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In this Issue:
- News
- Events & Webinars
- Community Resources
- Los Recursos Familial en Español
- Family Resources in English
- Job Opportunities
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Spotlight On:
National Fentanyl Awareness Day
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May is Mental Health Month, and one of the leading causes of substance misuse disorders is an undiagnosed or untreated mental illness. Teens and adults suffering from depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, or bipolar personality disorder are just some of those more likely to form a substance use disorder to cope.
Teens are especially at risk, since many mental health disorders can become a forefront issue during puberty and early adolescence.
A substance use disorder has the potential to cause more permanent harm today than in the past, and one of the reasons is the high rate of substances that include fentanyl. Fentanyl is a substance proven to be lethal in terrifyingly small doses.
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As Dr. Scott Hadland points out, the cause of fentanyl overdoses is overwhelmingly the purchase of counterfeit pills designed to look like the prescription medication, but instead contain a lethal amount of fentanyl. Thankfully, fentanyl test strips are available. Learn more about how to use fentanyl test strips and where you can find them on the Department of Health Services' website.
Talking about mental health illnesses and symptoms, normalizing seeking support, and having tough conversations are just some of the ways we can find support. Representation in the media, access to community trainings and workplace-sponsored workshops are all important ways to help shed a light and inspire hope for those struggling and in pain.
Anyone is at risk for experiencing mental health issues, no matter their age, gender or race. Download Community Advocates' Mental Health Resource Guide here.
If you, or someone you know, is dealing with feelings of hopelessness, fear, anxiety or other symptoms of mental illness, you deserve respect and care. If you or someone you know needs help, call 211 or 988 for immediate care via phone or text.
If you are not in crisis today, but may have need of this information for work, for a friend, family member or neighbor, make sure it is accessible and saved somewhere visible. A sticky note on the fridge, microwave, a recurring reminder in a digital or physical calendar or a magnet for your car or fridge. No one is undeserving of confidential and professional care.
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
This month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asia and Pacific Islands encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
Like most commemorative months, Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month originated with Congress in 1992. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
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2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People | |
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The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People amplifies the experiences of more than 28,000 LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24 across the United States. This survey gives a voice to LGBTQ young people — at a time when their existence is unfairly at the center of national political debates and state legislatures have introduced and implemented a record number of anti-LGBTQ policies.
For the fifth consecutive year, these data underscore that anti-LGBTQ victimization contributes to the higher rates of suicide risk reported by LGBTQ young people and that most who want mental health care are unable to get it.
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Wisconsin Hispanic/Latinx Tobacco Prevention Network Launches Commercial Tobacco Survey | |
WHLTPN recognizes that there is a lack of resources, information, and data about commercial tobacco use in the Hispanic community. The purpose of this survey is to collect information on the use of commercial tobacco products in the Hispanic community to support health equity education and activities. The results of this study will be used to identify and create community-centered, culturally-responsive resources to promote health and wellness in Hispanic communities. | |
PATCH Program is Hiring Teen Educators in Milwaukee | The PATCH Program is looking for some excellent young people from Milwaukee to join their team for the 2023-2024 program year. Do you know a passionate, motivated, change-making high schooler who would enjoy getting PAID to teach health care professionals how to better interact with teen patients, empower their peers to take control of their health care, and be a resource about health information for their friends? | |
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QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Wednesday, May 17
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. Hosted by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, it will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 17.
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Boundaries and Self-Disclosure Webinar Wednesday, May 17
It can often be difficult to know how much personal information to share in a professional setting with the people we support, and what crosses the line and is too personal. Finding this balance is becoming more complicated as communication is increasingly digital, text based, and exists on a variety of social media platforms. This class, from the Great Lakes MHTTC, explores best practices in this difficult area.
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Trauma and the Brain: An Introduction
Monday, May 22
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. This virtual workshop from Community Advocates Public Policy Institute is open to everyone, but it's free of charge to those who live or work in Milwaukee County. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on May 22.
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Mindful Gratitude Workshop
Tuesday, May 23
Challenges at work, home, in relationships, and in society can leave us feeling sad, hurt, disconnected, frustrated, or even angry. Research shows that mindfulness and gratitude can help us cope with difficulties and improve mental, emotional, and physical health. But how do we put mindfulness and gratitude into practice? Show yourself some TLC, and attend a Mindful Gratitude workshop to find out.
The Mindful Gratitude workshop, led by author Christel Wendelberger, offers a safe and supportive environment for you to relax, recharge, and reconnect with your joy and purpose. You will also receive a gift bag crafted by Mindful Gratitude. It will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on May 23 in person at Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee.
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Adult Mental Health First Aid
Wednesday, May 24
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. This day-long session hosted by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will be held virtually on May 24.
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10 Tips to Reduce Conflict: Practical Verbal De-Escalation Techniques
Thursday, May 25
Do you want to learn how to defuse a situation before it spirals out of control? Do you want to understand why and how conflict builds and what you can do to resolve it?
During this two-hour virtual workshop, 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 10 tips of de-escalation.
This workshop is aimed toward individuals who encounter conflict in the workplace, at home, or in the community, whether you are a parent or educator, work in the helping professions, or otherwise work with the public in potentially tense situations.
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Community Clean Up
Saturday, May 27
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Sponsored by the NAACP, Second Chance Transportation, Destined to Succeed, and It Takes a Village, join this community clean up day at Keefe Avenue Area Kids Park. Contact Dr. Shawna Whitehead for more information - contact info in flyer. | |
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Hey, there,
-- do you have:
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Job openings?
- Upcoming events?
- News to share?
- Suggestions?
Forward the information to Prevention@CommunityAdvocates.net.
Thank you for your service to Milwaukee!
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Los Recursos Familial en Español | |
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Folleto Informativo: La Mes de Salud Mental
Dedique un momento para reflexionar sobre su entorno. ¿Se siente seguro? ¿Tiene acceso a atención médica y tiendas de comestibles? ¿Su hogar lo apoya, tanto desde el punto de vista físico como mental? Este Mes de la Salud Mental, acepte el desafío de observar su mundo y cómo los distintos factores pueden afectar su salud mental.
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Folleto Informativo: Vivienda Segura y Estable
Dedique un momento para reflexionar sobre su entorno. ¿Se siente seguro? ¿Tiene acceso a atención médica y tiendas de comestibles? ¿Su hogar lo apoya, tanto desde el punto de vista físico como mental? Este Mes de la Salud Mental, acepte el desafío de observar su mundo y cómo los distintos factores pueden afectar su salud mental.
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Family Resources in English | |
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This guide from SAMHSA supports health care providers, systems, and communities seeking to prevent vaping. It describes relevant research findings, examines emerging and best practices, identifies knowledge gaps and implementation challenges, and offers useful resources.
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