and can be more dangerous than you might think. But parents, loved ones, and other caring adults can make a real difference. All you have to do is talk. That’s right. Having small, casual conversations with kids, starting around age 8, can help prevent underage drinking. Learn more about Small Talks at this link.
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Milwaukee Prevention Journal Readers -- do you have:
- Job openings?
- Upcoming events?
- News to share?
- Suggestions?
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