In this Issue:

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

Spotlight On:

Milwaukee County and Community Advocates Public Policy Institute Announce Investments in Early Childhood Programming

On April 18, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced $800,000 in ARPA funding for six community organizations that support kids and parents and those who work with them.

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute issued the competitive RFP earlier this year and convened a review panel to select the awardees, who are Jewish Family Services, The Parenting Network, Penfield Children’s Center, United Community Center, Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health, and Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce.

"I believe it’s critically important to invest in early childhood development and make sure Milwaukee County families have the support they need to realize the bright futures they all deserve," Crowley said.

Crowley, plus staff from Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, PPI, and the new grantees gathered at Community Advocates to officially announce the awards.

"This is timely because April is also known as Strengthening Families Month," said De’Shawn Ewing, PPI’s Community Outreach and Engagement Manager. "While this is a national initiative, it is a time to lift up the work of organizations working to support families in our community."

News

Do You Know What a Standard Drink Is?

Everyone is justifiably concerned about the opioid epidemic, but we often fail to talk about problematic drinking. It’s a sad fact that more people die from alcohol-related causes than opioid overdoses. According to the state Department of Health Services, 3,207 people died from alcohol in Wisconsin in 2021, and 1,427 people died from opioids that year. This April, in honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, the RISE Drug Free MKE Coalition has a couple of tips for how you can drink in moderation.

PPI Members Event

Friday, April 26

Want to support more advocacy and collaboration in Milwaukee County? Community Advocates Public Policy Institute’s Members Network brings together policy and prevention allies to develop innovative solutions to our community’s most pressing problems. On April 26, we’re hosting a members-only networking event to share ideas and learn more about how we can work together. Memberships are available for individuals and organizations. 

Milwaukee Peer Support Academy

The Milwaukee County Peer Support Academy, an initiative sponsored by the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, aims to enhance community health through the direction of Wisconsin Community Services, in partnership with INPOWER, HealthyMKE, the Community Mental Health and Wellness Alliance, and other community leaders and stakeholders. The goal is to recruit, train, and deploy 88 peer support specialists over the next year, enhancing mental health and substance abuse support in Milwaukee County. Applications for the academy are being accepted now.

Words Matter Wednesdays: A Series on Advancing Equity Through Language

Wednesdays in May

Please join various Centers of Excellence for a series this May that will explore equitable terminology that promotes social justice for populations where language has often been used to shame individuals, patronize, enforce prejudice, or limit visibility. Each session will provide updated language that helps advance equity within their population of focus. 

2024 Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma Summit

May 7 through May 9

The Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma Summit is an annual event organized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services that highlights prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery strategies related to opioids, stimulants, and trauma. All people with an interest in building healthy communities are invited to attend. It will be held May 7-9 in person at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells but a virtual option is available. 

While the NIH has identified sexual and gender minorities as well as racial and ethnic minorities as groups that are facing health disparities, what is often overlooked in research and clinical care are the people living at the nexus of those two communities. An intersectionality framework can have a meaningful impact and potentially better outcomes in behavioral health care. This presentation hosted by the Great Lakes MHTTC will offer tools for behavioral health professionals and will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on April 24. 

Immigrants without legal status face many risks and challenges on a daily basis as they pursue a better life for themselves and their families. In addition, there is a ripple effect for members of their households and communities, even if others are citizens or are in the United States legally. In this webinar from UW-Madison Institute for Research on Poverty, participants will explore impacts on the health, education, employment, and safety of members of already vulnerable communities when there is an actual increase in governmental surveillance or simply the looming threat of enforcement, and what that means for society as a whole. It will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on April 24.

Participants will increase awareness about sexual orientation, gender identity, and how personal biases impede care and ultimately identify how to develop an environment that is LGBT user effective. This webinar is presented by the Northeast & Caribbean ATTC and will be held virtually from 9 to 11 a.m. on April 24.

This 90-minute virtual session from the Great Lakes MHTTC will cover the many determinants of health, their definitions, related impacts and outcomes, and current interventions, such as social prescribing and CARE courts. The presenter will also discuss the range of competence and importance of advocacy through a trauma-informed lens to advance holistic health for collective benefit. This webinar will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on April 25. 

LGBTQIA people are much more than their sexual orientation and gender identity. This interactive webinar combines the perspectives and practices of both Cultural Humility and Motivational Interviewing, inviting participants to consider how these approaches, used in tandem, can enhance engagement and retention of LGBTQIA people. This webinar from the Northeast & Caribbean ATTC will be held virtually from 12 to 2 p.m. on April 25.

Substance use in older adults is complicated and is often overlooked, especially when individuals are experiencing other aging related health conditions. This webinar will highlight the growing problem, approaches to understanding the older adult population in your community, and available strategies. It’s hosted by the Great Lakes PTTC and will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on April 25. 

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. It’s organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on April 30.

Mental Health America of WI is excited to host the 14th Annual Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Conference, taking place over Zoom Wednesday, May 1, and Thursday, May 2. A pre-conference in-person event will take place on Tuesday, April 30, in Madison.

The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) and the Medical College of Wisconsin, along with our community partners, invite those interested in maximizing the state’s health workforce and advancing health equity in Wisconsin to join us in a unique event designed to provide underrepresented minority youth with exposure to the medical field. All students 6th grade through post-baccalaureate, parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders are all welcome to attend this free event. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Golda Meir Upper Campus, 227 W. Pleasant St., Milwaukee, on May 4.

Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center is organizing this healing powwow that focuses on the importance of mental health and wellness and honors Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Free dinner is provided, plus traditional prizes and youth-friendly prices for dance specials and hourly family raffles. The day also includes Inter-Trial Dance Specials, mental health resources and outreach, speakers, Native craft vendors, workshops, and more. This is a drug and alcohol free event. It will be held from 1 to 10 p.m. on May 4 at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino Event Center, 1721 W. Canal St. Registration opens at 12 noon. 

The Southeast PTTC is pleased to present a new interactive workshop series on youth engagement. The first session begins at 11 a.m. on May 8, when presenters will describe organizational characteristics needed to support youth engagement and help participants examine their own organizations’ readiness. The second session, which begins at 11 a.m. on May 15, will invite participants to learn more about the social justice youth development framework and unequal distributions of power in youth-adult relationships. 

During this virtual workshop from Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, 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. It will be held twice on May 13; from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Naloxone distribution is an essential intervention to prevent fatal opioid-involved overdoses. This event will explain the why and how to reach the goal of naloxone saturation in Wisconsin. Naloxone saturation is achieved when there is sustainable and equitable access to naloxone for distribution to people who use drugs and people who may witness an opioid overdose. Wisconsin DHS has partnered with UW-Whitewater's Center for Inclusive Transition, Education, and Employment to host this event. It will be held virtually from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 14.

This 3-part learning series is intended for individuals working in behavioral health who are interested in building skills that will help increase their engagement in advocacy efforts promoting Hispanic and Latino behavioral health equity. In session 2, Skill-Building for Advocacy, participants will learn key strategies for effective behavioral health advocacy and skills to engage using these key strategies. It’s presented by the Great Lakes MHTTC and will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on May 14.

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 explores topics that are vital to Milwaukee’s human services professionals. This month's topic is Mental Health, AODA & Harm Reduction, and the session will be held from 9 am to 12 noon on May 15; location TBD. Fee is $5 for light refreshments and materials and can be paid via credit card. Kindly make sure to RSVP by May 11.

This SAMHSA Symposium will convene multidisciplinary stakeholders and thought leaders to share perspectives and solutions for improved outcomes in prevention, early identification, and treatment for children, youth, young adults, and their families.

Grounded in this year’s theme, "Championing Mental Health Together," the Symposium will:

• Feature panel discussions on emerging trends;
• Showcase evidence-based practices, programs, and services; and
• Provide networking opportunities for collaboration.

The Symposium will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 17. Registration is not necessary to access the livestream. Participants will have to access this link on the day of the Symposium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3TSew7BDQ4

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how 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. It’s organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and will be held on Zoom on May 22. Pre-course work is required.

How well do you cope with stress? And can stress ever be good for you?

In this two-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

+ Identify the early warning signs of stress, types of stress, and effects of stress

+ Understand positive and negative coping styles, plus your personal coping style

+ Learn specific skills to cope well with and thrive from stress

It’s organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on May 29.

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. It’s organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on May 29.

Hey, there,

-- do you have:



• Job openings?
• Upcoming events?
• News to share?
• Suggestions?

Forward the information to Prevention@CommunityAdvocates.net.

Thank you for your service to Milwaukee!

SAMHSA 2024 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit

SAMHSA has created social media content to help spread awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our well-being, promote acceptance and support of anyone living with a mental illness, and share key resources. Download it here.

SAMHSA National Prevention Week 2024 Resources

National Prevention Week is a public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country that are preventing substance use and promoting positive mental health. This year, National Prevention Week is taking place from May 12-18. Get details.

MHA 2024 May Is Mental Health Month Resources

Mental Health America's 2024 Mental Health Month toolkit provides free resources to help plan your efforts and raise awareness during the month of May and beyond. It has DIY tools, social media assets, resources, templates, printable handouts, and more. Download it here.

Cultural Humility and Responsiveness in Behavioral Healthcare

This archived presentation from the Northeast and Caribbean PTTC reviewed the dynamics of culture in substance use prevention and recovery support services. Additionally, content considered cultural humility key components and how they translate in practice for person-centered care and enhance the opportunities that build trust and rapport. Watch it here.

Apoyando a los demás

Mientras que 1 de cada 5 personas experimentará un problema de salud mental diagnosticable en su vida, 5 de cada 5 personas pasarán por un momento difícil que afecta su salud mental. Hay cosas simples que cada persona puede decir o hacer para ayudar a las personas en su vida que están luchando para superar tiempos difíciles. Este hoja de trabajo de Mental Health America le puede ayudar a cumplir estos pasos en papel. Descarguelo aqui.

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.

Programa de intervención familiar (FIP)

Objetivo del programa de intervención familiar es eliminar importantes barreras que impiden latinos y afroamericanos individuos y familias de buscar servicios de asesoría tradicional. Este programa de manejo de caso intensivo, basado en el hogar, enfoque familiar ofrece servicios de apoyo a las familias que luchan con el impacto de la adicción a la sustancia y la violencia doméstica. Servicios son proporcionados sin costo a la familia. Para obtener más información sobre el programa de intervención familiar, por favor llame a 414-270-4600. Aprende más.

Starting a Conversation with Someone about Their Mental Health

While 1 in 5 people will experience a diagnosable mental health condition in their lives, 5 out of 5 people will go through a challenging time that affects their mental health. There are simple things that every person can say or do to help the people in their life who are struggling to get through the tough times. This worksheet from Mental Health America can help you think about how to start this conversation. Download it here.

Positive Options for Women Entering Recovery

Are you worried about your drinking or 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.

Family Intervention Program (FIP)

Struggling with drug and alcohol use can make you feel alone. Not being able to find a counselor who understands your unique treatment needs can make things even harder. The Family Intervention Program is a no-cost, bilingual English and Spanish drug and alcohol treatment program specifically designed for Black and Latinx individuals and families in Milwaukee. To learn more about the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s Family Intervention Program, please call 414-270-4600 or click this link.

Job Opportunities

• Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast: Customer Experience Specialist
• Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast: Membership Recruitment Specialist
• Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin: Program Coordinator (Part Time)
• Kids Matter Inc.: Administrative Assistant
• Urban Ecology Center: People & Culture Generalist
• Wisconsin Association of Free and Charitable Clinics: AmeriCorps Supervisor (Remote)

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 

ppi.communityadvocates.net