The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently announced a public safety alert stating that there is an increase of lethal counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to the announcement, "DEA and its law enforcement partners are seizing deadly fake pills at record rates," with 9.5 million counterfeit pills already seized this year. The most common counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids and are being exploited amid the opioid crisis. It is advised that the only safe medications are the ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Pills that do not meet this standard can be deadly. To read more on this Public Safety alert, click here.

The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. 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 via Zoom in October. Click to register:

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training will give 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 is offering MHFA sessions in person in the month of October. There will be a virtual session offered in December.

Click on the following dates to register:

In-Person:

In honor of Hispanic heritage month, there are tons of events going on in Milwaukee to recognize and celebrate Hispanic heritage. From film events, movie nights, to supporting small Hispanic businesses, this month is all about highlighting the importance and impact of the Hispanic community and individuals. To find out more about local events, click here.

Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC have launched a new webinar series called "Alcohol is STILL a Drug." This series will focus on the hopefulness of recovery from alcohol use disorder while also taking a close look at the full impact of alcohol overuse and its impact on individuals in the US. The series will take place on the first Tuesday of the month from September 2021 – August 2022 (skipping January and July). The next session will be Tuesday, October 5, from 10 – 10:30 a.m. To register, click here.

Join the Your Choice 2021 Fall Webinar Series, which features talks from experts on topics and issues that matter most in preventing substance abuse for today’s youth. These webinars will be held virtually through Zoom and registration will be required for attendance. These sessions are free and will teach you how to identify different types of substances and their street names, summarize the impact of the rising surge of use, and evaluate various interventions for treatment. To register for these webinars, click here.

WestCare Wisconsin's Drug Free Communities coalition will host a prescription drug take back event on Thursday, October 7, from 12-3 p.m., located at the Clinton Rose Senior Center. If you have expired or unused prescription, please attend this event to safely dispose of those prescriptions.

Safe & Sound is hosting their annual event, "A Night to Unite," which will be held virtually and in person at Nō Studios. This event will feature a cocktail hour, silent auction, golden raffle, and an awards program that will honor individuals who are working to improve public safety in Milwaukee's neighborhoods. Funds will be raised for Safe & Sound's mission to unite residents, youth, and law enforcement to build safe and empowered neighborhoods. The event will be held on Friday, October 8; click here to register.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is accepting applications for the 2022 Emerging Leaders Program. This is a workforce development program that provides training and mentorship to behavioral health professionals in the African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern/Northern African, Native American/Alaskan Native and minority LGBTQ2S+ communities. There is no cost to participate in this program and applicants must live or work in Wisconsin. Applications are due November 1. Click here to apply.

Register to be a part of the Children Come First Conference, which focuses on caring for or working with children, youth, and young adults with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. You will learn strategies to apply in your daily life as well as connect with state and national experts. The conference will be held at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells on November 15-16. In-person and livestream tickets are still available for purchase. To register and purchase your tickets, click here.

The Waterford Upstart’s free program will benefit low-income families with 4-year-olds living in Green Bay, Lac Du Flambeau, Milwaukee, North Crawford, Racine, and Siren school districts. Families will receive: FREE Dell laptops, and internet if needed, adaptable software (used at home 15 min. a day, 5 days a week), regular, personalized support from a program coach- available in 30+ languages. The extended deadline to register for this resource will be on Friday, October 15. Contact Rachel Griffin at rachelgriffin@waterford.org to register and get more information.

The National Family Partnership is offering two digital resources that can be used to teach students how to make healthy decisions about vaping, prescription drugs and opioids. These resources are free and for students in middle and high school. To get these resources, click here.