Thank you for your commitment to making Milwaukee a better place by investing in prevention efforts. Do you have:
Yours in prevention,
Elysse Chay
Prevention Services Manager
Community Advocates
Public Policy Institute
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To mark
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (January 22-28), Milwaukee County's Behavioral Health Division and 48 community partners are organizing a week of prevention-related activities to draw attention to the dangers of substance abuse.
Nzinga Khalid, Prevention Coordinator at the Behavioral Health Division, said she hopes the activities engage at least 5,000 young people to educate them on the facts about drug use and abuse.
"This is an opportunity to shine a light on the dangers of substance abuse and shatter the myths," Khalid said. "As of mid December, Milwaukee County had suffered 305 lives lost from narcotic overdoses in 2017. It's crucial to inform as many teens and parents about the risks and protective factors."
In addition, buildings around the county will light up red to indicate support for substance abuse prevention.
Monday, January 22:
Addiction Information and Resource Fair at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (901 15th Ave., South Milwaukee), which will include information on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Narcan training, and a panel discussion with treatment providers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program is scheduled for 5:45 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24:
Recognizing Narcotic Abuse and Addiction and Helping Those with It featuring Dr. Michael McNett, pain management physician and leader of the comprehensive pain program at Aurora Health Care. Dr. McNett's presentation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Greenfield Public Library, 5310 W. Layton Ave. Please register by calling 414-329-5268.
Thursday, January 25:
"Written Off" Documentary Screening and Talk Back from 7 to 9:15 p.m. at the Landmark Oriental Theatre, 2230 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee.
"Written Off" explores the national opioid epidemic through the life of Matt Edwards of Wisconsin, and more specifically through the words in his journal. Through his writings, Matt chronicled his daily struggles with his addiction and his countless attempts to quit.
The screening and talk back are free and open to the public but
registration is required by signing up here.
Friday, January 26: Light & Unite RED Day: Wear red, the national color of substance abuse awareness, or light up your building red. Then post your messages to social media with the hashtag #LightUniteRed. Need a red lightbulb or T-shirt? Contact Nzinga Khalid at Nzinga.Khalid@milwaukeecountywi.gov (while supplies last).
Saturday, January 27: Resource Fair for Parents and Teens: Prevention advocates will promote awareness of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southridge Mall's Center Court, 5300 S. 76th Street, Greendale. Register at no charge to exhibit or be a youth performer at
LUR.eventbrite.com.
Tuesday, January 30:
Northshore Health Department Resource Fair: Stairway to Heroin will be held at the
Shorewood High School Theater, 1701 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood. The Resource Fair will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Presentations by health care providers, families and survivors, and law enforcement will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required here.
Light & Unite Red's website
also includes resources for educators, such as an urban dance line performance of "We Go to Work," a haiku challenge, and giveaways.
Please share this information with your networks and participate in the activities throughout the week. This is a powerful opportunity to let our friends and neighbors know about the benefits of preventing substance abuse and misuse.
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An Afternoon with
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
Saturday, February 10
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris,
pioneering physician, author and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Youth Wellness will discuss her new book, "The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity."
Dr. Burke Harris will speak about toxic childhood stress, answer questions from the audience, and sign books on Saturday, February 10, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Marquette University Varsity Theatre, 1324 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee.
And don't forget to check out Dr. Burke Harris' TED Talk, "How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime."
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Wisconsin Youth Prisons to Shut Down
Critics of the state's administration of Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake applauded the governor for his decision, but warn that the next steps must be decided carefully and be in the best interests of the youth in the juvenile justice system.
The Public Policy Institute's Jeffery Roman, along with Urban Underground's Sharlen Moore, are founding members of
Youth Justice Milwaukee, which is the voice of those who had been sentenced to one of the state's youth prisons, as well as their loved ones and allies. Youth Justice Milwaukee has called for a shutdown of these facilities, along with a total reform of the system.
Moore told Wisconsin Public Radio, "
This is win for not only the coalition but the children, community members and the state. This is absolutely a win for the state of Wisconsin."
Roman and Moore called for the community to be involved in the decisions that will transform the state's juvenile justice system.
In a statement last week, Roman and Moore said in part:
"Today's decision confirms what we have been saying for years: our current system has failed. Wisconsin officials must work together with local communities to create a successful system that gives our young people the best chance possible."
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Make History as the State's First
Director of Homelessness
The State of Wisconsin recently created an
Interagency Council on Homelessness to be chaired by Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and staffed by her office. The Council is currently seeking its inaugural director to draft and implement its forthcoming strategic plan. Contact Daniel Suhr in Kleefisch's office at
daniel.suhr@wisconsin.gov for details.
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Milwaukee Alderman Khalif Rainey and Amani United President Barbara Smith greet guests |
Outstanding Amani Residents Celebrated
In December,
53206 Drug-Free Communities Coordinator John Eshun and Associate Joshua Jenkins were among those celebrating the achievements of residents and volunteers in the Amani neighborhood.
On December 19, the
Dominican Center for Women organized the Amani United Neighborhood Association Year-End Celebration at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society with an award ceremony and event.
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| Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Britney Roberson of the Dominican Center |
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Eshun and Jenkins, in turn, awarded Amani United with its own certificate of appreciation and eight gift cards for its residents and volunteers who are helping to improve the neighborhood's physical environment.
Amani United is a vital member of the 53206 Drug-Free Communities coalition as it helps to organize residents who want to improve their neighborhood.
Interested in getting involved? "Like"
Amani United on Facebook
, go to its
website
, or call 414-444-9930.
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MCSAP's Holiday PSA Gets Media Attention
The PSA was created by members of MCSAP's Prescription Drug Overdose Workgroup and allies, including Workgroup Co-Chairs Rachael Cooper and Shea Halula, Partnership for Success Coordinator Deavon Collins, Milwaukee Fire Department Deputy Chief Aaron Lipski, Dawn Haase of MATC, The Parenting Network's Karen Kolberg, Joanie Luedke of the West Allis-West Milwaukee Heroin/Opiate Task Force, and John Schiraj of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County. Although this PSA is targeted to the holidays, its prevention message is relevant year-round.
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- 9 p.m.: Understanding the Opioid Epidemic will combine stories of people and communities impacted by this epidemic along with information from experts and those at the front lines of dealing with the epidemic. The program will trace the history of how the nation got into this situation and provide possible solutions and directions for dealing with the crisis.
- 10 p.m.: Frontline: Chasing Heroin will explore how facing a heroin epidemic, America is experimenting with radical new approaches to the drug problem. Frontline will follow four addicts in Seattle, examine U.S. drug policy, and what happens when heroin is treated like a public health crisis, not a crime.
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The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration programming highlights the youth in our community who every year interpret Dr. King's words through an art, speech and writing contest. In addition, various cultural arts organizations take center stage in Uihlein Hall, truly demonstrating the excellence of our arts community. Click here for details.
Milwaukee Public Library will host a full day of activities honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
at the
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust Street
. Since 2009, the branch has opened on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to offer a celebration filled with poetry, music, dance, crafts, games, and community services.
From 9 a.m. to noon, visitors of all ages can get information on voting rights, play African American book jacket bingo, participate in crafts, and obtain free copies of Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service's "The Long March to Freedom."
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As we enter 2018, we are asking you to help us set our agenda for the Prevention Journal and prevention-related programming. You can let us know which topics you'd like us to explore, how we can best support your work, and how we can improve the Prevention Journal.
We've set up a
quick survey to capture your thoughts. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and inform our work.
Thank you.
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Public Policy Institute
10th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, April 26
Special Guest
Richard Rothstein
On April 26, 2018, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will celebrate our 10th anniversary with a special night at the Milwaukee Public Museum featuring keynote speaker Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America,
a finalist for the National Book Award in nonfiction. Local historian Reggie Jackson, Head Griot of America's Black Holocaust Museum, will also address the audience.
The Public Policy Institute is now offering organizations an opportunity to sponsor this one-of-a-kind event. Benefits vary based on sponsorship level, but they include access to a VIP reception with Rothstein and Jackson, tickets to the main event, complimentary copies of
The Color of Law
, and recognition in all promotional materials. Individual tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks.
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Youth Justice Milwaukee
Coalition Meeting
Wednesday, January 17
Interested in adding your voice to the call for improved juvenile justice in Wisconsin? Join Youth Justice Milwaukee's next coalition meeting on Wednesday, January 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. Email
youthjusticemke@gmail.com for details.
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MCSAP
Coalition Meeting
Thursday, January 18
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Youth Point in Time Homeless Count
Wednesday,
January 24
Pathfinders (4200 N. Holton Street) is hosting the Youth Point in Time Count event "Drop after Dark" on Wednesday, January 24. The evening (beginning at 7 p.m.) provides a safe space for young people (14-25) experiencing housing instability and will include free food, games, music, art, and movies. Questions? Call 414-964-2565.
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Virginia Eubanks, Author of "Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor"
In
Automating Inequality,
Virginia Eubanks explores how new technology is working against poor and working-class citizens with data mining, policy algorithms, and predictive risk models.
Naomi Klein raved, "This book is downright scary -- but with its striking research and moving, indelible portraits of life in the digital poorhouse, you will emerge smarter and more empowered to demand justice."
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Youth Mental Health First Aid
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute is now offering Youth Mental Health First Aid training for those who regularly interact with youth ages 12-18, including school staff, law enforcement, faith-based communities, hospital and nursing home staff, sports coaches, after-school program staff, mentors, and parents and guardians.
Youth Mental Health First Aid empowers adults with tools to help assess teens who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. The training is eight hours, which can be split into two four-hour sessions. To schedule a training, you must be able to guarantee between five and 30 participants.
Indicate your interest in this training by clicking on this link. For more information, contact Jeremy Triblett at
jtriblett@communityadvocates.net or 414-270-2977 (office) or 414-484-9079 (cell).
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Positive Parenting: Drop-in Parent Coaching Sessions
Wednesdays in January
Parents of children ages 2-12 are invited to attend a Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) coaching session to provide support on a specific issue or parenting challenge. You and your coach will develop an individualized parenting plan that includes practical strategies to help you and your family succeed.
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Making the Connection: Homelessness and the
Opioid Crisis Webinar
Thursday, January 11
Join the
National Alliance to End Homelessness
on January 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for a webinar to examine how resources to address the opioid crisis can be leveraged for people experiencing homelessness. Federal and local officials will discuss what's happening around the country to address the crisis, highlighting a successful housing program for people with opiate use disorders. There will also be a discussion about how service providers can connect with state agencies to elevate issues related to homelessness to the forefront of the opioid crisis.
Click here
for more information and to register.
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Positive Parenting
Guided Discussion Group
Friday, January 12
Have questions about how to parent a child showing signs of disobedience? Drop by to discuss obedience issues and develop strategies to prevent and manage disobedience while teaching your child about limits. This is a free of charge discussion group offered by The Parenting Network at the Milwaukee Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., on Friday, January 12, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
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Walker's Point Nurturing Program Facilitator Training
January 25-26
Walker's Point Youth and Family Center's
Nurturing Program will offer its 31st annual facilitator training targeted to individuals working with teens and families with teens. The training offers professional growth in group work and facilitation techniques; family and group dynamics; Nurturing Program strategies for building family resilience; communication strategies and Nurturing Program theories regarding healthy parenting. For more information, call MaryPat at 414-647-8200 or e-mail
marypat.ohara@walkerspoint.org.
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Fresh Start 2018:
Apply for 30 Days of Shorewood House
Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, the New Year is a great time to make a Fresh Start. Shorewood House is offering up to eight women 30 days of residential addiction treatment this February through March with no out-of-pocket costs (excluding medications).
This unprecedented program will give enrollees the same comprehensive treatment offered to all private-pay clients, including one-on-one and group therapies, process groups, chemical dependency education, trauma counseling and stabilization, smoking cessation, art therapy and other experiential therapies such as yoga, mindfulness and reiki.
To learn more information and apply for this program, click on this link. Deadline for emailed applications is January 18.
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West Allis Fire Department Narcan Administered Map
The West Allis Fire Department is offering this
interactive map of sites of Narcan usage and drug overdose calls in and around West Allis. First responders such as those serving on the West Allis Fire Department have been on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and are keenly aware of how it is impacting our loved ones and neighbors.
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The Real Cost of Substance Use to Employers Calculator
This
easy-to-use online calculator determines how much money, time, and productivity is lost by employees who are misusing or abusing substances. It was developed by the National Safety Council, the national nonprofit Shatterproof, and NORC at the University of Chicago.
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As the temperatures plunge, the need to stay warm becomes imperative. The
Milwaukee Continuum of Care
, which includes Community Advocates, is thankful that these safe spaces welcome those who are left out in the cold and snow. Share this information widely to ensure that the bitter cold doesn't harm anyone in our community.
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Leaders Igniting Transformation
Campus Leadership Project
The nonprofit
Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT)
is a youth of color-led organization. LIT engages in values-based issue and electoral organizing, direct action, advocacy for public policy, and leadership development. On campuses and communities in Milwaukee's key geographies, LIT organizes young people to build independent political power for social, racial, and economic justice. Campus Leadership Fellows will organize on and around their campuses, and gain skills and experience to build a strong foundation in organizing. Click here for applications for MATC and UW-Milwaukee students.
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Our Partners & Allies Are Seeking...
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