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In this Issue:
- News
- Events & Webinars
- Community Resources
- Los Recursos Familial en Español
- Family Resources in English
- Job Opportunities
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Spotlight On: 10-Year Focus on Children's Mental Health in Wisconsin | |
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The Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health (OCMH) has released its 2024 Annual Report, marking a decade of dedicated efforts to enhance the mental health and well-being of children, teens, and young adults across the state. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of ten-year data trends, offering valuable insights into the progress and ongoing challenges in children’s mental health. It also highlights collaborative initiatives between OCMH and state department partners aimed at improving mental health systems and services for Wisconsin’s youth.
The 2024 Annual Report features the Wisconsin Child Well-Being Indicators Dashboard, presenting key metrics that reflect the current state of mental health amongst youth. OCMH encourages families, schools, and communities to utilize this information to inform policies that support the mental health of young individuals. For those interested in further exploring the findings, the report is accompanied by a presentation that is accessible on the OCMH website.
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New Data on Commercial Tobacco and Cannabis Use in Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ Community | |
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In 2022 and 2024, the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance surveyed PrideFest attendees about their use of commercial tobacco and other substances. Now, the results are in. Join CoMTFA’s Coordinator, Charlie Leonard, to learn about substance use trends and why it’s important to include gender and sexually diverse people in data collection. This event is scheduled for January 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Community Advocates’ downtown offices.
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Issue Brief: Black Youth Suicide Prevention | |
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the "Issue Brief: Black Youth Suicide Prevention," highlighting a significant rise in suicide rates among Black youth. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10–14 and the third for those aged 15–19 in 2022, with rates for Black youth aged 10–24 increasing by nearly 37% from 2018 to 2021. The brief urges state leaders to take action on this critical issue.
It identifies risk factors like access to lethal means, social identity challenges, and stigma around mental health, particularly among Black LGBTQ+ youth and those with disabilities. SAMHSA proposes strategies to strengthen protective factors, improve behavioral health systems, and expand access to mental health services. The document provides actionable guidance for policymakers and community leaders working to address these urgent challenges.
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FDA Proposes Significant Step Toward Reducing Nicotine to Minimally or Nonaddictive Level in Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products | |
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule to limit nicotine levels in cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco, aiming to make them minimally or nonaddictive. This initiative seeks to reduce smoking-related diseases and deaths, as cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.
The FDA's proposal is currently open for public comment and review. If finalized, the United States would be the first country to implement such a measure, potentially preventing millions of premature deaths. The agency emphasizes that the proposed rule would not ban cigarettes or other tobacco products but aims to reduce their addictiveness.
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Differential Effects of Alcohol Policies Across Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status | |
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A recent review in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews examines how alcohol policies impact different racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The study found that increasing alcohol taxes or implementing minimum unit pricing effectively reduces consumption and related harms, particularly among low-income populations. However, the effects of these policies on various racial and ethnic groups are complex and require further investigation.
The review also highlights that policies limiting alcohol availability, such as reducing outlet density, have varying outcomes across different demographics. For instance, decreased bar density was associated with reduced alcohol consumption among White men. These findings underscore the importance of considering socioeconomic and racial/ethnic factors when developing and implementing alcohol control policies to ensure equitable health benefits.
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The PRIDE Study Wrapped: Research Year in Review
Monday, January 27 - Thursday, January 30
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This webinar series will explore the latest research on LGBTQIA+ health and provide attendees with opportunities to engage directly with leading researchers. LGBTQIA+ health topics to be covered include:
- Substance Use & Supports
- People of Color Experiences & Perspectives
- Experiences with Chronic Pain & Muscle Concerns
- Reproductive Health & Family Building
You can choose to attend or more of the webinars.
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Effective Sharing of ‘Lived Experience’ While Maintaining Boundaries
Tuesday, January 28
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The Northeast & Caribbean ATTC is hosting a webinar that will provide a space for workforce members with lived experience to reflect on the especially important contributions that they make in the lives of the people they support and guide. Participants will explore the balance of self-disclosure that can best meet the needs of people in care and review a person-centered method of sharing information or offering our “own story.”
This webinar is scheduled from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on January 28.
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Equipping Professionals to Tackle Synthetic Drug Challenges in Prevention
Tuesday, January 28
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This workshop, hosted by the Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network (PTTC), offers prevention professionals a comprehensive overview of synthetic drugs, also known as “new psychoactive substances” (NPS), and their unique risks and challenges.
The webinar is scheduled from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on January 28.
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Presenter: Dr. Fernando Montero | |
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VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention Training
Tuesday, January 28 and Wednesday, January 29
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This webinar is a collaboration between the VA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) and the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. This webinar is scheduled from 1 – 2 p.m. on January 28 and 29.
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Understanding Alcohol-Related Older Adult Falls in Wisconsin
Thursday, January 30
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Join the Falls Free Wisconsin Coalition for a free webinar and release of the Understanding Alcohol-Related Older Adult Falls in Wisconsin data report. Learn about the impacts of alcohol as we age and statewide alcohol-related falls data. This event is a great way to end Dry January!
The webinar is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. on January 30.
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Domestic Violence 101: Back to Basics
Thursday, January 30
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The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence is hosting an introductory webinar to describe the dynamics and common tactics that characterize domestic violence. It will also provide an overview of the scope and impact on individuals and society. Because it is impossible to prevent and respond to domestic violence without addressing larger structures of oppression, this webinar will explain the connections between doing racial equity work and ending domestic violence. This session will help new advocates, allied professionals, students, and the general public achieve a basic understanding of this complex issue and how they can be part of the solution. The webinar is scheduled for January 30, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
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Trauma and the Brain: An Introduction
Wednesday, February 5
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As a result of this workshop, participants will gain a better understanding as to how trauma affects the brain, discuss risk factors for substance use disorders, and develop their strategy for intervention methods for a particular population.
What will be discussed:
- Trauma definition
- How trauma affects the brain
- Statistics on substance use and ACEs
- Risk factors
- Strategies for care
- Stress reducers
- Prioritizing risk factors
- Beginning a call to action
This training from Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will be held via Zoom from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on February 5.
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Foundations of Professional Excellence that Propel Your Public Health Career
Wednesday, February 5
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This 90-minute discussion-based training session will provide public health students and early career public health professionals with an overview of professionalism in the public health workplace, including a discussion on communication, interpersonal skills, and organizational culture. Through a mix of didactic content and interactive components, participants will learn key concepts and effective strategies for workplace communication and interacting across diverse settings. This is part one of a two-part series on this topic of student/early career professionalism in the workplace organized by the Region V Public Health Training Center.
This session is scheduled from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
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Public Health and Effective Policy Analysis
Thursday, February 6
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This 90-minute discussion-based training session on Health Equity in All Policies (HEiAP), hosted by Region V Public Health Training Center, will provide governmental health practitioners with tools and knowledge needed to conduct effective policy analysis. Participants will receive an overview of the role of policy in public health and cover potential frameworks and steps for policy analysis, emphasizing the importance of equity and anti-racist perspectives. Through a mix of didactic content and interactive components, including small and large group discussions, attendees will learn about strategies for integrating themselves into policy and policy analysis work within their organizations.
This session is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on February 6.
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Legislative Breakfast - Mental Health & Substance Use
Friday, February 14
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You're invited to a Legislative Breakfast featuring three of our local representatives, Rep. Bob Donovan, Rep. Bob Wittke and Sen. Van Wanggaard. This event is designed to foster open dialogue and collaboration on the critical topics of mental health and substance use. The goal is to bring together local legislators, community members, organizations, and advocates to engage in meaningful conversations about challenges, resources, and solutions in these pressing areas.
This event is being held from 9 to 10 a.m. at Greendale Historic Hose Tower - 5699 Parking St., Greendale.
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HEAL Workshop: Health Economics Research to Address the Needs of those with Serious Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorder, and Comorbid Conditions
Friday, February 14
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This workshop, cohosted by the NIH HEAL Initiative, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), will provide a forum to engage with health economics researchers to share priorities and identify an agenda for rigorous health economics research to help meet the service needs of those with both serious mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD).
Researchers, advocacy organizations, health system and community treatment providers, federal partners, policymakers, individuals with lived or living experience with SUD and serious mental illness, and others interested in supporting cost-effective and quality care are encouraged to attend.
The workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on February 14.
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Adult Mental Health First Aid
Tuesday, February 18
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Adult Mental Health First Aid Training provides adults with the tools to assist other adults who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. It teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training delivered by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may need help connecting to appropriate care.
This training will be held via Zoom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 18.
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Community Advocates Public Policy Institute offers an in-person option for businesses and non-profits that want to host a MHFA training. We'll come to you! Course material, including the books, are of no charge to you or your organization. All you need is a room, electronic equipment, and a minimum of 11 people signed up. Email Community Advocates Public Policy Institute Trainer Rita Liesiefsky today to schedule your organization's MHFA training. | |
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ECOM Workshop: Child Abuse and Neglect, Elder Abuse, and Medicaid
Wednesday, February 19
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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 Child Abuse and Neglect, Elder Abuse, and Medicaid and will be held in person from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Neu-Life Community Development, 2014 W. North Ave., Milwaukee.
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, February 14.
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Verbal De-Escalation Techniques
Wednesday, February 19
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During this virtual workshop, you will learn how to increase safety by utilizing verbal de-escalation techniques. Participants will explore foundational information on how to reduce the level of conflict through self-knowledge, understand how past experiences influence current behavior, and practice de-escalation. This session hosted by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on February 19 via Zoom.
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Community Conversations Webinar Series: Teen Depression
Wednesday, February 19
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Depression can affect teenagers and adults differently. Teens with depression may get into trouble at school, sulk, be easily frustrated, feel restless, make negative comments about themselves, sleep too much, or have changes in appetite. The National Institute of Mental Health is funding and conducting research to learn more about depression in teens, how it affects the brain, and how to treat it effectively. This webinar is designed for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to understand more about and address the needs of teens with depression.
This webinar is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on February 19.
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QPR Question Persuade Refer Suicide Prevention Training
Wednesday, February 19
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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 two-hour interactive introduction to suicide awareness and prevention will also cover statistics and intervention strategies. This workshop, offered by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, will be held on February 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
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Milwaukee Book Launch of "Plundered" by Bernadette Atuahene
Thursday, February 20
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Community Advocates is a proud co-sponsor of the Milwaukee launch event of Professor Bernadette Atuahene's new book, Plundered: How Racist Policies Undermine Black Ownership In America, at Boswell Book Co. on February 20. Atuahene, a property law scholar, is a leader in the Milwaukee Property Tax Appeals Project, which partners with Community Advocates to address local property tax assessment issues that disproportionately affect Black residents, as well as effective tax foreclosure intervention.
Community Advocates COO Maudwella Kirkendoll will offer a few words of introduction.
Atuahene’s Milwaukee book launch will be held at Boswell Book Co., 2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 20. Learn more and RSVP for this no-cost event below.
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Hey, there,
-- do you have:
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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!
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SAMHSA's Bereavement and Grief Product Package - Resources for Individuals Experiencing and Supporting Others Who Are Experiencing Grief
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released tips and fact sheets to help individuals who have experienced a loss and/or those who support them. These include: Fact Sheet for Survivors of Loss, Fact Sheet for People Helping Children and Youth Survivors of Loss, Tip Sheet on How to Support a Child through Grief, and Tip Sheet on How to Support a Person who is Grieving the Loss of a Life. Click here to check them out.
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Los Recursos Familial en Español | |
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La Campaña de Prevención de Opioides
La Campaña de Prevención de Opioides es una campaña de salud pública en los medios de comunicación para ayudar a prevenir el uso de sustancias en los adolescentes. La Campaña de Prevención de Opioides contiene información clave sobre los opioides y orientación para padres y maestros sobre cómo prevenir el uso indebido de opioides. Este kit está basado en evidencia, traduce la ciencia de la adicción y proporciona información crítica sobre la prevención. Haga clic aquí para obtener más información
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Asistencia Energética
¡Community Advocates está aquí para ayudarlo con sus facturas de calefacción y necesidades de climatización este invierno! Los residentes del condado de Milwaukee pueden verificar su elegibilidad, programar una cita o presentar una solicitud en keepwarmmke.org o al 414-270-4-MKE (4653).
Community Advocates también da la bienvenida a clientes sin cita previa de 8 a. m. a 5 p. m. De lunes a viernes en nuestras oficinas del centro de Milwaukee en 728 N. James Lovell Street. El Programa de Asistencia Energética del Condado de Milwaukee es un programa Home Energy Plus del estado de Wisconsin.
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Healthy MKE
De Milwaukee Health Care Partnership y Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, el sitio web Healthy MKE ofrece una única fuente de información para los servicios públicos y privados en el condado de Milwaukee, donde los proveedores y los miembros de la comunidad pueden obtener la información que necesitan para ayudarse a sí mismos o a otros. Accede a ellos aquí.
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Family Resources in English | |
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Energy Assistance
Get a break on your heating bills and weatherization needs this winter! Community Advocates is easy to help. Milwaukee County residents can check their eligibility, schedule an appointment, or apply at keepwarmmke.org or 414-270-4-MKE (4653).
Community Advocates also welcomes walk-in clients from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at our downtown Milwaukee offices at 728 N. James Lovell Street. The Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program is a State of Wisconsin Home Energy Plus program.
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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 FREE 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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