May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Health America is working to spread the message about the importance of mental health to other organizations. In May 2021, Mental Health America is carrying out their “Tools 2 Thrive” theme by providing practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and resiliency.

The “Tools 2 thrive” toolkit has materials available that revolve around topics of:

Click here to access this toolkit.

The recent WISN 12 News special “What Every Family Needs to Know about Opioids” took a look at the impact and toll the opioid crisis is having on our community, as well as resources that could be used to help. In 2020, Milwaukee County opioid deaths increased by 34% compared to the year before, making it clear the events of lock down, job losses, and other major events caused by the pandemic did not help the opioid crisis.

This special, which was produced by the National Summit on Opioid Awareness, the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, DEA 360 Strategy, covered the challenges of recovery, impact of the pandemic, role of law enforcement and personal stories that shared the fight against the opioid crisis. Hannah Lepper, Coordinator of the Southeast Region of the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth, along with Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul, Milwaukee Bucks Assistant Coach Vin Baker, and other guests, shared important information about their work and resources critical to fighting the opioid crisis as a community. To check out the segment, go to WISN 12 News, where you can also find what resources are available to help you or your loved ones who may be struggling with opioids.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will propose a ban on menthol-flavored cigarettes and all characterizing flavors in cigars. The FDA has come to this decision based on studies and scientific evidence that show that menthol increases the appeal of tobacco, which can lead youth and young adults to be addicted. By doing this, the FDA will reduce the “initiation of smoking” and “address health disparities that are experienced in communities of color, low income populations and LGBTQ+ individuals” who are at risk of using tobacco products. To read the full FDA statement, click here.

SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week is dedicated to educating and promoting prevention through providing ideas, capacity building, tools and resources for individuals and communities. With communities coming together to raise awareness on prevention, it inspires action. National Prevention week is May 9–May 15. To learn more about National Prevention Week and how to get involved, click here.

NWSCDC is partnering with Unite WI and Hayat Pharmacy to host a COVID vaccine clinic on Tuesday, May 4. The times available will be from 10 a.m. - 12 noon at 4201 N. 27th St., Milwaukee. Park and enter the building from the back parking lot (entrance off of Hope Avenue). To register for your COVID vaccine at this location, click here.

The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering training that helps to normalize and understand stress to improve a person’s ability to manage it and reach out for help. Professionals are often deeply affected by their work, especially critical incidents that cause strong emotional reactions. Guest speaker Russ Turney will present multiple learning objectives to handling critical incident stress. The training will be held virtually Thursday, May 6, from 8:45 to 11 a.m. Click here to register.

Performing Body Mind & Spirit is a community healing event that stands in solidarity with BLM, Anti-Asian Violence + BIPOC. This two hour session will be live streamed on Zoom on Thursday, May 6, from 6 - 8 p.m. To register, click here.

There will be a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The cleanup will cover areas between Auer Avenue and Townsend Street, from 20th to 26th Streets. Supplies and water will be provided and catered lunches for the first 40 participants. Meet on 3300 block of N 26th Street. Contact Mark for cleanup info at 414-902-0788.

There will be a block cleanup Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Meet at North 19th & Chambers St., where gloves, garbage bags and picker sticks will be available for use.

Learn about methods of self-compassion for parents and teens/preteen ages 11-15 years. This class will help parents and teens reduce stress and anxiety, handle difficult emotions and reconnect with your values. The class will be held live virtually Thursday nights through May 27 from 6 - 7:30 pm. To register click here. Contact Jamie Lynn at jamielynn@whollymindful.com with questions.

The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering training to improve comfort and skill levels with difficult and emotional topic of suicide and suicidal ideation. Guest speaker Russ Turney will present multiple learning objectives in practicing assessment protocols and conversation dynamics with suicide. The training will be held virtually Wednesday, May 12, from 8:45 to 11 a.m. Click here to register.

CADCA will be hosting a new installment of their webinar series: “Conversations: Putting Research Into Action.” Dr. Renee Cloutier will discuss the findings of her recent article "Associations of perceived drinking motives of parents and friends in adolescents’ own drinking motives." The webinar will be held virtually, Wednesday, May 12 at 2 p.m. Click here to register.

Parkinson’s Moving Day is dedicated to shine a light on fighting Parkinson’s disease and celebrating movement, proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. You can take part on a team, as a sponsor or volunteer to beat Parkinson’s disease. Join Moving Day on Saturday, May 22, at 9 a.m. at 7300 W. Chestnut St., Wauwatosa. Volunteers are also needed for this event. If you are interested, contact Eric at efragoules@parkinson.org.

Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation in partnership with the City of Milwaukee and Hephatha Lutheran Church will be launching a community garden on 19th & Chambers. The community garden will be a place to grow your own fresh veggies, save money, eat healthier, and make new friends. There will be 12 raised beds available, free plants, and seeds to get started. To reserve a garden bed, call Joyce at

This month, Mental Health America will be sharing several resources that offer guidance and tips in caring and acknowledging your mental health. Mental Health America uses “Radical Acceptance” to help others fully accept the reality of their situations that are beyond their control. By using Radical Acceptance, Mental Health America also offers Tips for Success that may help those recognize, accept and cope with their mental health. Click here to read more.

Do you have diabetes and high sugar and trouble affording diabetes food? You may qualify for a study to see if diabetes education and food vouchers can help improve diabetes. To get more information and to see if you qualify, call 414-955-7391.