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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: International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025 | | |
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized and honored on August 31 each year. A remembrance that was initiated in 2001 in Melbourne, Australia, International Overdose Awareness has resonated with communities around the globe as we all see our homes, neighborhoods, and schools affected by the public health crisis of substance misuse and overdose.
As we raise awareness, remember and grieve the lives lost, and support survivors of overdose, by coming together as a community, healing can begin.
The RISE Drug Free MKE coalition's theme this year is Driven by Hope – an outlook and reminder that the work being done in our community is making a difference.
The momentum must continue. Below are events hosted in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 in Milwaukee County.
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Wauwatosa Overdose Awareness Event
Saturday, August 23
Join the Wauwatosa Health Department to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remember lives lost to overdose. Whether you have been personally affected by overdose or simply want to support your community, your presence promotes healing and hope. The event will include free t-shirts, ice cream, speakers, and a short remembrance walk.
The event is scheduled from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on August 23 at Hart Park, 7300 W. Chestnut St., Wauwatosa.
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Responding to Addiction
Wednesday, August 27
Responding to Addiction was developed by the Addiction Policy Forum to increase knowledge about addiction, improve helping behaviors toward individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), correct misconceptions about addiction, and reduce stigma in communities. The program is a multi-disciplinary training that teaches participants about the science of addiction and equips them with the knowledge and tools to understand and address substance use disorders.
Kat Becker, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute's Alliance for Wisconsin Youth Coordinator, will host this training on Wednesday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Community Adovcates, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 728 N. James Lovell, St. Milwaukee.
What will you learn?
- Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
- Evidence-Based Treatment Options
- Medications Available to Treat Addiction
- Recovery Support and Relapse Prevention
- How to Start the Conversation with Someone in Need of Support
- Engagement Strategies
This workshop is held in conjunction with RISE Drug Free MKE's International Overdose Awareness Day activities. Register here.
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Healing Together, Driven by Hope
Friday, August 29
In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, community partners are honored to host "Healing Together, Driven by Hope," a community-focused event dedicated to promoting healing and supporting those who are grieving. This gathering aims to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals and families affected by overdose, as well as those seeking to understand and cope with their grief. The event will feature a resources and activities, including poetry writing, yoga, a photo printing station, and more.
The event is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 29, at Mitchell Park Pavilion, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee. Learn More.
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International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event: "Driven by Hope"
Sunday, August 31
Join Community Advocates and RISE Drug Free MKE as we come together for International Overdose Awareness Day, a heartfelt gathering aimed at showing love, support, and healing for those affected by
the devastating loss of loved ones due to substance use, as well as the survivors of overdose. This event is a space for community solidarity, remembrance, and hope.
The event will feature inspiring speakers, a special Dedication Station, and a Candlelight Memorial Vigil, providing a serene atmosphere for reflection and commemoration. This moment will allow us to gather in unity, lighting candles in honor of those we've lost, fostering a sense of hope and healing as we stand together.
The event is scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, at Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St., Milwaukee. Learn 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.
| | SAMHSA Releases Annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health | |
In July, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released the results of the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people living in the United States reported their experiences with mental health conditions, substance use and pursuit of treatment. This year marks the first year since 2020 in which there are at least four years of comparable data for key NSDUH outcomes to enable reporting of trends.
| | Awareness of and Beliefs About Naloxone Among Adults | |
JAMA Health Forum recently published a cross-sectional study to assess U.S. adults’ awareness and attitudes toward naloxone, the life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. While 71% of respondents had heard of naloxone, only 5.6% reported currently carrying it. Many cited not knowing where to get it (67.3%) or how to use it (60.1%) as key barriers. Awareness of access points also varied – only about half of respondents knew naloxone could be obtained from a pharmacy without a prescription. Despite these gaps, the study found strong public support for expanding access, particularly in schools, libraries, and other community spaces.
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Great Lakes Motivational Interviewing Conference
Wednesday, August 6 - Friday, August 8
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The Great Lakes Motivational Interviewing Conference is for any helping professional who works directly with clients who are reluctant to change their attitudes, behaviors and/or thoughts. This training experience will describe the purpose, benefits, and limitations of Motivational Interviewing, identify key concepts, attitudes, processes, skills and strategies of Motivational Interviewing, identify best practices for using Motivational Interviewing across professions, describe how Motivational Interviewing can be used as part of an interprofessional team, and plan how to incorporate Motivational Interviewing skills into your professional practice.
The conference will be held at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Madison.
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Back to School Carnival Day
Thursday, August 14
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Our Daily Bread Community Outreach Center and Barack Obama School present the 4th annual Back to School Carnival Day community resource fair.
Join the community for a day filled with bookbags, enrollment information, community resources, employment resources, a bouncy house, horseback riding, a mini petting zoo, music and food, and kids’ haircuts.
Th event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 14 at Obama SCTE, 5075 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee. For more information, call Mrs. Lewis at 414-301-3731 or info@ourdailybreadmil.org.
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Verbal De-Escalation Techniques
Tuesday, August 19
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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.
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute is hosting two sessions on Tuesday, August 19:
- 10 - 11:30 a.m.
- 1 - 2:30 p.m.
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ECOM Workshop: Job Services, Financial Literacy, and GED
Wednesday, August 20
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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.
This month’s topic is Job Services, Financial Literacy, and GED and will be held in person from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon on August 20. Location TBD.
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, August 15.
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Advanced Prevention Training: Making the Case for Prevention
Tuesday, August 21
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Being able to communicate the value of prevention is essential to building support and partnerships for our work. Advanced prevention professionals are well-positioned to leverage their experience and knowledge to make a compelling case for prevention to community partners, leaders, and policy makers.
This 2-hour sessions hosted by Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network (PTTC), will focus on how prevention providers can effectively communicate the value of prevention to a variety of audiences. The training will blend training content, practice, and peer sharing.
The virtual training is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on August 21.
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Community Health and Resource Fair
Saturday, August 23
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Join the Milwaukee Fire Department and Community Cry for a community health and resource fair. The event will be an opportunity to get free screenings and information on blood pressure and vaccines, raffle prizes, resources, food and fun!
The event is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. on August 23 at 2903 N. Teutonia Ave., Milwaukee.
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2025 Suicide Prevention Summit for Mental Health Professionals
Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24
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The Mental Health Academy, in partnership with organizations such as the American Association of Suicidology, ACA, NBCC, and CCPA, is presenting its 2025 Suicide Prevention Summit. The On-Demand summit is an international, evidence-based event designed for clinicians and helping professionals. The conference offers over ten hours of expert-led education focused on culturally-informed strategies and risk identification aimed at reducing suicide risk.
Attendees will interact with presenters through live Q&A sessions, learn clinical strategies to support a broad mix of client populations, learn directly from leading internationally-renowned speakers, and learn valuable strategies and insights to support clients at risk of suicide.
The 2025 Suicide Prevention Summit will be delivered via 10 live webinar sessions from Saturday, August 23 to Sunday, August 24.
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Back 2 School Bash
Sunday, August 24
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Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc. is hosting a Back 2 School bash, a celebration of community, care, and connection. This free, family-friendly event offers a safe, welcoming space to gather, connect with local resources, and enjoy a day filled with joy and support. Resources include hygiene kits, STI testing, free food, and more!
The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 24 at 5370 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Milwaukee.
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Back to School Festival
Sunday, August 24
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The 2nd Aldermanic District, in partnership with the 7th District Police Department, presents the 3rd annual Back to School Festival. The festival will be an opportunity to get a free bookbag, school supplies, health screenings, and a bite to eat. The event also includes a kids’ fun zone, Survive Alive House, a bike raffle, DJ, and more!
The Back to School Festival is scheduled from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on August 24 at Indigenous People’s Park, 7301 W. Courtland Ave., Milwaukee.
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Social Media's Impact on Youth Substance Use and Mental Health
Wednesday, August 27
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Social media is a permanent fixture in our world and while there are positive aspects to it, there are also negative and potentially deadly effects related to youth substance use and mental health. Substance misuse prevention professionals need to be aware of those effects and work to address risk and protective factors around the intersection. This webinar, hosted by Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network, will discuss emerging data related to the intersection of social media, substance use, and mental health, as well as delve into ways to address risk and protective factors and incorporate strategies to strengthen individuals and communities.
The webinar is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 27 via Zoom.
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MKE Data Dive
Wednesday, August 27
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Join Data You Can Use for the MKE Data Dive. MKE Data Dive continues to be an opportunity to share data, tools and knowledge in the Milwaukee community and has expanded the scope to include a broader range of topic areas.
The event is scheduled from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on August 27 at UWM Joseph J. Zilber College of Public Health, 1240 N. 10th St., Milwaukee.
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Inside Adolescence: Substance Use Patterns, Predictions, Risk, and Resilience in the ABCD Study
Monday, September 8
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Join Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study for a free webinar on Monday, September 8. Experts will share research findings on early substance use and explore potential protective factors that could prevent or delay it. The webinar will be held twice to accommodate attendees in different time zones. Spanish interpretation will be available during both sessions. This webinar is supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Sessions are available from 4 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m.
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Public Health in Practice Registration Now Open
Monday, September 29 and Tuesday, September 30
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The Wisconsin Public Health Association (WPHA) Public Health in Practice (PHIP) Conference will be held September 29-30 at the Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center. The conference is geared for community health partners and professionals working in both governmental and non-governmental public health positions. Attendees will walk away with specific skills and usable tools to execute strategies to improve community or workplace health through systems change thinking, evidence-based practices and capacity building.
Public Health in Practice Call for Presentations Now Available
Session presentations should focus on “how” examples, not “what” examples, sharing actual tools being used and impact desired/being seen in the community. Sessions should also allow for time to have dialogue and peer learning/sharing. The conference theme is Leading Boldly for Impact: Strategies to Navigate Change in Evolving Times.
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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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GRASP: Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing
GRASP offers compassionate support for individuals and families who have lost a loved one to substance use. With local chapters, virtual meetings, and a wealth of resources, GRASP provides a safe space to share, connect, and heal. Click here to learn more.
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International Overdose Awareness Day Fact Sheets
International Overdose Awareness Day offers free, easy-to-understand fact sheets on overdose basics, signs and symptoms, naloxone use, and more. These resources are designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help save lives. Click here to download the fact sheets.
| | Los Recursos Familial en Español | | |
Factores de riesgo y de protección
Los factores de protección son circunstancias o características que aumentan la resiliencia, ayudan a un joven a afrontar mejor los acontecimientos estresantes y reducen el impacto de que se desarrolle un factor de riesgo. Haga clic aquí para obtener más información.
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Ejemplo de presentación: Fentanilo, opioides, Narcan y jóvenes. Presentación en español.
Esta presentación de diapositivas es proporcionada por Safe Rx Santa Cruz y Empower Watsonville y se puede usar como ejemplo de una presentación en español preparada para presentar a los padres sobre la prevención de sobredosis y cubrir temas que incluyen el fentanilo y la naloxona. Haga clic aquí para ver la presentación
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Back to School Resources
As the new school year fast approaches, families in Milwaukee have a fantastic opportunity to get ready with both fun and essentials. Check out this roundup from the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service for details on free school‑supply giveaways, back‑to‑school festivals, face painting, food, health checkups, and more. Click here to learn more.
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Get Smart About Drugs
Get Smart About Drugs provides valuable drug education information for parents, educators, and caregivers to help identify drug use, warning signs of drug use, and the harmful side effects of the most commonly used drugs. Click here to learn more.
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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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