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:
Light & Unite Red Week 2023
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In alignment with National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week, from March 20-26, Light & Unite Red 2023 will offer enlightening events, workshops, and resources to promote health and wellness throughout Milwaukee County. This year's theme is Ignite Hope, Inspire Community, Rise Together.
Each year, partners across Milwaukee County join forces for Light & Unite Red Week to promote healthy, drug- and alcohol-free living and support our community members who are improving their lives by remaining free of substance use and achieving holistic wellness.
Light & Unite Red promotes community-wide prevention education and is led by the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition, formerly the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (MCSAP).
Community organizations, local health departments, high schools, libraries, and government entities work together to shine a light on the dangers of substance use and to unite the Milwaukee community to engage in prevention, encourage treatment and support recovery throughout the year.
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"By Every Measure" Podcast Will Focus on Structural Racism in Season Two |
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“By Every Measure” is co-hosted by award-winning data expert and journalist Reggie Jackson, HYFIN Production Manager Kim Shine, and HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody.
The second season will also feature six episodes exploring structural racism, starting with Black Milwaukee's brain drain, which is available now on all major podcast streaming services and at radiomilwaukee.org/measure. New episodes will be released each Tuesday through March 28.
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Research Participants Needed |
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Participants are needed for a Wisconsin research study about the topic of mental health. People selected to participate in this research study will receive a $75 payment for their time.
The research study sessions will be held online through Zoom. They will last about 60 minutes. All Wisconsinites are invited to complete a short survey to see if they are eligible to participate in this research study.
The survey will help ensure a good mix of people and opinions are represented.

The survey will close March 10, or when all available seats in this research study have been filled.
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Mindful Monday Series
Alternating Mondays, March 6-May 15
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This series of Mindful Monday sessions will feature a wide range of evidence-based practices from different disciplines, including Art Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Movement, and Compassion Focused Therapy. Each month will have a specific theme/focus with exercises from that discipline. At the beginning of each session, participants will spend a few minutes grounding and learning about the practice for that day and then spend approximately 15-20 minutes in experiential practice, leaving a few minutes in the end for reflection and discussion. |
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Autoestima de los Niños
Jueves el 9 de Marzo
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Este taller brindará ideas para promover una autoestima saludable en su niño. Este seminario web de The Parenting Network se llevará a cabo de 1 p.m. a 2:30 p.m. el 9 de Marzo.
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Hidden Crisis: Meth and Opioid Use among Black Gay Men
Thursday, March 9
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This webinar, hosted by the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity and the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, will explore the unique challenges faced by Black gay men who use crystal meth as well as action steps professionals can take to meet their needs more effectively.
It will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on March 9.
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Harm Reduction 101 Webinar
Thursday March 9
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Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. This presentation will provide an overview of what harm reduction is, provide specific examples of harm reduction strategies, and how these strategies are being implemented in Minnesota.
This webinar will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, via Zoom. Please register below!
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Congresswoman Gwen Moore District Listening Session, Saturday March 11 |
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On Saturday, March 11, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) will join constituents in a discussion about important federal legislative issues, events in Congress and constituent concerns. “The Congressional Café will engage even more of my constituents about legislative issues that are important to them.”

For more information about this event, please call the Milwaukee office at
414-297-1140.
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Rock Bottom Has a Basement: A Case for Harm Reduction and Recovery Capital, Thursday March 14 |
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The notion that people with substance use disorders (SUD) need to “hit rock bottom” in order to recover is an archaic and increasingly harmful misconception during an overdose crisis. In 2021, more than 100,000 Americans died as the result of preventable drug overdose.
This seminar will be led by Dr. Alex Elswick, a tireless advocate for people with substance use disorders. Dr. Elswick is a trained researcher, recovery coach, and mental health therapist, as well as the co-founder of Voices of Hope, a peer-driven recovery community organization. But most importantly, he is himself a person in long-term recovery from the chronic disease of addiction.
This session will be from 11.a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom. Please register below!
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ECOM Workshops for Advocates
Wednesday, March 15
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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 that explores topics that are vital to Milwaukee’s human services professionals.
March’s topic is Milwaukee County entitlements, W2, and FSET programs. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on March 15, location to be determined. Fee is $5 for light refreshments.
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Plastic-Free MKE Goes to the Zoo!
Saturday, March 18
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Let’s go to the Zoo! The Zoological Society of Milwaukee, a Plastic-Free MKE coalition partner, has invited us to tour the Milwaukee County Zoo on Saturday, March 18, to get an up-close look at their new sustainability initiatives, learn about their conservation efforts, and, of course, see some amazing animals.
We’ll start with a meeting and presentation in the education center, followed by an hour-long walking tour led by Zoo Pride Volunteers. Entrance and parking fees will be waived for registered guests, and participants will be free to stay until closing.
Registration is required and space is limited, so click the link below to sign up today! (This event is for ages 15 and older.)
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Community Health Screening Event
Saturday, March 18
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All are welcome and registration is not required for this health screening event sponsored by Greenfield Health Department. This event will be held March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Greenfield Community Center, 7215 W. Cold Spring Road, Greenfield.
Free information and screenings include those for blood pressure, dental health, fall risk, BMI, emergency preparedness, Narcan, STI testing, and much more.
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Freshstart Smoking Cessation Online Sessions
Recurring event on Thursdays starting March 23
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Freshstart is designed to help any tobacco user, including those who may be unsure about wanting to quit, and specifically addresses ambivalence about quitting. The information, activities and discussion topics help participants discover why they smoke and what motivates them to quit.
Freshstart, which is offered by Advocate Aurora Health, is offered at no cost. Anyone who wants to quit using tobacco can participate in Freshstart.
The spring sessions will be held on four Thursdays starting March 23 at 6 to 7 p.m
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Free STI Screening Event
Friday, March 24
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Greenfield Health Department is sponsoring this free testing event for those 14 years of age and up.
Tests include those for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis; resources include free condoms, dental dams, STI treatment, Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and information on human trafficking, domestic violence, and substance misuse.
This event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 24 at The Ridge Community Church, 4500 S. 108th St., Greenfield.
Pre-Registration is offered, but walk-ins are welcome!
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Wisconsin Day of Empathy
Tuesday, March 28
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Day of Empathy is the nation’s largest day of action for criminal justice reform, which brings together people from all walks of life who have been negatively impacted by America’s criminal justice system. This includes survivors of violent crime, those who are currently incarcerated, loved ones on the outside who advocate for their freedom and systemic reforms, children of incarcerated parents, people on mass supervision, and all community members impacted by crime, public safety issues, and violence. |
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Grab & Go event // Agarrar y Llevar - Wednesday March 29 |
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Owen's Place is hosting Grab & Go (Agarrar y Llevar) events the last Wednesday of the month. On Wednesday, March 29, from 3 to 5 p.m., stop by Owen's Place on for free community resources, prevention materials, books, snacks, clothing items and more! Attendees are encouraged to bring along a few bags. |
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Prevent Suicide Wisconsin 2023 Conference Thursday, April 13 & Friday, April 14 |
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Day 1 Keynoter is Alyse Ruriani, ATR, LPC (she/they), an art therapist, professional counselor, illustrator, and person with lived experience. Alyse’s work aims to communicate information, provide tangible tools, and validate the human experience through engaging illustrations and designs.
As a counselor, they primarily work with neurodivergent and queer young adults who are navigating life under systems of oppression and dealing with depression, anxiety, and relational concerns. More details and registration info to come.
The conference is currently accepting poster submissions, and has put out a call for panelists. Please visit the link below to learn more.
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NAMI Wisconsin Annual Conference 2023 Friday, April 28 & Saturday, April 29 |
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The NAMI Wisconsin Annual Conference is a two-day event for everyone interested in mental health.
The event hosts approximately 300 attendees including peers, family members, mental health providers, advocates, social workers, clinicians, government officials, and criminal justice partners. The conference includes keynote speakers and a variety of workshops designed to give attendees as much information and resources as possible.
This conference will be held April 28-29 at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake.
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Milwaukee Prevention Journal Readers
-- do you have:

- Job openings?
- Upcoming events?
- News to share?
- Suggestions?
Thank you for your service to Milwaukee!
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Advisory: Cannabidiol (CBD) – Potential Harms, Side Effects, and Unknowns
This advisory from SAMHSA introduces readers to cannabidiol (CBD), how it is derived, and how it differs from delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids. The advisory focuses on the risks and harms of CBD, especially those sold over the counter. This advisory also clarifies common misconceptions about CBD, Read more here.
The Trevor Project Releases Documentary Short Film Learn with Love, Uplifting Transgender Youth Stories
The Trevor Project's innovative research continues to shine a light on the disproportionate negative mental health impacts on transgender and nonbinary young people due to the mistreatment, discrimination, and stigma they face in society. According to The Trevor Project's 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth considered suicide in the past year and nearly 1 in 5 attempted suicide. Tragically, fewer than 1 in 3 trans and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming. Watch the documentary here.
Coping Better Podcast - Agricultural Safety and Health
A podcast about building positive emotions for farmers, farm families and agricultural professionals highlighted through the voices of those working, living and experiencing the joys and challenges of agriculture. Listen to episodes here.
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Los Recursos Familial en Español |
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Lugares Secretos - SAMHSA
Todo consumo de drogas conlleva riesgos. Antes de que esos riesgos se vuelvan reales y antes de que las drogas cambien su vida y la de su familia, debe saber que hay ayuda. Usted puede dejarlas.
Si usted, o alguien que conoce, necesitan ayuda con el uso de medicamentos o el consumo indebido de medicamentos recetados, llame a la LĂnea Nacional de Ayuda de SAMHSA al 1-800-662-4357. Obtenga más informaciĂłn en www.samhsa.gov/conoce-los-riesgos.
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¡Estoy tan estresado! hoja informativa
La vida puede ser estresante. Puedes sentirte estresado por tu rendimiento en la escuela, eventos traumáticos (como una pandemia, una catástrofe natural o un acto de violencia), o bien, un cambio importante en tu vida. Todas las personas se sienten estresadas de vez en cuando.
ÂżQuĂ© es estrĂ©s? El estrĂ©s es la respuesta fĂsica o mental a una causa externa, como tener muchas tareas o padecer una enfermedad. Un estresor o factor estresante puede ser algo que ocurre una sola vez o a corto plazo, o puede suceder repetidamente durante mucho tiempo.
¿Te sientes abrumado? Lee esta hoja informativa para saber si se trata de estrés o ansiedad y qué puedes hacer para sobrellevar este sentimiento.
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Family Resources in English |
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Hiding Places - SAMHSA
All drug use comes with risks. Before those risks become real and before drugs turn your life—and your family—upside down, know there is help.
You can quit. If you, or someone you know, needs help with drug use or prescription drug misuse, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Learn more at www.samhsa.gov/know-the-risks
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I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet
Life can be stressful—you may feel stressed about performance at school, traumatic events (such as a pandemic, a natural disaster, or an act of violence), or a life change.
Everyone feels stress from time to time. What is stress? Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or having an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time.
Feeling overwhelmed? Read this fact sheet to learn whether it’s stress or anxiety, and what you can do to cope.
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