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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: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | | |
Each September, communities across the country come together to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remind ourselves that conversations about mental health can save lives, and that no one should be alone in their struggle. This month encourages us to break down stigma, listen with compassion, and extend support to those who may be carrying more than they let on. Together, we can create a culture of care where reaching out for help is met with understanding and hope.
The National Alliance on Mental illness (NAMI) has created a hub of resources to help individuals, families, and organizations take action this September. Their Suicide Prevention Awareness Month page includes conversation guides, educational tools, and outreach materials to spark dialogue and share lifesaving information. With the theme “Start a Conversation. Be the Difference,” NAMI highlights the power we each hold to check in, offer support, and connect others with help, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We encourage you to explore this resource and use it to guide meaningful action in your own circles and communities.
| | 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.
| | International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 | |
International Overdose Awareness Day was recognized on August 31 and honored with a weekend of community events, resources, and memoriam.The gatherings were dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing space, promoting healing, and supporting those who are grieving.
Thank you to all of our sponsors who helped make these events happen and all our community partners who joined us and shared information and resources: RISE Drug Free MKE, Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services, City of Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee County Parks, Community Medical Services, Escucha tus Emociones, Nar-Anon Family Groups, Samad's House, HIR Wellness Institute, Rogers Behavioral Health, Sigue Sanando Studio, Milwaukee Turners, Vivent Health, Nystrom & Associates, and Johnny Types.
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The State of Opioid Overdose and Response
in the U.S. 2025
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While overdose deaths in the United States decreased significantly in 2024, overdose is still a leading cause of preventable death. Although many states are making progress in preventing opioid overdose deaths, there’s a disparity in that progress across the country. In a new report, Mental Health America analyzed national data to find out what states are doing to prevent overdose deaths and how they can do better. The report explores publicly available national data to identify where additional investments are most needed and highlights specific policy recommendations that would have the highest impact for preventing and reducing opioid deaths.
| | U.S. Drinking Rate at New Low as Alcohol Concerns Surge | |
A recent Gallup article, "U.S. Drinking Rate at New Low as Alcohol Concerns Surge," highlights the dramatic decrease in the percentage of adults who report consuming alcohol. That percentage, 54%, is the lowest in Gallup's nearly 90-year trend. Young adults in particular have already become less likely to report drinking alcohol over the past decade, but the trend is accelerating, with the rate falling from 59% in 2023 to 50% today.
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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. on September 8.
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Breaking the Silence
Tuesday, September 9
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Anxiety, depression, and self-harm are affecting kids and teens more than ever, and the signs are not always obvious. Operation Parent, in partnership with Minding Your Mind, will host Breaking the Silence: Talking Mental Health with Your Kids & Teens to pair expert insight with a powerful personal story from a young adult who has walked this path. Attendees will gain tools to recognize early warning signs, break down stigma, and respond to empathy to support mental health and resilience.
This webinar is scheduled on September 9 at 12 noon.
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The Role of Neighborhoods in Place-based Policies in Promoting Tobacco Control
Wednesday, September 10
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Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, attributable to more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States. Living close to or in a neighborhood with a high concentration of tobacco retailers is associated with tobacco use behaviors among youth and adults and some tobacco-related health outcomes. This webinar, hosted by the Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network, will review and discuss studies demonstrating how place-based interventions and regulatory policies can help reduce tobacco use in local communities.
The webinar is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on September 10.
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QPR Question Persuade Refer Suicide Training
Wednesday, September 10
Wednesday, September 17
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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. 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 interactive introduction to suicide awareness and prevention is scheduled from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10 and 17. The training is hosted by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and is free and open to all.
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ECOM Workshop: Energy Assistance
Wednesday, September 17
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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 Energy Assistance and will be held in person from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon on September 17. 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, September 12.
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STRYV365’s 4th Annual Trauma Symposium
Friday, September 19
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Join STRYV365 for their 4th annual Trauma Symposium to explore the caregiver connection and hear from a number of caregivers as they share their stories of hope.
The symposium is scheduled for September 19 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Prairie Springs on Park, 1420 E. Park Place, Milwaukee.
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Fall Wellness & Resource Fair
Saturday, September 20
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Running Rebels Community Organization is hosting their annual Wellness Fair. The event features workshops, health screenings, fitness demos, healthy cooking demos, chair massages, and raffles.
The Fall Wellness and Resource Fair is scheduled for September 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Running Rebels East, 225 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee.
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Survivors Helping Survivors
Tuesday, September 23
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a meeting series for family members and friends 18 years and older who have lost a loved one to suicide. The September 23 meeting is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required by 12 noon on Monday, September 22.
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West Allis Hope Walk
Wednesday, September 24
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The West Allis Hope Walk is being held in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The main highlight of the event is coming together as a community and learning about the many mental and behavioral health resources available to support attendees and their loved ones. Additionally, attendees can see the new Mental Health Tips signs placed throughout Greenfield Park. These signs aim to raise awareness about mental health and provide hope to all who visit the park. Additional highlights include community resources, free Pete’s Popsicles, giveaways, games, and more!
The West Allis Hope Walk is scheduled on September 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Greenfield Park Picnic Area #3A, 2028 S. 124th St., West Allis.
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Wellness Walk and Black Mental Health Summit
Saturday, September 27
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On May 13, Rosland Anderson and her children endured the unimaginable loss of her husband to suicide. In the wake of this tragedy, a powerful new initiative has emerged—uniting Appleton Avenue Labs, LLC and Standards of Excellence Education & Training Center, LLC to launch a citywide effort focused on mental instability and suicide prevention, beginning with a Wellness Walk and Black Mental Health Summit. This inaugural event will begin with a community Wellness Walk promoting movement, clarity, and unity. Following the walk, the Black Mental Health Summit will offer resource connections and wellness stations led by culturally responsive mental health professionals, educators, and survivors.
This event is scheduled on September 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dineen Park, 6901 W. Vienna Ave., Milwaukee. Tickets are $30.
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Public Health in Practice Conference
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 theme is Leading Boldly for Impact: Strategies to Navigate Change in Evolving Times.
The conference is tailored to help 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.
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NAMI Walks Southeast Wisconsin
Saturday, October 4
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Take strides for mental health at NAMIWalks Southeast Wisconsin! The annual walk brings together individuals, families, and teams from across Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Jefferson counties to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show support for mental health. Registration is free and includes zoo admission and parking. Every step taken and every dollar raised fuels NAMI Southeast Wisconsin’s free programs providing education, support, outreach, and advocacy for those living with mental health conditions and their loved ones.
The NAMIWalk is scheduled for October 4 at 8:30 at the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., 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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Direct Supply’s Senior Resource Fair 2025
Thursday, October 16
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Join Direct Supply for their Senior Resource Fair 2025, a special event designed to empower and enrich the lives of seniors 50 and older in our communities. The event will bring together valuable resources, support services, and entertainment. Explore resource booths featuring local organizations and enjoy engaging activities while meeting new people.
The resource fair is scheduled for October 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Direct Supply, 7301 W. Champions Way, Milwaukee.
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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!
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September 8 is 988 Day
The second annual 988 Day is September 8. This growing tradition raises awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the continued need for behavioral health support. The 2025 theme is "Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere." Click here to view tools and resources for 988 Day.
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The Hijacker
Addiction Policy Forum’s The Hijacker explains and demonstrations how substance use disorders (SUD) affect tissue function in two main parts of the brain: the limbic system (responsible for basic survival instincts) and the prefrontal cortex (where decision-making and impulse control live). Click here to learn more.
| | Los Recursos Familial en Español | | |
988 Lifeline o Línea de vida 988 para casos de suicidio y crisis
Frece servicios gratuitos de suicidio y crisis en español, las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana. No es necesario hablar inglés para recibir ayuda. Haga clic aquí para más información.
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Cómo hablar con los niños sobre el suicidio
La Kids Mental Health Foundation ofrece una guía compasiva titulada “Cómo hablar con los niños sobre el suicidio”, diseñada para ayudar a los cuidadores a crear un espacio seguro, iniciar conversaciones con preguntas abiertas y detectar señales de alerta antes de que ocurra una crisis. El recurso enfatiza que preguntar directamente sobre el suicidio no es dañino, sino que puede salvar vidas, y ofrece estrategias para buscar apoyo y fomentar la resiliencia en los niños. Haga clic aquí para más información.
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Talking to Your Kids about Suicide
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) offers a clear, practical six-step guide designed to help parents talk with their kids about suicide, including recognizing warning signs and asking open questions to creating a safety plan and reaching out for support. Click here to learn more.
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Young People and Nicotine: Five Things to Know
A Stanford Medicine youth tobacco expert breaks down current nicotine trends, how industry marketing targets young brains predisposed to addiction, and what parents can do to keep their loved ones safe. Click here to read 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 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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