Milwaukee Prevention Journal 
May 29, 2018
Issue 7-11

Thank you for your commitment to making Milwaukee a better place by investing in prevention efforts. Do you have:
  • Job openings?
  • Upcoming events?
  • News to share?
  • Suggestions?

Forward the information to Elysse at EChay@CommunityAdvocates.net. Thank you for your service to Milwaukee!

Yours in prevention,
Elysse Chay 
Prevention Services Manager
Community Advocates
Public Policy Institute 


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newsNews

Spotlight On: 
Emerging Trends in the Opioid Crisis

Last week, the southeast region of the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth (AWY) organized a Partners in Substance Abuse Training in Brookfield that brought together AWY coalition members from the south, southeast, and northeast parts of Wisconsin to take a deep dive into prevention methods.

The training's plenary speaker, Paul Krupski, knows the organization well. He's the former contract administer for AWY who now works as the Director for Opioid Initiative for the state Department of Health Services. He recalled that in 2014, AWY was made up of five regional centers with base funding of $329,000. Now, just four years later, AWY has grown to 11 regions and annual base funding of $579,595 with additional discretionary grants bringing the total to $2.8 million yearly for prevention coalition work.

"In Wisconsin, our coalition structure, our infrastructure and system, is really nationally renowned," Krupski told the attendees. "There are many states that look to us to find out how to do it."

That's the good news. The less stellar news is that Wisconsin, like the nation, is still in the midst of an opioid epidemic that claims the lives of 115 Americans daily. While prevention initiatives like AWY play a key role in preventing and reducing substance misuse, this is a national emergency that requires all hands on deck from prevention, treatment, and recovery professionals and advocates.

Here are the emerging trends in this opioid crisis:

This Is an Emergency

11.8 million Americans misused opioid pain relievers in 2016. And a shocking 115 Americans die each day as a result of an opioid overdose. "This number was also recently updated by the CDC [Centers for Disease Control] and in presentations I was giving last year, or even in early 2018, that number was 90," Krupski said. "So the unfortunate part of that is you're obviously seeing that this is increasing. 115 Americans a day is just not acceptable. This shows, again, the enormity of the battle we're fighting."

'13 Reasons Why' 
Season 2

Season 2 of this controversial youth suicide-themed Netflix series has been released. Last year, when the series launched, many mental health professionals, educators, youth workers, loved ones, and survivors had concerns about how the show handled the plot points related to the main character's suicide, mental health issues, and sexual assault, while also causing vulnerable viewers to doubt adults' ability to help them during a crisis. Others, however, viewed the series as a way to launch conversations with young people

Netflix seems to be learning from its controversy. It's added new controls so that parents can make some programs (including 13 Reasons Why) out of reach for young viewers. It's also created a website with mental health resources and a discussion guide. The show is also featuring a message from the cast before every episode.



Other helpful resources to inform your viewing of 13 Reasons Why Seasons 1 and 2 include:



Milwaukee Pride Rejects Big Tobacco Sponsorship

Put this in the win column. A coalition of 20 health and LGBTQ-friendly organizations convinced Milwaukee Pride to stop accepting a sponsorship from a promotional agency on behalf of a tobacco company, promoting menthol cigarettes, and offering coupons to attendees to purchase their products at a deep discount.

"Milwaukee Pride's decision to decline tobacco money is a big win for LGBTQ health," said Gerry Coon, president and CEO of Diverse and Resilient, which is the recipient of PrideFest's Plus One campaign this year. "Especially the health of LGBTQ youth. Milwaukee Pride is to be applauded for putting the health of Pride-goers first."

The 20 organizations -- led by the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance -- raised $11,000 to offset the lost sponsorship money and will be recognized as sponsors at this year's PrideFest, which will run June 7-10.

"Milwaukee Pride's decision shows that the LGBTQ community can survive -- and thrive -- without tobacco," said Anneke Mohr, City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance Coordinator.

Juulers against Juul

Juul is the latest smoke-free, highly potent, and largely unregulated e-cigarette to tempt young people to get hooked on tobacco. But this Juulers Against Juul PSA, which features teenage Juul users, should make youth think twice about trying it -- and adults to become concerned about it. "It shouldn't happen, but kids are getting addicted to these e-cigarettes and need this stuff to be satisfied," warns Jack Solomon, 15. Anneke Mohr, Coordinator of the   City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance, screened this provocative PSA at the alliance's quarterly meeting on May 15.





New Certified Peer Specialist Training Offered

Certified peer specialists, individuals with formal training who has lived experience with mental illness and/or substance use disorder, are key components of our behavioral health care system. In July, a new training will be offered by the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative in Milwaukee County. Applications must be received by June 15.  To request an application, or for more information, contact  Phil Corona at  414-226-8377 or  pcorona@independencefirst.org.

City Gets Serious about Cigarette Sales 

The City of Milwaukee is getting tough on retailers who don't follow the law on selling cigarettes. In May, the Milwaukee City Attorney's Office and Milwaukee's Municipal Judges increased the fine retailers face for selling tobacco products to minors from $260 to $691. The judges also increased the fine for retailers that sell single cigarettes, also known as "loosies." The fine for selling single cigarettes had been $181 for a first offense and $321 for additional offenses. It's now  $691. 

"These are important steps in reducing youth access to cigarettes," said Lorraine Lathen of the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN),    in a statement

In 2017, the youth access rate in the city for tobacco products was 19%, but in some Zip codes, such as 53206, it was as high as 55%, according to WI Wins findings.

Save 
Save the Date
HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run for Healthy Birth Outcomes
Saturday, August 4

Do you have a team? The 3rd Annual HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run for Healthy Birth Outcomes  will take place on Saturday, August 4, as a part of Bronzeville Week, starting and ending at the Bronzeville Marketplace Festival. HaRUNbee Walk/Run was designed to raise awareness and prevent infant mortality in Milwaukee. The event's mission is to promote wellness by encouraging families to stay healthy and fit, both mentally and physically. Registration and volunteer opportunities are now open.


Public Child Welfare Conference 2018
September 25-26

This conference, sponsored by the Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System, will focus on the impact of substance use on child safety, permanence, and well-being. It will be held on Tuesday, September 25, and Wednesday, September 26, at the Best Western Premier, Oshkosh. Registration opens July 16. Hotel Information: The room block will be released on August 24. Questions? Contact Amy Smith at aesmith9@wisc.edu.

Events
events
SaintA's Pop-Up Meet Up
Wednesday, May 30
       
SaintA's Youth Transitioning to Adulthood (YTA) program would like to invite all young people ages 14-26 to their 2018 May Pop-Up Meet-up!  Join them Wednesday, May 30, from 1-2:30 p.m. in SaintA's Lakeside Room (8901 W. Capitol Drive). Lunch is included! Complete the RSVP form here.
Please email Jameelah A. Love at jlove@sainta.org with questions or concerns .

Wear Orange Kickoff Rally to End Gun Violence
Thursday, May 31
       
Moms Demand Action - Wisconsin and Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE) are organizing this rally at the end of Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee after school on May 31. Local elected officials, advocates working to end gun violence, and students leading the youth movement will be featured. 

The rally will be held on Thursday, May 31, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Calling, 900 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. Saturday, June 2, is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, so wear orange to show your support.
Turnaround Arts @MPS
Research Review
Thursday, May 31
~Updated Info~
       
The Turnaround Arts! program empowers high-needs schools with innovative arts programming and resources as a proven strategy to help address broader school challenges and close the achievement gap.

On Thursday, May 31, join Milwaukee Public Schools for an interactive session that provides an overview of Turnaround Arts, developmental evaluation, and collective impact. The presentation will highlight how providing arts opportunities and raising our expectations of students are levers to improve school culture and climate. 

Note: The time and location has been changed recently. Please join the research review on Thursday, May 31, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in  Central Services Building,  5225 W. Vliet Street (Rooms 210-211), Milwaukee.

Pre-register for the research review on-line here. (You don't have to register if you've already done so.)
G's Big Jig
Friday, June 1

The 2nd annual G's Big Jig run/walk will begin promptly at 7 p.m. at Thiensville Village Park,  250 Elm Street,  Thiensville Immediately afterwards, there will be a family-friendly gathering in the park with food, beer, and entertainment. All proceeds will be donated to the Garrett Kelley Memorial Fund in coordination with the Charles E. Kubly Foundation to further their mission of providing more awareness and support for those suffering the effects of suicide and depression. Sign up here.
Advancing Behavioral Health Summit
Tuesday, June 5

Join Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Foundation and statewide partners for a free, one-day event focused on improving behavioral health outcomes statewide. Featuring nationally renowned keynote speakers and breakout sessions highlighting emerging practices, practical examples, and real-world experiences from coalitions working to improve behavioral health in their communities, the day promises to be full of interactive learning and engaging dialogue meant to strengthen collective work and impact in support of mental wellness, behavioral health, and overall well-being.

The Summit will be held on Tuesday, June 5, at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Wisconsin Dells. Registration has reached capacity but you can be added to the wait list here
Milwaukee County
Behavioral Health Division 2019 Budget 
Public Comment Hearings
Thursday, June 7 & 
Thursday, June 28
       
How should Milwaukee County invest in its programs and services for those with mental health or substance abuse issues? Here are two opportunities for you to tell the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board, which oversees the Behavioral Health Division's budget, what you want the county to invest in. The public is invited to these community sessions:
If you can't attend these hearings, you can   submit your comments online here. The deadline for online comments is Thursday, June 21.
Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee Quarterly Meeting
Friday, June 8
       
The special focus of this Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee meeting is trauma-informed care and its connection to suicide prevention, presented by Tim Grove, Chief Clinical Officer at SaintA, and Alisha Fox, survivor of generational trauma and educator on trauma, resilience, and hope. Mount Mary University Professor Laura Otto and her students will share their semester-long project on suicide and their new website. The meeting will be held on Friday, June 8, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Independence First, 540 S. First Street, Milwaukee.

Ethan's Run Against Addiction
Saturday, June 9
       
Help to destigmatize addiction and remember the life of Ethan Munson-Dupuis, who died of an accidental heroin overdose by participating in this 5K run/walk. Run or walk in honor of someone who is in recovery or who had lost their fight. All proceeds go to The Ethan Monson-Dupuis Opiate Recovery Fund through Aurora Health Care Sign up here.

Milwaukee LIHF Annual Meeting
Tuesday, June 12
       
The Milwaukee Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families (LIHF) Collaborative  is dedicated to improving community conditions that support healthy birth outcomes. The Annual Meeting is open to the public. Look for registration opening in May. Child care and transportation reimbursement for participating in this meeting is available for community residents not representing an organization and living in one of the following ZIP codes: 53205, 53206, 53208, 53209, 53210, 53212, 53216, 53218, 53223, 53224 and 53225. 

The meeting will be held at United Way, 225 W. Vine St., Milwaukee, on Tuesday, June 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Click here for more information and to request reimbursement. Questions? Please contact Marcia Blackman at 414-263-8154.

Motivational Interviewing Training 
June 16 & June 26 

You asked, so you are receiving another opportunity to learn Motivational Interviewing with the Alma Institute's Shawn Smith. This two-day training is offered free of charge to Milwaukee Brighter Futures/Title V and Stay Strong Milwaukee grantees. Registration is required here. The sessions include a light breakfast and a bag lunch. Contact Shawn Smith at shawn@almacenter.org or (414) 235-1930 with questions.
Compassion Fatigue/Compassion Resilience Training
Tuesday, June 19

The Wisconsin Initiative for Stigma Elimination (WISE) is hosting this mini-Compassion Fatigue/Compassion Resilience training. This overview will cover the experience of compassion fatigue; drivers of compassion fatigue; strategies for building our compassion resilience; setting compassionate boundaries; and additional assessments and resources. The session will be led by Sue McKenzie, Co-director at Rogers InHealth

Details: Tuesday, June 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Rogers Corporate Center, 1230 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 200, Lake Michigan Room, Oconomowoc. As lunch is included and space is limited to 40, reservations will be required, though attendance is free of charge. Email Suzette Urbashich to RSVP.
WDA Mission of Mercy
Friday, June 22 & 
Saturday, June 23

The Wisconsin Dental Association and WDA Foundation are offering their Mission of Mercy, two days of no-cost dental treatments (teeth cleaning, extractions, fillings) for adults and children at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park (8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis) on June 22 and 23. You do not need to schedule an appointment; service is first-come, first served. Spots tend to fill up by 10 a.m., so be there as soon as you can (doors open at 5:30 a.m.). You do not need to meet any income eligibility or bring proof of identity. Spanish, Hmong, and American Sign Language interpreters will be present to help clients.

Family-to-Family Program
July 10 - September 25

NAMI Greater Milwaukee is offering its Family-to-Family Program on Tuesdays from July 10 to September 25 at Gesu Catholic Church, 1145 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. This is a no-cost 12-week program for family, partners, friends, and significant others of adults living with a mental illness. Contact Aaron Arteaga at aarona@namigrm.org or 414-344-0447 for more information.

Youth Worker Conference
Thursday, June 14

The Wisconsin Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals Annual Youth Worker Conference is a can't miss event for any youth care worker. There are national keynote speakers and presenters and the most cutting edge information on Best Practices.

Workshops include:
  • Bringing Cultural Humility to the Forefront
  • Healthy Relationships and Crisis
    Intervention
  • Youth Workers Empowering Gender and Sexually Diverse Youth
  • Mentoring: Greater Together
Click here to view the full program. Register by June 7 to receive the Early Bird pricing. For more information and to register,  click here.


Free Training
Thursday, June 14

If you're not able to attend the Youth Worker Conference (see above) on Thursday, June 14, then you have the opportunity to become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health or substance use problem. 

You don't have to be a mental health professional to provide support to a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or even save a life! Learn an action plan to help. 

Participants must pre-register at  http://bit.ly/YMHFAmke. This session is free for any adults that have contact with young people ages 12-18 -- teachers, coaches, social workers, faith leaders, and other caring citizens. Training will be held on Thursday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lunch will be provided. Register for more details.

 

June 18-21

The Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training provides knowledge and skills to implement effective, data-driven prevention programs, practices and policies by using  SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework.

The Strategic Prevention Framework offers prevention professionals a comprehensive process for addressing the substance misuse and related behavioral health problems facing their communities. The effectiveness of the Framework begins with a clear understanding of community needs and involves community members in all stages of the planning process. 

This four-day training will be held June 18-21 in Wisconsin Dells and is for new and seasoned members or coordinators of community prevention coalitions. For more information,  email Dorothy Chaney  of the  Alliance for Wisconsin Youth's  Southern Regional Prevention Center or  click here  to register.

resourcesResearch & Resources
The Neurobiology of Opioid Addiction and the Potential for Prevention Strategies

From the Journal of the American Medical Association Network: This article calls for two changes to be made to the focus of National Institutes of Health-funded research. First, to develop prevention strategies that target the early stage of drug addiction; and, second, to deepen our understanding of opioid neurobiology.
Wisconsin 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Special Topic: Suicide and Help Seeking

The Wisconsin's 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, from the state Department of Public Instruction, asked four questions directly related to suicidal ideation and behavior. Read the full report for answers, analysis, and resources.

After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools, 2nd Edition

After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools, developed by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center in Collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, assists schools in implementing a coordinated response to the suicide death of a student.  Originally developed in 2011, the second edition  includes new information and tools that middle and high schools can use to help the school community cope and reduce suicide risk. 


Electronic Cigarettes and Future Marijuana Use: 
A Longitudinal Study

From Pediatrics: E-cigarette use predicts subsequent marijuana use among youth, with stronger associations among young adolescents. Reducing youth access to e-cigarettes may decrease downstream marijuana use.

Bureau of Youth Services Newsletter
May 2018

The state Department of Children and Families Bureau of Youth Services has released its latest newsletter, which highlights the accomplishments of youth leaders. ShawnaRae Bruch, Vice President of the Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council, received the 2018 Governor's Foster Youth Award for her efforts to raise awareness of foster care and the youth who experience it.


RFPRFPs Sought

Our Partners & Allies Are Seeking...
serviceService Opportunities
Partnership MKE

Built on the legacy of The Mosaic Project (2000 - 2010), Partnership MKE is a new initiative that aims to break down barriers and destroy bias by pairing individual community leaders across lines of race, age, religion, sexual orientation, and culture. The program, launched by United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and Milwaukee Jewish Federation, will guide participants through an eight-month process of relationship, understanding, and trust-building.

The new Partnership MKE is designed with two levels of interaction, creating a holistic approach to driving personal and social change:
  1. Identify, encourage, and train as many of the 600 Mosaic Project alumni to re-establish and use their social capital within racial and ethnic diversity in Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County.
  2. Create a new cohort of partners to participate in a curriculum-based experience that integrates social networks and binds them focusing on measuring community outcomes.
Preferred candidates are in a position to influence the culture of their workplace and/or community, i.e. senior level or senior level endorsed, community leader, elected official, etc.

Applications are due by June 22.  Get the details here.
Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force Steering Committee

The Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force Steering Committee has two openings: for an at-large member and a provider. These positions require some previous participation in the Mental Health Task Force and a commitment to the values and policy priorities advanced by the Task Force. You may nominate someone to serve or self-nominate. Nominees should plan to attend the June 12 Task Force meeting to speak briefly about their interest in serving. Contact Barbara Beckert, MHTF Coordinator, for the nomination form and more details about the expectations and responsibilities of Steering Committee members. Submit nominations by close of business June 4 to Beckert. She can be reached at barbara.beckert@drwi.org or by fax at 414-773-4647.


Our Partners & Allies Are Seeking...




Contact:
Elysse Chay
CA-PPI Prevention Services Manager
728 N. James Lovell Street, Milwaukee WI 53233  |  414-270-6936

Community Advocates is supported by ReCAST, a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services, under Grant No. 5H79SM063524.