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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: Smoke-Free Air Law's 15th Anniversary | | |
July 5, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of Wisconsin’s Smoke-Free Air Law – a milestone in public health that has protected millions of residents from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Since the law took effect in 2010, it has created safer environments in restaurants, bars, workplaces, and other public indoor spaces.
Thanks to this policy and other efforts to prevent and reduce commercial tobacco use, adult smoking rates in Wisconsin have dropped from 19% in 2010 to 12% in 2023, and smoking among high schoolers has decreased from 17% to just 3% according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services' Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Treatment Program. As stated in the Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, the law, supported by over 77% of Wisconsinites, shows just how deeply valued smoke-free spaces have become across the state.
Despite this progress, there is still work to be done. Wisconsin’s law currently does not include protections against e-cigarettes or vapes, though some counties and municipalities, including the City of Milwaukee, have added vaping to their local smoke-free air policies, and others are currently working to enhance policies in their communities. However, proposed legislation that would expand the number of indoor tobacco bars threatens to roll back protections.
As we celebrate this important anniversary, it’s also a critical moment to strengthen and expand the law to ensure clean air for all Wisconsinites for the next 15 years and beyond. Check out Tobwis’s Local Smoke-Free Air Assessment Guide for an overview of the current state law, best practice language, local ordinance assessment instructions, and more.
| | 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.
| | Prevention Isn't What It Used To Be, and That's Progress | |
Last month, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing published a blog about the progress being made in substance use prevention. Gone are the days of simplistic “Just Say No” campaigns and school assemblies that failed to address real-world challenges. The article discusses the emergence and influence the digital world has on youth behavior and mental health, the importance of hearing from voices with lived experience, and the shift away from fear-based adult-to-youth lectures. The new landscape of substance use prevention is about equipping youth, not just warning them.
| | Summerfest Featuring First Sober Lounge in Festival's History | |
Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, is making history with its first ever dedicated substance-free space – all thanks to The Phoenix, a sober community focusing on the power of connection and human resilience to build a sober movement. The Phoenix Milwaukee chapter’s Sober Lounge will serve non-alcoholic drinks (free from 4 to 6 p.m.), host sober activities, and facilitate recovery support. Head to the south end of the Summerfest grounds, near the Ferris wheel, to pick up some cool swag, play games, and take pictures in their photo booth. The Phoenix volunteer team will be at Summerfest from 12 noon to 8 p.m. each festival weekend.
| | Milwaukee County Celebrates New Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center | |
Earlier this month, Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services opened the doors to the brand-new Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center. The four-story, 60,000 square foot building will act as a community-centered space for people to receive the care, resources, and support they need and deserve. This build is the first new county building construction in or near Milwaukee’s downtown since the Criminal Justice Facility in 1992. The original Coggs location closed in 2022, initiating the build at 1230 W. Cherry Street.
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Wellbriety Group: The solution is in the culture / relapse prevention
Monday, July 7
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Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center’s Wellbriety Group: The solution is in the culture / relapse prevention will cover topics such as The Medicine Wheel Teachings and 12-Steps, The Four Thoughts of Change, The Two Thought Systems, The Cycle of Healing, and more. The Wellbriety Group is only open to people who are established GLIIHC patients.
The event is scheduled from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on July 7 at Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, 930 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee.
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First Year with Baby
Tuesdays, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29
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The Parenting Network and St. Francis Children’s Center are hosting four group classes in July for new parents to learn about supporting baby’s development, learn how to communicate with your baby and understand their cues, and find ways for parents to care for themselves and adjust to change with their partner. Registrants will also receive four individual support sessions.
Classes are scheduled on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis Children’s Center – Family Activity Center, 6700 N. Port Washington Rd., Milwaukee.
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Advanced Prevention Training: Building Resilient Substance Misuse Prevention Coalitions
Wednesday, July 9
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Hosted by the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network, this two-hour interactive training for advanced professionals will focus on ways participants can ensure the longevity of their coalition. The key to building lasting, community-supported coalitions requires intentional planning and partnership building. In this training, participants will discuss actionable strategies and tools to build a coalition with strong partnerships across the behavioral health spectrum, connecting to community leadership, and working with partners focused on shared risk and protective factors.
The training is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 9.
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ECOM Workshop: Adoption, Foster Care, Prenatal Services, and Parenting Support
Wednesday, July 16
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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.
July’s topic is Adoption, Foster Care, Prenatal Services, and Parenting Support.
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, July 11. The session is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Location is TBD.
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3rd Annual Summer Celebration Slam Jam
Saturday, July 19
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Co-hosted by Chorus Community Health Plans, iCare, Anthem and The Missing Peace Community Collective, the Summer Celebration Slam Jam is a free community event open to all! Enjoy fun for kids, community resources, and health benefits.
The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 19 at The Missing Peace Community Collective, 3248 W. Brown St., Milwaukee.
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QPR Question Persuade Refer
Suicide Prevention Training
Wednesday, July 23
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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. Community Advocates Public Policy Institute believes that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. This interactive introduction to suicide awareness and prevention will also cover statistics and intervention strategies.
This session is scheduled from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on July 23.
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Adult Mental Health First Aid
Tuesday, July 29
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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 3:15 p.m. on July 29. Please register by July 21.
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Verbal De-Escalation Techniques
Wednesday, July 30
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During this virtual workshop from Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, 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 will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on July 30 via Zoom.
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Financial Foundations Workshop:
Presented by UW-Madison Extension Milwaukee County
Thursday, July 31
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Take control of your finances starting now! Join Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center for a Community Day Event workshop designed to help renters manage money, build credit, and plan for a more secure future. Attendees will learn practical tips on budgeting, banking, and credit in a supportive, judgment-free space.
The Financial Foundations Workshop, presented by UW-Madison Extension Milwaukee County, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 31 at 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee.
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The Better Ways to Cope Conference
Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11
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The Better Ways to Cope Conference is powered by the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. This event will feature coping experiences that increase Milwaukee County residents’ ability to deal effectively with life’s challenges. Experts, healers, educators, and businesses will immerse residents in experiences that help them achieve greater mindfulness, a deep sense of well-being, and continue their journey toward a dependency-free life.
Registration is free and includes breakfast and lunch, youth (12-17) and adults are invited to participate in all activities, and attendees can register to attend one or both days.
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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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Wisconsin Tobacco Facts: Mental Health
The UW-Milwaukee Center for Urban Population Health prepared the Wisconsin Tobacco Facts: Mental Health report to present data that shows how the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes may be associated with mental health and socio-emotional health among Wisconsin adults. The findings presented are intended to provide a resource for state and local health departments, health professionals, educators, and local coalitions working to reduce tobacco consumption and the associated costs in Wisconsin. Click here to read the report.
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Cooling Sites in Milwaukee County
In a normal year, more than 600 Americans die of complications from overheating. Start by being informed about heat alerts, issued by the National Weather Service and publicized by local news media. When the weather gets hot, it’s important to stay cool by staying indoors in air-conditioned buildings. Click here to find public places with air conditioning near you.
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Take a Mental Health Test
Mental Health America offers quick and easy online screenings to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. After your mental health test, you will see information, resources, and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health. Click here to take one of the mental health tests.
| | Los Recursos Familial en Español | | |
Realice una prueba de salud mental
Mental Health America ofrece evaluaciones en línea rápidas y sencillas para determinar si presenta síntomas de una afección mental. Después de su prueba de salud mental, accederá a información, recursos y herramientas que le ayudarán a comprender y mejorar su salud mental. Haga clic aquí para realizar la prueba de depresión. Haga clic aquí para realizar la prueba de ansiedad.
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Prevención De Una Sobredosis De Opioides
La tarjeta de consejos contiene información sobre cómo prevenir una sobredosis de opioides, incluyendo información básica sobre la sobredosis, sus signos y síntomas, y qué hacer si sospecha que alguien está sufriendo una sobredosis. Haga clic aquí para obtener más información.
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Birth Outcomes Made Better (BOMB) Doula Program
The City of Milwaukee’s Health Department created the Birth Outcomes Made Better (BOMB) Doula Program to support healthy babies in the City of Milwaukee. Their teams empower families with the guidance and education necessary for a healthy pregnancy and beyond. The program is available to all City of Milwaukee residents who are at or before 30 weeks pregnant, no insurance required. Doulas work with families during the prenatal period, through birth, and for 12 weeks postpartum. They are now accepting clients for 2025. Click here to learn more.
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Live Vape Free
Live Vape Free is for teens 13 to 17 who specifically want to quit vaping. Text VAPEFREE to 873373 for free help via text.
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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.
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