Issue 11-23 | November 14, 2022
News
Spotlight On: New Study Finds Disturbing Number of Deaths Due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption
An estimated 1 in 5 of all deaths of those aged 20-49 in 2015-2019 were due to excessive alcohol consumption, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In addition, an estimated 1 in 8 deaths of those aged 20-64 were due to excessive alcohol use, and the vast majority of those who died (66.3%) were men. Overall, 5% of all deaths in the US could be due to excessive alcohol use. “These premature deaths could be reduced through increased implementation of evidence-based alcohol policies (eg, increasing alcohol taxes, regulating alcohol outlet density), and alcohol screening and brief intervention,” the authors write. Alcohol-related deaths in Wisconsin were higher than the national average in all age groups. The authors warn that the estimates are on the conservative side, and that future studies will likely show that alcohol-related deaths increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Implementing Community-Level Policies to
Prevent Alcohol Misuse
Alcohol misuse is focused on binge and heavy drinking patterns within a community or at the population level. This SAMHSA guide will serve as a compendium of key policies for the prevention of alcohol misuse that have been identified as evidence-based by robust scientific literature. Download it here.
Small Talks: How WI Prevents Underage Drinking
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.
Spanish-Language Mental Health & Substance Use Prevention Workshops Take Shape
On November 9, more than 60 Promotores de Salud (Community Health Promoters) began their training in a new Spanish-language mental health and substance use prevention workshop created by Ana Paula Soares, counselor and integrative and psychosomatic therapist, with support from Community Advocates Public Policy Institute. The materials are tailored to the experiences and needs of Milwaukee County’s Spanish-speaking residents and will be available to the community in 2023. This pilot project is generously funded by Milwaukee County’s Better Ways to Cope initiative. We’ll keep you updated on its progress.
"When Claude Got Shot" Screening Shed Light on Importance of Supporting Milwaukee Youth
A huge thank you goes out to the folks at 371 Productions, who allowed Community Advocates Public Policy Institute’s Brighter Futures Initiative-Milwaukee partners and community members to watch the Emmy-winning documentary "When Claude Got Shot" at COA Youth & Family Centers on a recent Friday night. The film sparked a great conversation with Claude, Victoria, and filmmakers Brad Lichtenstein and Santana Coleman about the importance of investing in our Milwaukee youth. Tamika Glenn, coordinator of the 53206 Drug Free Communities Project, moderated. Community Advocates’ BFI-Milwaukee project is administered by Sonia Frymark.
Great American Smokeout is November 17
It’s always the right time to quit smoking. But because nicotine is so addictive, quitting can be difficult. This article from the CDC offers reasons why you should quit, how you can increase your chances of quitting for good, and where you can get resources.
The American Indian Quit Line
1-888-7AI-QUIT
Get free help to quit commercial tobacco by talking with a dedicated American Indian Quit Coach or a Non-American Indian Quit Coach who has been trained in providing culturally tailored and specific interventions for Native Americans who want to quit commercial tobacco. Up to seven phone calls and 12 weeks of tobacco cessation medicine are free. Call 1-888-7AI-QUIT, text READY to 200-400 or chat online. Go to WiQuitLine.org for details.
Webinars & Events
Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force 2022 Karen Avery Forum
Tuesday, November 15
Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force in partnership with the Milwaukee Turners Vel Phillips Forum are proud to present the 2022 Karen Avery Forum: Empowering Families: Peer and Community Mental Health Support for Child Welfare-Involved Parents and Families. Listen to the voices of lived experience at the intersection of race, gender, mental health and child welfare.
This year’s Karen Avery Forum is the first in a series of discussions on supporting parents and families for success in the Child Welfare system. In Wisconsin over 3,000 children annually are removed from their parents’ homes for alleged child neglect or abuse, in a process that may include foster care placement and termination of parental rights. Involvement in this process may be traumatic for parents and their children. It is particularly challenging when issues of mental health and racial and economic inequities affect subjective judgments of risk, safety and parental fitness. Our speakers will share other models that include peer support and a strengths-based approach to support parents and families.
  • OPENING SESSION: Lifting up the Voice of Lived Experience: Peer Support and Empowerment
  • PANEL DISCUSSION: A Strength Based Approach: Involving the Court and Parents in Family Preservation
  • FORUM MODERATOR: Martina Gollin-Graves, MSW, APSW - President and CEO of Mental Health America of Wisconsin

This event, to be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on November 15, is co-sponsored by Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force and the Milwaukee Turners Vel Phillips Forum, along with Disability Rights Wisconsin, Meta House, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, Mental Health America of Wisconsin, and Independence First.
Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential
Tuesday, November 15
Part of The Parenting Network’s Triple P programming, this session will help parents and caregivers promote their child’s development by teaching new skills and behaviors. This in-person workshop will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on November 15 at Penfield Children’s Center, 833 N. 26th St., Milwaukee. Register at this link.
Health Compass Milwaukee Training: Using Data to Understand Inequities and Drive Action
Tuesday, November 15
Interested in learning how to better use Health Compass Milwaukee in your organization or role? Join the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership and partners for a virtual Health Compass Milwaukee training on November 15, from 1-2 p.m., where you'll learn what data is available, how to find the data you need, how to search for data that reveal disparities and inequities, and explore tools and resources for moving data to action. Register here.
The Opioid Crisis and the Labor Market
Wednesday, November 16
In this Institute for Research on Poverty webinar, Shannon Monnat of Syracuse University, Anita Mukherjee of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Rourke O'Brien of Yale University will discuss trends in the U.S. opioid crisis and overdose cases related to other drugs, how differences in state-level policy responses to the crisis may be leading to different labor market outcomes, and how automation and other changes in manufacturing employment may be connected to increases in working-age mortality. This session will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on November 16. Register here.
Community Input Gathering and Listening Sessions
Wednesday, November 16 & Saturday, November 19
The Department of Corrections will be facilitating multiple Community Input Listening Sessions to provide the public an opportunity to review plans, ask questions and submit comments on a proposed secure youth facility at 7930 W. Clinton Ave., Milwaukee. Three sessions will be held on:
 
Wednesday, November 16
  • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
 
Saturday, November 19
  • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
 
All three sessions will be held at the Milwaukee Police Academy, 6680 N Teutonia Ave., Milwaukee.
 
All sessions will offer the same information in an open house style community event with displays and experts from DOC and the design team available for open dialogue and short presentations in a roundtable format relating to the proposed secure youth facility. There will be stations with resources relating to the interior and exterior of the building, on-site youth programming, juvenile justice resources, project process and opportunities for public comment.
 
The public will have an opportunity to review preliminary site plans and view the latest renderings. DOC and building design staff will be available during each session to present on specific topics, facilitate discussion, answer any questions, and take public comment. Click here for more details about the facility.
Suicide Risk Assessment
Friday, November 18
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be experienced by anyone but are more likely by people with mental health concerns. People who work with or care for vulnerable populations will likely encounter individuals talking about suicide and suicidal ideation, and it is important to project calm and poise at these times. This class from Great Lakes MHTTC aims to improve comfort and skill levels with this difficult and emotional topic by exploring and practicing assessment protocols and conversation dynamics. It will be held on November 18, from 8:45‒11 a.m. Register here.
Virtual QPR Question, Persuade, Refer Training
Wednesday, November 30 & Tuesday, December 13
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 November 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and on December 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. To register, click on our online calendar.
Virtual Adult Mental Health First Aid
Monday, December 5
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. This session will be held on Monday, December 5. Click here to register before November 28.
Daring to Consider SWIM as Truly Global, as It Is Local, in Its Services: Responding to Our Newcomer Neighbors
Thursday, December 8
Join Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (SWIM) at the Marcus Performing Arts Center for a presentation by Sebastian Ssempijja, Ph.D., on how we can accommodate refugees and acknowledge and care for their mental health needs. This event will include an hour-long presentation followed by a Q&A session. Ssempijja is a licensed psychologist and CEO and Clinic Director of Sebastian Family Psychology Practice LLC in Glendale. This session will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on December 8. Get details and register at this link.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Friday, December 16
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 December 16 (register by December 9).
Resources
Updated Mental Health & Wellness Resource Guide
Community Advocates has updated its Milwaukee County Mental Health & Wellness Resource Guide. You can download it here.
Public Health Model Job Descriptions
The Public Health Model Job Descriptions Project is an initiative of the Region V Public Health Training Center at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the Center for Public Health Systems at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. They created 24 evidence-based job descriptions and attractive job postings that can be easily adapted by local and state health departments. Access them here.
Understanding and Responding to Trauma Fact Sheet
This fact sheet was developed by the Institute for Child and Family Well-being and is intended for staff and clients alike. The factsheet provides a working understanding of trauma and helpful strategies to manage potential problems resulting from trauma. It is not a replacement for clinical treatment, but can help clients to understand and potential advocate for their own needs. Click on the document to download it.
#BeThere to Prevent Suicide
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.
Recursos en español
Soluciones Para Cuidar Nuestras Emociones | Escucha Tus Emociones
Solutions to Take Care of Our Emotions | Listen to Your Emotions
Una vez que una emoción ha empezado, NADIE la puede parar. Podemos reprimir las emociones, pero no desaparecerlas. Así como una olla presto que explota, las emociones cuando son reprimidas ganan intensidad y afectan nuestra salud. Lo que uno resiste persiste. ¿Pero cómo lograr calmarnos? Aquí están 4 pasos prácticos para calmar nuestras emociones. Mira este video de Escucha Tus Emociones. En español e inglés. 
Hoja Informativa: Comprender y responder al trauma
El trauma es un evento, una serie de eventos o un conjunto de circunstancias experimentadas por un individuo como físicamente o emocionalmente dañino o potencialmente mortal. También tiene efectos adversos duraderos en el funcionamiento del individuo y el bienestar mental, físico, social, emocional o espiritual. Esta hoja informativa fue desarrollada por el Instituto para el Bienestar Infantil y Familiar (Institute for Child and Family Well-being). Haga clic en el documento para descargarlo.
Family Resources
MHA Getting Started Guide for New Caregivers
As people become more comfortable talking about and seeking help for mental health concerns, more and more people find themselves becoming caregivers. November is National Family Caregivers Month, and MHA has created an online guide to help new mental health caregivers navigate their role. Topics include getting started, challenging stigma, caregiving in the treatment setting, and understanding challenges during recovery. You can find the guide at this link.
Job Opportunities
Milwaukee Prevention Journal Readers -- 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!
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute | 414-270-2950  | ppi.communityadvocates.net