November 23, 2015
ISSUE 5-24
         

We thank you for reading this edition of the Prevention Journal! As always, please keep us informed of your coming events, job opportunities, grant availability, and other activities. Your ideas and feedback are welcomed.

Yours in prevention,
Kari Lerch
Deputy Director, Public Policy Institute
Milwaukee unites in fight against overdose deaths
Empty chairs representing the 251 lives lost to overdose deaths in Milwaukee County last year - 220 of which were opiate/heroin related. Photo from press conference held to promote awareness on Nov. 12th.
Milwaukee County has experienced a 97 percent increase in overdose deaths since 2009. On November 16th, Milwaukeeans joined together to learn more about and discuss the
 the impact of heroin and opiate use in Milwaukee County, which is a leading factor in may of these overdose cases. Concerned community members, political leaders, representatives from community based organizations, recovering addicts and family members of recovering addicts filled the Italian Community Center to address the issue. 
 
County Executive Chris Abele and City of Milwaukee Alderman Murphy kicked off the event, speaking about their commitment and government support, followed by Patricia Daugherty, Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office; Special Agent Bodo Gajevic, Wisconsin High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency, Heroin Initiative Task Force; Dr. Michael McNett, Milwaukee Medical Society.

Special Agent Bob Gajevic stressed that this issue is huge and that we can't be in denial because it is everywhere. He said, "there is more heroin in Milwaukee today than crack cocaine in the 80's. It's going to be a ongoing battle but together we can do it!"
New proposed rule to make all U.S. public housing smoke-free
On November12th, Julian Castro, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that HUD has issued a proposed rule to require Public Housing Authorities to implement smoke-free policies in all public housing properties in order to protect the health and safety of all residents. According to HUD, making all public housing smoke-free would:
  • Reduce secondhand smoke exposure and improve the health of 760,000 children living in public housing
  • Produce annual cost savings of $153 million, including $94 million in secondhand smoke related health care, $43 million in renovation of units with smoking damage, and $16 million in smoke-attributable fire losses.
The proposed rule is open for public comment for 60 days. HUD encourages comments and they can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking portal
Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) Coalition launches "Let's Be Blunt" campaign
In the summer of 2015, the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition hosted a contest to engage local youth in developing ideas about the most effective ways to reach their peers and messaging that would resonate with teens. The Let's Be Blunt anti-marijuana messages and imagery were developed by Milwaukee teens for Milwaukee teens. The winning images will be displayed on Milwaukee buses and social media.

We hope you will connect with us on social media, share the teen-created images with your networks, and use the hashtag #noneedforweed. Please check us out on FacebookTwitterInstagramand on our website!
Honor our veterans by helping them quit tobacco!
Veteran's Day was Wednesday, November 11 - a day to give thanks for the soldiers who put their lives on the line to protect the freedom that most of us take for granted. These brave men and women have sacrificed so much for our safety, and now we can help them beat an opponent that's taken the lives of too many veterans: tobacco addiction.

Read the full story on the PPI blog and encourage veterans to seek quitting assistance at www.ucanquit2.org or call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line for free at 1-800-QUIT NOW.
Residents of inner city neighborhoods see more than their share of costly municipal citations
Despite the rampant poverty that grips Milwaukee's inner city, citations that carry a relatively hefty fine are one of the city's methods of choice to punish offenders for non-criminal infractions.

For instance, a disorderly conduct citation carries a fine of at least $200, which could amount to two-thirds of a weekly pay check for an individual who earns $7.25 an hour, the minimum wage for a full-time job. Defendants who are found guilty must pay a fine or face a suspended driver's license or jail time.   

Findings from this Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service special report indicate that residents of Milwaukee's most impoverished neighborhoods receive more than their share of municipal citations. They also are much more likely to go to court without a lawyer. Only 8 percent of cases without an attorney were dismissed between 2011 and 2014, while 57 percent involving an attorney were successfully defended.


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In This Issue
Overdose deaths set another grim pace in Milwaukee County
Doctors report lung injuries and pneumonia related to e-cigarettes and vaping
MCSAP Coalition launches "Let's Be Blunt" campaign
Family Unity Night celebrated Milwaukee's healthy families at its annual dinner event
November 19th is the day quitters win!
Event Announcements
ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES
 TO DEVELOPING HEALTHY EATING PATTERNS
Nov. 24, 4pm
Milwaukee, WI
More information available online.

AN EVENING TO PROMOTE RACIAL JUSTICE
Dec. 1, 5pm
Milwaukee, WI
Featuring Dr. Julianne Malveaux, labor economist and noted author & commentator on Economy, Race, and Justice in the 21st Century. More information and registration available online.

SEX TALK AS REAL TALK PARENT WORKSHOP
Dec. 5, 10am
Milwaukee, WI
START is focused on helping parents start talking to their kids about sex, and we're holding a parent workshop! Please share the flyer and online RSVP with any parents you know or work with. We'll be providing lunch and giving away dozens of holiday raffle prizes for parents! The event is FREE but space is limited.

SEXUALITY EDUCATION CLASSES FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES & THEIR PARENTS
Dec. 21 & 22
Milwaukee, WI
Classes are free of charge and include lunch. See flyer for more information.
Funding Opportunities
MPS VIOLENCE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM
Milwaukee Public Schools is pleased to invite you to apply for the MPS Violence Prevention Grant Program. Awarded proposals will be funded for up to $15,000 for activities between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016. Find additional information in the application letter.
         Brighter Futures
 
The Prevention Journal is brought to you by the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute . For more information on each of our prevention programs, click on their respective logos above.