Category: Harm Reduction

Seeking to Prevent Overdose Deaths in Southwest Wisconsin

The Iowa County Substance Misuse Prevention group recently brought former BMX Olympian Tony Hoffman to Dodgeville High School to speak about his experience with addiction.

For the second time in recent history, Tony has shared with Southwest Wisconsin the importance of mental health and preventing substance misuse.

To hear more about what Tony shares, go to Tony Hoffman-Top Mental Health Substance Use Prevention Addiction Recovery Speaker — Tony Hoffman (tonyhoffmanspeaking.com)

If you’re interested in accessing mental health or addiction services, please contact Unified Community Services.

Local Media: Olympian Tony Hoffman set to speak about his battle with addiction at Dodgeville High School (nbc15.com)

**Urgent** DEA Press Release Public Safety Warning

Publication Date: August 30th, 2022

Brightly-colored fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. If you encounter fentanyl in any form, do not handle it and call 911 immediately.

Source: https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2022/08/30/dea-warns-brightly-colored-fentanyl-used-target-young-americans

The Great American Smokeout® November 18, 2021

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event on the third Thursday in November be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html

**Urgent** Press Release and Public Safety Alert Issued by the DEA

Publication Date: Sep 30, 2021
Sharp Increase in Fake Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl and Meth
DEA Warns that International and Domestic Criminal Drug Networks are Flooding the United States with Lethal Counterfeit Pills
September 27, 2021 – The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the American public of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. International and domestic criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Americans. These counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. This alert does not apply to legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by pharmacists.
https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/global-pttc/news/press-release-and-public-safety-alert-issued-today-dea

Wisconsin doctors recommend COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, free, and widely available. In fact, everyone 12 and up is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination, and you do not need an ID or insurance to get it.
Learn more about the vaccine and how living protected from COVID-19 can help you get back to safely doing more of what you’ve missed during the pandemic.

Improving Quality of Life for LGBT Youth

Compared to the general population, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) youth experience higher rates of mental health disorders, often stemming from discrimination. These youth may experience barriers to healthcare as well as homelessness, violence, and a lack of acceptance from family, friends, and the community. LGBT youth need more access to resources and support to increase mental health
Learn more here

Helping Your Loved One Who Is Suicidal: A Guide For Family and Friends

When a friend or family member has suicidal thoughts or attempts suicide, it is a traumatic event that impacts the
entire family. It is normal to feel scared, confused, or angry. If you are finding it difficult to determine whether or not
your family member is at risk of suicide, seek help, and don’t wait. Families and friends play a key role in suicide
prevention. This guide will help you understand how to respond to your loved ones who are in emotional distress and
struggling with thoughts of suicide, as well as how to help get them the necessary support and treatment.


https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-01-03-001.pdf