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In this Issue:

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

Spotlight On: Celebrate Black History Month with the Milwaukee Public Library

From February 1 – 28, all ages are invited to participate in the Milwaukee Public Library's Black History Month Challenge by completing three engaging activities, such as reading a book by a Black author, watching a documentary on a Black history change-maker, or attending a library program. Submit your completed entry form by March 1 for a chance to win exciting prizes. Join MPL for special events throughout the month, including poetry readings, book discussions, film screenings, and art workshops. Let's come together to honor and uplift Black voices in our community.


As part of the celebration, the Milwaukee Public Library is hosting Thrive Together: A Black History Month Wellness Event on Tuesday, February 25, from 4 – 6:30 p.m. at Milwaukee Central Library at 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. The event will center on health, wellness, and empowering our community as we Thrive Together. Meet community wellness practitioners and entrepreneurs while gaining helpful tips on incorporating wellness practices into your daily life. 

More Information

Share Your News in the Prevention Journal

Calling all Community Partners: Do you have upcoming events, news to share, or job openings? Email the information to prevention@communityadvocates.net to be featured in upcoming Prevention Journals sent to over 1,000 friends, colleagues, and social service providers every other week. 

Email Us

News

Have You Heard of "Smart" Vapes?

“These products may resemble smart devices, but there’s nothing smart about them,” said Brian King, Ph. D., M.P.H., director of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “They’re illegal to sell and a flagrant attempt to target kids.” 


The UW Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (UW-CTRI) has developed a resource page to include information on the increasing concern, on what clinicians can do, and on the Live Vape Free Program – where Wisconsin residents ages 13-16 can get free help 24/7 to quit vaping. 

Learn More

2023 Wisconsin HIV Surveillance Annual Reports

The Wisconsin HIV program has published two annual reports, the 2023 Wisconsin HIV Surveillance Annual Report and the 2023 HIV in the City of Milwaukee Supplemental Report. Together, these reports provide an overview of trends in overall data, diagnosis, and prevalence of HIV in Wisconsin and in the state’s largest city, Milwaukee. 

View the Report

2025 Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference - Call for Workshop Proposals

The Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference Planning Committee is soliciting for one-hour sessions related to substance use prevention efforts to be presented September 10-11 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The theme for the conference is "Prevention Works! Investing in Our Future and Healthy Communities." The planning committee is interested in topics related to substance use prevention that will engage, educate, and equip the audience with new knowledge and skills, including step-by-step processes to implement concepts and practices. Proposals are due Sunday, February 16.

Learn More

Webinars and Events

HEAL Workshop: Health Economics Research to Address the Needs of those with Serious Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorder, and Comorbid Conditions

Friday, February 14

This workshop, cohosted by the NIH HEAL Initiative, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), will provide a forum to engage with health economics researchers to share priorities and identify an agenda for rigorous health economics research to help meet the service needs of those with both serious mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD). 


Researchers, advocacy organizations, health system and community treatment providers, federal partners, policymakers, individuals with lived or living experience with SUD and serious mental illness, and others interested in supporting cost-effective and quality care are encouraged to attend.


The workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on February 14.

Register Here

Healing the Dream:

A Black History Month Wellness Event

Tuesday, February 18

Celebrate Black History Month with Milwaukee Recreation as we focus on the power in community wellness. Healing the Dream: A Black History Month Wellness Event focuses on promoting wellness and strengthening connections in the Black community. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of interactive workshops, hear from impactful speakers, and connect with one another through expert-led discussions and breakout rooms. Healing the Dream is free to attend and open to all ages. 


The event is being held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 18 at Washington High School at 2525 N. Sherman Boulevard, Milwaukee.

RSVP Here

Fathers' Legal Rights Night

Tuesday, February 18

Join Employ Milwaukee for Fathers' Legal Rights Night, as part of their Fair Chance Thursday Hiring Event. Participants will gain resources for driver's license recovery, child support and more. The event will include a panel discussion, expert advise, and refreshments. The event is being held from 3 to 5 p.m. at Employ Milwaukee at 2342 North 27th Street. For more information, contact Frederick Nelson at frederick.nelson@employmilwaukee.org or 414-270-1738.

Register Here

Vaping in 2025: What's Changed and What Parents Need to Know

Tuesday, February 18

The face of vaping has changed significantly since they first emerged about a decade ago: vapes are bigger, stronger, and distributors have developed new methods to appeal to youth and evade FDA regulations. Join Dr. Aaron Weiner for an in-depth look at the evolving vaping landscape, the hidden risks to physical and mental health, and practical tips to help you have informed, impactful conversations with your child. Hosted by Operation Parent, this webinar is scheduled for 12 noon on February 18.

Register Now

Adult Mental Health First Aid

Tuesday, February 18

Adult Mental Health First Aid Training provides adults with the tools to assist other adults who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. It teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training delivered by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may need help connecting to appropriate care. 


This training will be held via Zoom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 18.

RSVP by February 11

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute offers an in-person option for businesses and non-profits that want to host a MHFA training. We'll come to you! Course material, including the books, are of no charge to you or your organization. All you need is a room, electronic equipment, and a minimum of 11 people signed up. Email Community Advocates Public Policy Institute Trainer Rita Liesiefsky today to schedule your organization's MHFA training.

Email Rita

ECOM Workshop: Child Abuse and Neglect, Elder Abuse, and Medicaid

Wednesday, February 19

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. Each session features multiple presentations from experts and opportunities to share resources. 


This month’s topic is Child Abuse and Neglect, Elder Abuse, and Medicaid and will be held in person from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Neu-Life Community Development, 2014 W. North Ave., Milwaukee. 


Fee is $5 for light refreshments and materials and can be paid via credit card. Registrations are not refundable. Kindly make sure to RSVP by Friday, February 14.

Register Now

Verbal De-Escalation Techniques

Wednesday, February 19

During this 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 de-escalation. This session hosted by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on February 19 via Zoom.

RSVP Here

QPR Question Persuade Refer Suicide Prevention Training

Wednesday, February 19

We can all save lives.


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. This workshop, offered by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, will be held on February 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

RSVP Now

Milwaukee Book Launch of "Plundered" by Bernadette Atuahene

Thursday, February 20

Community Advocates is a proud co-sponsor of the Milwaukee launch event of Professor Bernadette Atuahene's new book, Plundered: How Racist Policies Undermine Black Ownership In America, at Boswell Book Co. on February 20. Atuahene, a property law scholar, is a leader in the Milwaukee Property Tax Appeals Project, which partners with Community Advocates to address local property tax assessment issues that disproportionately affect Black residents, as well as effective tax foreclosure intervention. 


Professor Atuahene will be in conversation with local historian Reggie Jackson, and Community Advocates COO Maudwella Kirkendoll will offer a few words of introduction.


Atuahene’s Milwaukee book launch will be held at Boswell Book Co., 2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 20. Learn more and RSVP for this no-cost event below.

RSVP Now

Substance Use Risk and Protective Factors for the Older Adult Population

Thursday, February 20

Aging is a process that involves many positive qualities like perspective and experience. It also involves what some have called “an accumulation of losses,” which may include the death of a spouse or other close relationships, retirement and the associated loss of purpose and respect, loss of physical strength and possibly mobility, loss of independence, and so much more. These losses are often called “Life Transitions” and are a critically important risk factor for substance use and misuse among older adults. This presentation, organized by the Northeast & Caribbean PTTC, will explore this and other risk factors that may lead to problematic substance use among this population. It will also explore some of the protective factors involved to mitigate potential problems, in addition to potential prevention strategies to address problems.


The webinar is scheduled from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Learn More and Register

PATCH for Parents

Thursday, February 20

PATCH, Providers and Teens Communicating for Health, is hosting a free workshop for parents and caregivers. Participants will learn practical tips and tools to help teens become responsible managers of their own health and health care.


The workshop strives to help parents and caregivers understand the importance of their teen’s health care rights and responsibilities, feel more confident in their ability to support their teen as they start to become more responsible for their own health and health care, and identify steps they can take to make sure their teen is well-prepared to manage their own health and health care as they transition into young adulthood.  


The event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on February 20 at the Kennan Health Center at 3200 N. 36th St., Milwaukee.

Register Today

Uncovering What Does NOT Work in Substance Misuse Prevention

Thursday, February 20

In the world of substance misuse prevention, we often hear about what does work – research-backed strategies that make real impact. But what about the methods that don’t work? This webinar will explore the common yet misguided approaches still in use, shedding light on why they don’t work and the unintended consequences they create. Join the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network (PTTC) to rethink the status quo, equip yourself with the knowledge to advocate for change, and help build more effective prevention efforts in your community. 


The webinar is scheduled from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on February 20.

Register Now

Samad's House 5th Annual Black Balloon Day

Thursday, March 6

Save the Date!


Join Samad’s House as they continue to put boots on the ground to provide harm reduction resources to the most vulnerable communities. Black Balloon Day is an event to remember those who have lost their lives to drug overdose.


The event will be held from 11 am - 1 pm at Rise N Grind Café at 2737 North Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Milwaukee. 

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!

Community Resources

Milwaukee County Mental Health Navigator is Here!

The resources on this page were developed to help community members and providers find and access behavioral health and substance use services in Milwaukee County. On the page you can find care in your community, find care for your client, explore IMPACT 211 program listings, and view other resources, tools and directories. Click here to check it out.

Los Recursos Familial en Español

¡El Navegador de Salud Mental del Condado de Milwaukee ya está aquí!

Los recursos en esta página fueron desarrollados para ayudar a los miembros y proveedores de la comunidad a encontrar y acceder a servicios de salud conductual y uso de sustancias en el condado de Milwaukee. En la página puede encontrar atención en su comunidad, encontrar atención para su cliente, explorar listados de programas IMPACT 211 y ver otros recursos, herramientas y directorios. Haga clic aquí para comprobarlo.

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.

Family Resources in English

Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic

Children's Wisconsin's Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic provides same-day care for children and teens (ages 5-18) experiencing urgent mental health issues. The clinic is designed to offer an alternative to traditional urgent care and emergency room services. Families can walk-in or make a reservation online. Learn more here.

Think a Family Member Has a Substance Use Disorder?

Talking about substance use is not easy, but it can encourage your loved one to seek help. The Family Drama video from SAMHSA encourages families to talk directly with their loved ones about concerns over substance use. Watch the 30-second video here.

Positive Options for Women Entering Recovery

Are you worried about your drinking or other 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.

Job Opportunities

Download our Mental Health Resource Guide here!

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

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