Issue 10-3 | February 8, 2021
News
Spotlight on: Black History Month in Milwaukee
Black History plays an important part in shaping the growth of Milwaukee and in highlighting the artistic and creative measures of our communities and its youth. This month, many organizations will provide opportunities to share the historical importance and power that Black history has on this city. Read more on our blog.
Wisconsin Expands Medicaid Coverage of Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Beginning February 1, Wisconsin added a new benefit for most Medicaid members: coverage of residential substance use disorder treatment. According to a Wisconsin Department of Health Services press release, “The treatment offered uses a ‘whole patient’ approach that is clinically effective, reduces overdoses and deaths, and helps people sustain recovery. Health care providers will determine whether their patients require this level of care using criteria from the American Society of Addiction Medicine.”
Services offered in the residential setting under this benefit include: assessment and treatment planning, counseling, medication management, case management, peer support, and recovery coaching. Medication-assisted treatment is also included, because the use of certain medications to relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body must be available to members when clinically recommended. Read the press release and get details at this link.
PRISM Peer Support Warmline Launches for LGBTQ+ Youth
Mental Health America-Wisconsin launched its PRISM Program, a new pilot program to connect LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin with trained peer specialists who can provide mental and emotional support and mentorship. Peer specialists do not diagnose or prescribe treatment, but they can listen, validate, and help you set and reach your own goals in your healing journey. Peer specialists who identify as LGBTQ+ can use their own knowledge of LGBTQ+ specific needs to help others with things like coming out, finding gender affirming care, relationship issues, and more.

The PRISM Program is a free service for LGBTQ+ youth ages 16-26 years old living anywhere in Wisconsin. PRISM is exclusively virtual (for now) and available online and by phone. Call 414-336-7974 and leave a brief message with your name, phone number, county of residence, and whatever you want to share about what you're seeking support on. (Please note: you call can only be returned if you leave a voicemail, because the warmline is not monitored 24/7. A peer-specialist will follow up with you within 12 hours to set up a call or Zoom meeting.) 
Creating Healthy Homes Campaign Part 3
The third installment of the Creating Healthy Homes Campaign, brought to you by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division’s Community Access to Recovery Services, will run through March 31. Care bags include a journal and ink pen for adults, and plush emoji for youth. The bags are available for pick up at BHD, 9455 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, on Thursdays between 12 noon and 2 p.m. Please email Monique Davis at monique.davis@milwaukeecountywi.gov if interested in scheduling a time to pick up a care bag. In addition, compliments of SheRays’s /TTJ, there are also BAM Milwaukee Suicide Prevention resource bags available as well. They include a T-shirt, blue light glasses and lens cleaning cloth, an ink pen, and a few more surprises. Please let Monique know if you are interested. Quantities are limited while supplies last
The Parenting Network’s February Triple P Workshops
The Parenting Network has released its February schedule of Triple P workshops. To register, go to TPN’s website or call the Parent Helpline at
414-671-0566.

  • February 10: Raising Competent, Confident Children: Learn how to help your child become confident and successful, at school and beyond; 6-7:30 p.m.

  • February 18: Manejando el ESTRES: Aprenda a lidiar positivamente y diariamente con el estrés para que pueda actuar de manera consistente y tranquila con sus hijos; 1-2:30 p.m.

  • February 24: Dealing with Disobedience: Teach your child to accept limits, do as they are told and to understand the meaning of the word “no”; 6-8 p.m.
Webinars & Events
The Well-Being of Essential Workers and Parents in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Wednesday, February 10
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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought particular challenges for essential workers and parents. In this webinar sponsored by UW-Madison Institute for Research on Poverty, Dr. Jevay Grooms of Howard University will talk about her research on the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of essential workers, and especially essential workers of color, and on parents whose students are engaged in distance learning; Dr. Anna Gassman-Pines of Duke University will discuss findings from a survey of hourly service workers with children and the effect of the pandemic on their mental health. This webinar will be held from 1-2 p.m. on February 10. Register here.
Reaching Youth At Risk for Substance Use and Misuse:
Strategies for Early Intervention
Thursday, February 25
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Early intervention (EI) strategies seek to identify youth who are at risk for substance use and misuse and to stop, or reduce, use before it escalates. This training aims to introduce participants to a new early intervention resource guide developed by National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors with funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Upon completing this training, participants will have a better understanding of:
  • The need for more early intervention programs for adolescents and transitional-aged youth. 
  • The national landscape of early intervention programs and services.
  • Detailed examples of early intervention programs in three states.
  • How to use the “Reaching Youth At Risk for Substance Use and Misuse” Resource Guide to develop local EI programs and services.

This webinar will be held from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 25. Space is limited. Register here.
Motivational Interviewing: Beginning Skills
Tuesday, March 2 & Tuesday, March 9
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This two-day professional development opportunity will begin your journey of learning Motivational Interviewing (MI) from a trauma-informed, culturally reverent lens. This workshop from Share Collaborative is designed for all human service professionals and leaders. The event is led by Shawn Smith, member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MIINT), MINT Certified Trainer, and Founder of Share Collaborative. CEUs are available. This two-part workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on March 2 and 9. Cost is $135. Register here.
Resources
City of Milwaukee Covid-19 Vaccination Dashboard
From the City of Milwaukee, details about the Covid-19 vaccine in English, Español, and Hmong.
How to Support a Loved One Who Has Been Impacted by Covid-19
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From Mental Health First Aid USA, some helpful tips on how to talk to an individual who has been impacted by Covid-19.
Call for Proposals: 2021 Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference
Deadline: March 5
The Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference Steering Committee, in conjunction with Independent Living Resources, is now accepting proposals for interactive 60-minute workshops for the 2021 Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference, to be held virtually August 18-20. Proposals that align with track objectives and demonstrate evidence-based practices, support various pathways of recovery, as well as highlight the direct inclusion of people with lived experience following the movement of peer support and Wisconsin certified peer specialists are encouraged to apply. Get details at this link. Deadline to submit proposals is March 5.
Call for Applications: Wisconsin Zero Suicide Training
Mental Health America of Wisconsin, with support through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Care and Treatment Services, is inviting applications from eligible entities to participate in the 7th Annual WI Zero Suicide Training and subsequent learning community. An Applicant Q&A Webinar for interested health and behavioral health care organizations will be held on Wednesday, April 7, at 1 p.m. Applications and Organizational Self-Studies are due Monday, May 3, at 11:59 p.m. Any changes or updates to the application or instructions will be communicated through PSW’s e-newsletter and posted to the PSW Zero Suicide webpage.
Job Opportunities
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Community Advocates Public Policy Institute | 414-270-2950  | ppi.communityadvocates.net
Community Advocates is supported by ReCAST MKE, 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.