In this Issue:

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

Spotlight On: RISE Drug Free MKE Presents:

International Overdose Awareness Day Milwaukee: Meeting You Where You Are

Thursday, August 31

Friends, family, and survivors of overdose are invited to connect with community organizations, memorialize their lost loved ones, and get resources to prevent overdose at three locations in Milwaukee County on International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31.

The events include: free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, a Memorial Tree, grief counselors, and a Memorial Lantern release (7 p.m. at Mitchell Park Pavilion) and a march to end overdose after the lantern release.

• 10 am-12 noon: Samad’s House, 2875 N. 23rd St.
• 1-3 pm: UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave.
• 4-8 pm: RISE Drug Free MKE & Team HAVOC, Mitchell Park Pavilion, 524 S. Layton Blvd.

These events are presented by RISE Drug Free MKE thanks to support from Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services.

Partners include City of Milwaukee Health Department, CleanSlate Medical Group, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, Community Medical Services, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, Milwaukee Fire Department, Nar-Anon, Onepillkills, RISE Drug Free MKE, Samad's House, Street Angels, Team HAVOC, UMOS Inc., Vivent Health, and Wauwatosa Health Department.

Foco en: RISE Drug Free MKE presenta

Reuniendome contigo dónde estás:

Día Internacional de Concientización sobre la Sobredosis de Milwaukee

31 de agosto de 2023

Amigos, familiares y sobrevivientes de sobredosis están invitados a conectarse con organizaciones comunitarias, conmemorar a sus seres queridos fallecidos y obtener recursos para prevenir sobredosis en tres ubicaciones en el condado de Milwaukee en el Día Internacional de Concienciación sobre la Sobredosis, el 31 de agosto.



Los eventos incluyen: distribución gratuita de Narcan, tiras de prueba de fentanilo, un Árbol Conmemorativo, consejeros de duelo y una liberación de Linternas Conmemorativas (a las 7 p.m. en Mitchell Park Pavilion) y una marcha para poner fin a las sobredosis después de la liberación de las linternas.

• 10 a.m. a 12 del mediodía: Samad’s House, 2875 N. 23rd St.
• 1 p.m. a 3 p.m.: UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave.
• 4 p.m. a 8 p.m.: RISE Drug Free MKE y Team HAVOC, Mitchell Park Pavilion, 524 S. Layton Blvd.

Este evento es presentado por RISE Drug Free MKE con el apoyo de los Servicios de Salud Mental del Condado de Milwaukee.

La fogonadura: City of Milwaukee Health Department | CleanSlate Medical Group | Community Advocates Public Policy Institute | Community Medical Services | Medical College of Wisconsin | Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services | Milwaukee Fire Department | Nar-Anon | Onepillkills | RISE Drug Free MKE | Samad’s House | Street Angels | Team HAVOC | UMOS Inc. | Vivent Health | Wauwatosa Health Department

Discover Wellness

New Date: Friday, September 22

New Location: Alice's Garden

Diverse groups from across Milwaukee County are inviting individuals and families to Alice's Garden on Friday, September 22, for activities and resources that can improve their health and wellness. Now in its second year, “Discover Wellness” will feature free healthy snacks, prizes, wellness activities, and a chance to win a bike and other prizes.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on September 22, “Discover Wellness” will encompass the eight dimensions of wellness—emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual—to provide visitors with a broad range of activities and resources that can help to enhance their health and well-being.

Highlights include: healthy activities, raffles and giveaways, a book library, yoga and Reiki, tools for emotional wellness, and free healthy snacks from Neu-Life Community Development’s Farmfork, an urban agriculture and culinary arts program for youth.

Then, at sunset, guests can enjoy a free screening of "The Little Mermaid."

“Discover Wellness” will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 22, at Alice's Garden, 2136 N. 21st St., Milwaukee. All are invited to attend this free, family-friendly community event.

“Discover Wellness” partners include Alice's Garden, Cudahy Health Department, Goal Chasers 2000, The House of Kings and Priests, Neu-Life Community Development, Oak Creek Health Department, The Parenting Network, RISE Drug Free MKE, Wauwatosa Health Department, and Community Advocates.

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute is pleased to announce that De’Shawn Ewing has joined our team as our Community Engagement and Outreach Manager. You may have already seen him out and about at events to share our information and resources with the community. De’Shawn has built a long career serving youth and families at various nonprofits, including The Parenting Network and Next Door. Most recently, De’Shawn was the Family Injury and Violence Prevention Coordinator at the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention. We’re looking forward to working with De’Shawn to build a healthier Milwaukee. 

This summer, Milwaukee leaders unanimously approved regulations for new smoke and vape shops in the city. The ordinance aims to protect our young people who are using nicotine products at alarming rates—especially Black and Brown youth and LGBTQ+ young people, who are targeted by the industry. In this Virtual Lunch & Learn exclusively for PPI Network Members, you’ll hear from two leaders of the effort to adopt the new rules—Milwaukee Alder Jonathan Brostoff and Molly Collins, Wisconsin Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association. This one-hour session is facilitated by PPI’s Charlie Leonard, Coordinator of the City of Milwaukee Tobacco Free Alliance, and will take place on August 29 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. 

SAMHSA unveiled its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, prioritizing a person-centered approach and unveiling new mission, vision, priorities, and principles. This comprehensive roadmap focuses on preventing substance misuse, expanding mental health services, promoting emotional health in families, integrating care, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce, all supported by principles of equity, trauma sensitivity, recovery, and evidence-based practices.

Each September, prevention advocates and stakeholders highlight the importance of learning how to identify and discuss potential warning signs of suicide.

This September, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will provide Question, Persuade, Refer QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper workshops at your organization upon request. This 1.5-hour workshop normalizes conversations about suicide and teaches participants how to listen nonjudgmentally and encourage someone who may be thinking of suicide to get appropriate help. Interested in offering this session to your organization? Contact Rita Liesiefsky at rliesiefsky@communityadvocates.net.

RISE Drug Free MKE and Samad’s House are organizing a Family Personal Care Pantry Donation Drive. Please contribute essential personal items such as undergarments and socks for all ages and personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, bodywash, hand towels, and similar items. Look for five donation bins around the City of Milwaukee to drop off your gifts.

The Family Personal Care Pantry will be open on September 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1700 N. 34th St., Milwaukee.

Community partners are City of Milwaukee Health Department, Community Medical Services, Franciscan Peacemakers, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, RISE Drug Free MKE & Samad’s House.

Registration is open for the WPHA Public Health in Practice Conference, which will be held October 4 and 5 at the Oshkosh Convention Center, although a virtual attendance option will be available. The PHiP conference is targeted for 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. 

As part of Wellpoint Care Network’s ongoing campus transformation project, their all-new “Well-being Wing” is now open. Wellpoint Care Network’s mental health services are available for children, youth, adults, couples and families. In addition to traditional talk therapy, we also offer art therapy, play therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Theraplay, occupational therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The completion of the new Well-being Wing allows for expanded and dedicated space for each of these specialties. 

Segregation: A Threat to Equity

Tuesday, August 22

In August and September, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps (CHR&R) will present a two-part webinar series: Healing segregation for health equity. The series will explore the connections between the many forms of segregation and their impact on health and equity. Guests will share the history of segregation and how that relates to long-standing policies and practices that are rooted in racism. The series will also focus on public health’s role in redressing segregation and strategies to achieve diversity and better health. Dr. Tiffany Manuel, president and CEO of TheCaseMade, a leadership development firm, will join the August 22 webinar along with CHR&R’s data and analytics team leader, Dr. Christine Muganda. This session will begin at 2 p.m. on August 22 via Zoom.

The Art of Connection:

A Community Building Skills Training

Wednesday, August 23 & Thursday, August 24

Authentic connection, presence, and mindfulness are foundations for positive change - whether in a Motivational Interviewing Session or Support Group with participants, a Corporate Boardroom team building session, to form lasting partnerships, or reaching out to prevent your own burnout or compassion fatigue. Join WCS’s Community Building Milwaukee to learn the Keys to Authentic Connection and Relationships, and Profound Presence. These sessions will be held on August 23-24 at WCS North Avenue Campus, Room 118 (2342 N. 27th St., Milwaukee. It’s free for general participants or $35 for Continuing Education Hours (1.4 CEUs or 14 CEHs). 

Health and Wellness Beyond Incarceration:

The Role of the Church Conference

Saturday, August 26

Invisible Reality Prison Ministry is organizing a panel discussion on the barriers people face in accessing comprehensive health services while they are incarcerated and as they return home, as well as the essential role of the church. This free event will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on August 26, at 2700 N. 54th St., Milwaukee. 

Beyond "Just Say No":

Cannabis Prevention Messaging for Today’s Teens

Wednesday, August 30

In this new 1-hour webinar, the Rescue Agency will share these research insights and explain how to make the most impact in your community. You'll learn how to:

• Identify the teens most at risk for cannabis use by understanding how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), among other risk factors, can impact teen cannabis use
• Apply research insights on cannabis risk perceptions and behaviors in your behavior change campaign approach
• Tailor your campaign strategy to reach the modern-day teen 



This webinar will be held at 12 noon on August 30. 

Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference

September 13 & September 14

Organized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Wisconsin Connect, this event features sessions focused on reducing the issues that arise from the use of drugs. This year’s theme is “Together, We Rise: The Journey for Prevention, Resiliency, and Equity.” It’ll be held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells and all sessions will be available in real time via Zoom. Save $50 on your registration fee if you register by September 4.

Improving Behavioral Health Services and Care for Your Sexual and Gender Diverse Clients:

Trauma-Informed Care for the LGBTQ+ Community

Thursday, September 21

In this session organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, participants will explore the concept of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and its importance for the LGBTQ+ community, who face potentially traumatic experiences such as discrimination, violence, and rejection. This virtual workshop aims to equip attendees with foundational knowledge and skills. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of stress, trauma, and mental health. They will learn a framework for how to incorporate Trauma-Informed Care principles into both personal and professional practice. And they will discover strategies and tips for taking a trauma-informed approach to daily life. This session will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on September 21. 

Wisconsin Crisis Intervention Conference

September 21 & September 22

Organized by UW-Stevens Point, this event features sessions focused on strategies to support people experiencing mental health and substance use emergencies. To provide education on best practices in a culturally aware format that leads to superior quality mental healthcare services that benefits individuals, providers, and communities. It’ll be held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells and also offers a virtual option. 

Substance Use Disorder Conference

September 21 & September 22

Organized by Fox Valley Technical College, this Appleton event features sessions focused on substance use treatment. A keynote speaker is Shawn Smith, who will present on Motivational Interviewing. 

Milwaukee Data Day 2023

Wednesday, October 18

Data Day, hosted by Data You Can Use, provides an opportunity for leaders from neighborhoods, nonprofits, universities, the public sector, and beyond to better understand what data are available, the implications of data on community revitalization, and how to increase connections between research and practice. Data Day 2023 will be Milwaukee’s 9th annual Data Day celebration, and the theme this year is “Journey to Justice: Using Data for Systems Change in Milwaukee.” Registration will open soon. However, you can apply for a Data Dream, sign on to be a sponsor, and apply to offer a five-minute Ignite Presentation on your data work.

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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!

Classroom WISE: Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators

Classroom WISE is a FREE 3-part training package that assists K-12 educators and school staff in supporting the mental health of students in the classroom. Developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, this package offers evidence-based strategies and skills to engage and support students experiencing adversity and distress. In addition to a free online course on mental health literacy for educators and school staff, a video library and resource collection are also available. Access it now. 

School-Based Mental Health Supplement

This resource from the Great Lakes MHTTC is designed to support schools in creating environments that reduce the risk factors for suicide in our region. Access it here.

International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 Campaign Kit: Recognizing Those People Who Go Unseen

This year on August 31, let’s acknowledge and support the people in our communities who go unrecognized by raising awareness of the hidden impacts of overdose, promoting education of overdose response, and reaching out to politicians to make lasting, lifesaving policy changes. This kit provides you with everything you need for your 2023 IOAD event planning and promotion including posters, social media tiles and banners, t-shirt designs, Zoom backgrounds and other digital assets. Download the kit.

Hablemos de bienestar y salud mental

¿Salud mental? ¿Bienestar? ¿Enfermedad mental? ¿Alguna vez has sentido que todos estos términos son demasiado confusos? Obtén más información sobre tus pensamientos y sentimientos en términos simples.

New Back to School Survival Guide

With the impending back-to-school season, concerns about anxiety and mental health are on the rise. "Where to Start: A survival guide to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges" provides practical insights and tools, making it an essential companion for young adults facing the return to the classroom, offering relatable advice and self-assessment resources. It’s from Mental Health America and cartoonist Gemma Correll. Buy it now.

Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol—The Sound of Your Voice: Parent Guide

This guide and video give parents information they can discuss with their college-bound young adults about the consequences of underage drinking. Download it here.

Small Talks: Keep the Conversation Going—Beyond Alcohol

From the state Department of Health Services, here are tips and resources for parents and caregivers who want to talk to their kids about prescription medication misuse, and cannabis and tobacco use. Access Small Talks Beyond Alcohol here.

Job Opportunities

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee: Operations Administrative Assistant
• Casa Guadalupe Education Center: Bilingual Resource Advocate
• Community Advocates: Autumn West Resident Manager
• Community Advocates: Shelter Advocate (Part Time)
• Community Advocates: Energy Assistance Advocate (Seasonal)
• Community Advocates: Energy Assistance QA Processor
• Community Advocates: Older Abused Women’s Program Outreach and Community Case Manager
• Community Advocates Public Policy Institute: Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator
• Community Advocates Public Policy Institute: Social Media & Communications Coordinator
• Community Advocates: Women’s Shelter Case Manager
• Disability Rights Wisconsin: Mental Health Task Force Coordinator (Part Time)
• Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast: Community Outreach Specialist
• Legal Action of Wisconsin: Legal Secretary (Bilingual Spanish / English)
• Mental Health America of Wisconsin: Zero Suicide Coordinator
• Meta House: Family Facilitator
• Next Door Milwaukee: Pathways Trainer and Coach
• Outreach Community Health Center: Case Manager, Community Support Program
• Pathfinders: Supportive Employment Case Manager
• Pathfinders: Teacher
• Safe & Sound: Youth Organizer
• Urban Ecology Center: Neighborhood Engagement Specialist (Part Time)
• Vision Forward: Music Therapist (Part Time)
• Vote Riders: Wisconsin Voter ID Coalition Coordinator
• The Women’s Center: Youth & Family Survivor Advocate

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