Minority Mental Health Awareness Month launched in July 2008 to draw attention to the unique mental health experiences of members of minority communities. To improve our collective understanding of minority mental health, here’s a list of resources, services, and toolkits from Mental Health America, the American Psychological Association, SAMHSA, the Trevor Project, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Think Cultural Health, and The Safe Place app developer Jasmin Pierre. 

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Hundreds of youth and adults enjoyed a fun day out in Moody Park on July 8, when Community Advocates Public Policy Institute , COA Youth & Family Centers , Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office ,  Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Community Services , and Safe & Sound and more provided free Chick-fil-A sandwiches, resources, and entertainment. Amanda Clark from the 53206 Drug-Free Communities Project  handed out 78 gun locks, signed up 17 people for medication lock box kits, and provided hundreds of lanyards and chargers to participants and neighbors. We're grateful for all who showed their support!

At last week’s full coalition meeting, the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention coalition (MCSAP) elected two long-time members to leadership roles.

City of Milwaukee Fire Department Assistant Chief Aaron Lipski, who serves on MCSAP’s Strategic Planning Committee, was elected to Coalition Chair. Assistant Chief Lipski has been a vocal and visible advocate for substance abuse prevention throughout the community as part of his efforts to increase public safety, health, and well-being. He has been a strong supporter of smoke-free initiatives in Milwaukee to promote the lung health of residents and firefighters. He was the only fire service representative to attend the White House Convening on HUD’s Proposed Rule on Smoke-Free Housing , which has been enacted. 

Alicia Malinger, the Co-Founder of the West Allis-West Milwaukee Heroin/Opiate Task Force and Safe & Supported group facilitator, was elected Co-Chair of the Prescription Drug Workgroup. Malinger's commitment to serving her community started when she began volunteering at the WAWM Family Resource Center over 20 years ago. She has since facilitated playgroups at the center and now runs the Task Force with her mom, fellow co-founder Joanie.

"We’re grateful to Assistant Chief Lipski and Alicia Malinger for stepping up and volunteering their time and talents to leading MCSAP," said Kasaundra Brown, MCSAP coordinator. "They’ve been productive members of MCSAP for years. Now, in their leadership positions, they will help to guide MCSAP from strength to strength."

It’s difficult to truly celebrate Milwaukee’s festival season when you’re trying to enjoy a concert but you’re stuck next to smokers and vapers. That’s why the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance is advocating for more smoke-free and vape-free outdoor festivals, and 86% of survey respondents support their efforts. TMJ4 caught up with cancer specialist Dr. Malika Siker to talk about the benefits of clean air at outdoor festivals.



"Folks at the Summerfest grounds with asthma, being exposed to second-hand smoke could be a trigger for further difficulties with asthma," Siker said. "Many families with young children, innocent bystanders, are going to be exposed to tobacco which can increase the risk of cancer."

Join Safe & Sound's 27th Street West Drug Free Coalition and the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance for the first-ever LGBTQ+ Youth Substance Use Prevention Summit, which includes a resource fair, panel discussion, video presentations, and a drag show featuring Coco Monet!

The goal is to educate and support both young members of the LGBTQ+ community (ages 12-24) and their allies. Coalition members will educate LGBTQ+ young people on how to use coping mechanisms that will help them avoid the urge to use substances, as well as opening up a support network that will enable LGBTQ+ youth to connect with peers who have had similar experiences. Additionally, parents, teachers, and other LGBTQ+ allies will learn how to be better supports and in what ways they may strive to further understand those unique struggles that LGBTQ+ youth may face. In providing both LGBTQ+ youth and their allies with education and tools to be more supportive, the organizers hope to reduce the likelihood of LGBTQ+ youth substance use.

The event will take place at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Stackner Cabaret, 108 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, on Thursday, August 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. RSVP here for this free community event.

The sale of single cigarettes is a large contributor to tobacco use disparities among African-Americans and is a violation of both state statute and the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. In order to combat this disparity, the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN) and its community partners have been working with tobacco retailers, community residents, and network members to prevent the sale of single cigarettes in Milwaukee. The work that has been done in the community will be introduced to the Greater Milwaukee area during a press event on Wednesday, July 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the vacant lot next to the Juice Kitchen on 1617 W. North Ave., Milwaukee. The press conference is aimed at raising awareness on issues related to single cigarettes, recognizing WAATPN’s retailer partners, and encouraging more to join their efforts. To join the event, click here.

This two-day training presented by the Alma Institute explores the Motivational Interviewing technique to be used when guiding others toward the positive and healthy behavior change of their choice. It’ll be held on Wednesday, August 21, and Wednesday, August 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Welford Sanders Enterprise Center, 2821 Vel R. Phillips Ave., First Floor Conference Room, Milwaukee. Cost is $135. Get details and register here.

This webinar explores the "triple dividend" of adolescent healthy behavior—benefits for the adolescent now, for them in adulthood, and for future generations—by engaging youth authentically. It’s presented by the American Public Health Association and the Office of Population Affairs and Office of Adolescent Health, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services. It’ll be held on Tuesday, July 16, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Register at this link. Check out recordings of two additional webinars in this series, Building on Strengths: An Asset-Based Approach to Adolescent Health and Walking the Walk: Applying Positive Youth Development Approaches to Adolescent Health. 

Bader Philanthropies and community partners are organizing this Harambee neighborhood cleanup (9 a.m. to 12 noon) and free afternoon picnic with music (12 noon to 5 p.m.). Meet at Clinton Rose Park, 3045 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee. Participants will receive free admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo and Cool Waters Aquatic Park. Register at this link or by texting “CountMeIn” to 77222. (Event-day registration is also possible.)

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and the Milwaukee County Parks are offering two fun days in the parks, plus bike helmet giveaways, free snacks, free car seats, and more. On Saturday, July 20, you’ll find the fun at Kosciuszko Park, 2201 S. 7th St., Milwaukee, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday, July 27, meet up with them at Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St., Milwaukee, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Substance abuse prevention specialists, youth workers, counselors, and AODA counselors will be exposed to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network research on trauma and substance abuse. Participants will learn more about prevention-based self-care strategies designed to reduce substance abuse. This no-cost training is presented by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention thanks to a ReCAST MKE grant. It’ll be held at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, 101 W. Pleasant St., Suite 210, Milwaukee, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 25. RSVPs are required for this free training at this link.

Join Milwaukee Record and Milwaukee Comedy at Club Garibaldi on Monday, July 29, for their fifth annual Roast Of Milwaukee . In addition to the outstanding cast of local stand-ups taking the stage, 88Nine’s Dori Zori will also serve as the event’s emcee. The host will be joined by the following Milwaukee-area comedians (listed in no particular order): Eric Smith, Raegan Niemela, Elijah Holbrook, Drew Flagge, Brittany Tilander, Mike Korbin, Gary Zajackowski, Jeff Spankowski, and more. A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to Milwaukee Women’s Center , a division of Community Advocates . The cover is $8 in advance (warning: only 120 tickets available!) and $10 at the door, or free when you show your Milwaukee Comedy Festival pass, while capacity permits. The (21+) fun starts at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30) on Monday, July 29, at Club Garibaldi, 2501 S. Superior St., Milwaukee.

Support healthy birth outcomes in Milwaukee on Saturday, August 3, by joining the MKE Tobacco-Free Team at the HaRUNbe Walk/Run . The walk/run will begin at MLK Drive between Locust Avenue and Vliet Street at 9 a.m. Sign up here. 

Ascension Wisconsin’s Medical Mission at Home provides free medical, dental, social, and support services to community members in need of care. Its next community event will be held on September 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at North Division High School, 1011 W. Center St., Milwaukee, and is seeking volunteers to assist with tasks throughout the day, such as chaperones, help with registration and serving lunch, and more. Click here for details and to volunteer.