Milwaukee Prevention Journal 
April 30, 2018
Issue 7-9

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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This year, the  Southeastern Region of Alliance for Wisconsin Youth has the pleasure of hosting the annual Partners in Substance Abuse Prevention Regional Training on May 21 and 22 in Brookfield.

This training provides attendees multiple opportunities to network, improve skills and gain ideas of how to address substance abuse in communities. The primary focus of the break-out sessions will be on tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, and heroin. We also have the pleasure of hearing from State Opioid Director Paul Krupski, who will provide an overview of current opioid initiatives that are in place to address the opioid crisis, as well as "burnout expert" Mark Yarbrough.

This event is open to the public but will be geared toward addressing initiatives that primarily concern drug-free community coalition members, substance abuse prevention professionals, law enforcement, treatment providers, public health professionals, health care education, youth workers, school counselors and educators.

Community Advocates 
Public Policy Institute
10th Anniversary Celebration
Set the Stage for New Housing Initiative


On April 26, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute celebrated our 10th anniversary and recommitted our efforts to reduce disparities and enhance well-being throughout our community. 

The event was headlined by Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America and l ocal historian  Reggie Jackson, Head Griot of America's Black Holocaust Museum. 

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett appeared to declare April 26, 2018, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute Day throughout Milwaukee. 

The celebration also served as the formal kickoff of PPI's new Healthy Housing Initiative, a multifaceted effort to improve housing affordability and quality and public health in Milwaukee and beyond. 

Since we can't change our future if we don't fully understand our past, Rothstein and Jackson explored how housing segregation was deliberately created by the government and courts locally and nationally. While these decisions were made in the previous century, they still impact all of us today. As Rothstein explained, we've desegregated just about every aspect of our society except for housing, and we believe the myth that housing segregation "just happened" -- instead of being created through explicit policy decisions to separate whites from African Americans. 

Jackson, a popular speaker in the Milwaukee area, discussed how restrictive covenants prohibited African Americans and, at times, all people of color, from living in certain communities in southeastern Wisconsin. As a result, the racially and ethnically diverse City of Milwaukee is surrounded by disproportionately white suburbs.







On a more personal note, Community Advocates CEO Andi Elliott and Public Policy Institute Deputy Director Kari Lerch presented the Public Policy Institute's Founding Director, David Riemer, with the Founders Award for his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals. Riemer, now a Senior Fellow at the Institute, has played a part in creating the Earned Income Tax Credit, the W-2 program, BadgerCare, and the Office of the Public Defender. At the Institute, he pushed for mental health parity, transitional jobs, an expanded EITC, and work-based solutions to poverty.  He is very much involved in our efforts to find creative solutions to poverty-related problems and we're very grateful for his leadership and insights. 

We're also grateful for our supporters, including the event's Partner Sponsor Employ Milwaukee, Contributing Sponsors Aurora Health Care, Center for Self-Sufficiency, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and United Community Center, plus Media Sponsor Shepherd Express.

Most of all, we're grateful for all of our partners and supporters through the past 10 years. We would have little to celebrate if we had not collaborating with generous, insightful, and dedicated allies like you. Thank you.


May Is Mental Health Month  

The Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division and Mental Health America teamed up to create this Mental Health Month Toolkit for agencies wanting to be involved in Mental Health Month activities and create conversations around mental health. This year, they're emphasizing the link between physical activity and mental health (Fitness #4Mind4Body). This great resource includes facts, social media prompts, a sample press release, and lots of resources. Questions? Contact BHD's Prevention Coordinator Nzinga Khalid at 414-257-7944 or Nzinga.Khalid@milwaukeecountywi.gov.



An Update on Community Collaboration to Increase LGBTQ Wellness in Milwaukee
 

PPI's Anneke Mohr, Coordinator for the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free AllianceJen Murray, UWM LGBT Resource Center Director, and Anthony Harris, Diverse & Resilient, recently presented at the  Opportunity Conference on Advancing LGBTQ Health in Minneapolis. The trio explained why LGBTQ individuals smoke at roughly twice the rate of the general population and how the Alliance is creating a community collaboration that's targeting this disparity.

The Alliance is also partnering with Hinckley Productions on new video stories and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center on a community event to further explore a recent statement from the American Society of Clinical Oncology on reducing cancer disparities among sexual and gender minorities.

The Alliance is always welcoming new members. For more information or to get involved, please contact Anneke at amohr@communityadvocates.net or 414-270-2948.


Rat Poison Shows Up in Local Synthetic Marijuana

Two people in Milwaukee have been hospitalized after they took synthetic marijuana - otherwise known as K2, Spice, fake weed, and other nicknames. The culprit? Rat poison. Synthetic marijuana is plant material (not marijuana) sprayed with mind-altering chemicals. Now, however, there seems to be some fake weed that also contains rat poison. Users of this tainted drug bleed heavily, have unexplained bruises, get seriously ill - and potentially die. Tainted fake weed showed up in the Chicago area and in central Illinois, with at least three fatalities. 

If you or someone you know has purchased synthetic marijuana recently, do not use it. If you or someone you know has an adverse reaction to fake weed, call 911 or go to an emergency room. If you're a health care provider taking care of someone has used tainted fake weed, contact your local health department. Here's the City of Milwaukee Health Department's public health alert on the dangers of synthetic marijuana.

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 breakfast and a light breakfast and a bag lunch. Contact Shawn Smith at shawn@almacenter.org or (414) 235-1930 with questions.
Save 
Save the Date
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. Get the details here.
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
Kids' Book Drive
May 1-31
       
Reading supports healthy development, so the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division is collecting books for Milwaukee's youth during Mental Health Month. Drop them off at the entrances of BHD, 9455 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa. 




Pain in the Nation Webinar
Tuesday, May 1
       
Please join this Dialogue4Health Web Forum co-hosted by Well Being Trust and Trust for America's Health for a panel discussion with public health leaders as they highlight the report Pain in the Nation: The Drug, Alcohol and Suicide Epidemics and the Need for a National Resilience Strategy, which found that deaths from drugs, alcohol, and suicide could account for 1.6 million fatalities over the coming decade. And that's a conservative estimate. 

This no-cost webinar will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1. RSVP here.

Suicide: The Ripple Effect Screenings
May 1, May 9 & May 16
       
Kevin Hines attempted to die by suicide but survived his jump off the Golden Gate Bridge. This powerful documentary explores his experience and how death by suicide impacts loved ones. The film screenings on May 1, May 9, and May 16 include resources and a post-film talkback with cast member Travis Pipes. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 



Here I Am: 
An Evening of Youth Storytelling on Mental Health
Wednesday, May 2
       
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the National Alliance on Mental Illness present an evening of storytelling by youth. Students and young adults will share short stories about their personal experiences with mental health challenges. You'll also hear from local experts on mental health and will have the opportunity to pick up resources from community organizations.

On Wednesday, May 2, Milwaukee youth will tell their stories at Loos Room at Centennial Hall, 733 N. Eighth St., Milwaukee. The storytelling will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with a resource fair slated from 6:30 to 7 p.m. This presentation is f ree, accessible, and open to the public. Arrive early to make sure you get a seat.


The Blood Is at the Doorstep
Screening & Talkback
Thursday, May 3

The documentary The Blood Is at the Doorstep digs deep into the killing of Dontre Hamilton by a Milwaukee police officer and its aftermath, following Dontre's family and surrounding community for three years. Viewers get incredible access to Dontre's mourning mother Maria and determined older brother Nate, both of whom become committed activists in the wake of Dontre's killing. The filmmakers also spend time with Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, examining his response to Dontre's case and the still-unfolding legacy of that response. 

The film will be screened at UW-Milwaukee Student Union Theatre, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, on Thursday, May 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. From 7 to 8:30 p.m., a talkback will feature members  of the Hamilton family, director Erik Ljung, and David Pate, UWM Department of Social Work. This event is free and open to the public.

The Blood is at the Doorstep (exclusive SXSW trailer)
The Blood is at the Doorstep (exclusive SXSW trailer)

For more information, contact Michaela Murry, Sociocultural Programming at 
(414) 229-3894 or sociocul@uwm.edu .

Sponsored by Sociocultural Programming, Union Cinema, The Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, Social Entrepreneurship, Justice, and Social Equity Compact (SEJEC), and the Division of Global Inclusion and Engagement.
Garden Homes Community Cleanup
Saturday, May 5

Help to beautify the neighborhood surrounding Garden Homes Park. Cleanup supplies will be provided. The cleanup includes free food, a resource fair, music, and kids' activities. The cleanup starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, at Garden Homes Park, 2600 W. Atkinson Ave., Milwaukee. Contact Community Organizer Barbara Moore at 414-444-8204 or Barbara.nmoore@nwscdc.org with questions.


Sixteenth Street Community Health Center
Layton Clinic Grand Opening
Wednesday, May 9

Stop by Sixteenth Street Community Health Center's newest location, which will feature medical, behavioral health, AODA, and child and adolescent day treatment services. This event is free and open to the public. Details: 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 9, 4570 S. 27th Street, Milwaukee. A 10:30 a.m. program will feature President and CEO Julie Schuller, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, state Rep. John Nygren, and Aurora Health's Cristy Garcia-Thomas. RSVP here or call 414-897-5157.

Tyler Bares Memorial Golf Outing
Saturday, May 12

This golf outing at Fire Ridge Golf Club intends to raise awareness of substance abuse and will donate all proceeds to Starting Point in Ozaukee. Golfers will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a cart, a boxed lunch, a taco dinner, and the chance to win prizes ($100 per golfer). Non-golfers can enjoy the taco dinner for $20. For details and registration, click here.


National Prevention Week
Sunday, May 13 -
Saturday, May 19

May 13 to 19, 2018, is National Prevention Week, when communities and organizations across the country come together to raise awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health.  Be sure to check out the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute's Facebook page during National Prevention Week for more information.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Awareness Walk/Run
Sunday, May 13

Organized by New Plan Youth & Family Services, this fundraising walk/run will support this organization's program operations and activities. Fee is $5 per person ($10 and up receive a T-shirt). Gifts will be provided to pre-registered moms. Details: Sunday, May 13, from 8 to 11 a.m., at Dineen Park, 6901 W. Vienna St., Milwaukee. To register or donated, go to newplanyfs.com or call 414-563-1170 Ext. 4.



Prevention Week 
Resource Fair
Monday, May 14

To kick off Prevention Week with the Fitness #4Mind4Body theme of Mental Health Month, the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division and Light and Unite Red are organizing this no-cost Resource Fair from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 14, at the Wisconsin African American Women's Center, 3020 W. Vliet St., lower level, Milwaukee. The event also includes mindfulness training, art therapy, a salad bar, and interactive youth breakout sessions. Register youth here. Contact BHD's Prevention Coordinator Nzinga Khalid at 414-257-7944 or Nzinga.khalid@milwaukeecountywi.gov with questions.

 Southeast Wisconsin 
Reentry Employment Expo
Thursday, May 17

Having trouble finding work-ready employees? Then stop in the Southeast Wisconsin Reentry Employment Expo and develop relationships with agencies preparing ex-offenders to be successful workers.  This is a no-cost networking event aimed at helping businesses thrive by learning how to successfully employ the previously incarcerated.

The expo will be held on Thursday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cousins Center, 3501 S. Lake Shore Drive, Milwaukee. Get details here.


Milwaukee Got Talent Showcase
Friday, May 18

This House of Kings and Priests event will showcase local singing, dancing, rapping, and instrumentals and will be hosted by V100's Promise. The event, which also includes a resource fair, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 18, at North Division High School, 1011 W. Center St., Milwaukee. The recommended $5 or more donation will go toward sending a few young people to Rico Love's We Love Music Conference. Sponsored by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division, Light and Unite Red, and Families Forward. Questions? Contact Bernadette Anderson at 414-810-4657.
The Faces of Mental Health
Youth Behavioral Health & Wellness Summit
Saturday, May 19
       
This no-cost event presented by P. Taylor Consulting will include a wellness activity, panel discussion, and performance, all targeted to youth living with mental illness or a behavioral health disorder, as well as adults working with these youth, their parents, guardians, family members, and friends. Details: noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee. Includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Register here. For more information, contact 262-207-4130.


Field Day
Saturday, May 19
       
New Plan Youth & Family Services is organizing this substance use and mental health awareness field day. This free, family-friendly event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at Columbus Park, 7301 W. Courtland Ave., Milwaukee. For details, go to newplanyfs.com or call 414-563-1170 ext. 4.



Bike Day
Saturday, May 19
       
 Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers is once again sponsoring Bike Day at Kosciuszko Park (2201 S. Seventh St., Milwaukee) on Saturday, May 19, a family-friendly day of food, music, activities, Zumba and Salsa, healthy food, a bike parade, and raffles for free bikes, helmets, and locks. Questions: Call 414-897-5158 for more information.





resourcesResearch & Resources
Tips from Former Smokers

These new Tips from Former Smokers PSAs, created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  are hard-hitting and show the struggles that come with living with tobacco-related illness. 

Christine's Tip: "Tobacco didn't just affect me. It affected my children in profound ways. Tobacco is a thief, where it steals your time away from you." #CDCtips

You can learn more about the campaign at cdc.gov/tips .



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.