Category: News

Small Talks: Start Talking, It Makes a Difference

Think kids won’t listen? Think again. Research shows that parents and other caring adults are the most powerful influence on children’s choices about underage drinking. That means you can make a real difference, especially if you start early. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you may think. We can show you how, with helpful suggestions for tackling tough questions and ideas for getting the conversations started.


https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/start-talking.htm

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

Supporting Child Well-Being Through Strengthening Social Connections and Relationships

Symptoms of emotional distress feel and look different for every youth. Having strong, positive, and consistent sources of social connection allows youth to talk about how they feel in a safe environment. Providing youth with positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can buffer symptoms of emotional distress. In general, PCEs include supportive relationships with adults and being socially connected with their peers, family, community and culture.

Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health – children.wi.gov

The Road to Recovery

This is the story of 6 Midwest Wisconsin individuals battling addiction and journeying through recovery. These six beautiful souls bravely share their real and raw truths with the hope of altering someone else’s path with addiction, while exposing the stigma behind one of society’s biggest closet demons.

If you’re struggling with addiction or know someone who is, you don’t have to go through it alone. Here is a list of resources and a great place to start: SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Warm Line (non-urgent phone line) for mental health support: 1-608-422-5077
Local Crisis hotline for mental health crisis: 1-800-362-5717 (24/7)
Unified Community Services -Local treatment for substance misuse and/or mental health (for residents of Iowa and Grant Counties): Lancaster office 608-723-6357, Dodgeville office 608-935-2776

How WI Prevents Underage Drinking

Why should you talk to kids about alcohol? Underage drinking is a real problem in Wisconsin, and it starts earlier and can be more dangerous than you might think. But parents, loved ones, and other caring adults can make a real difference. All you have to do is talk. That’s right. Having small, casual conversations with kids, starting around age 8, can help prevent underage drinking.

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm

The Pandemic Will Affect Students’ Mental Health for Years to Come. How Schools Can Help

For the foreseeable future, educators will have to grapple with a host of additional challenges that will complicate students’ abilities to learn, such as increased anxiety, substance abuse, and hyperactivity—all symptoms of the trauma many students have lived through this past year.
Research on how children have responded to traumatic events shows that there are myriad ways kids will react—and those reactions may not always be obviously related to the pandemic.

Read more here

No Bruises on the Outside

Join Roger Reynolds and Lafayette County Mental Health Matters for a 3 part session on his personal experiences of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and journey toward healing and recovery. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in any successful medical treatment. When there are no bruises on the outside; how do we identify Neglect and Abuse? How do we identify when insults become Emotional Abuse or when arguments become Domestic Violence; when there are no bruises on the outside? Learn more at the discussion taking place this Thursday at the event here

Birth to 3 Program information for Families

Birth to 3 Program: Public Outreach Campaign | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

DHS is hosting two online family input sessions where families will have the chance to learn about the Birth to 3 Program, learn about the outreach campaign, and share their thoughts and ideas in their own words. You are invited to participate if you:

  • Are currently or have ever been enrolled in the Birth to 3 Program.
  • Were referred to the Birth to 3 Program but chose not to enroll.
  • Are a family with a young child.

Get more information here!

Safe Haven for Newborns Information

Safe Haven, also known as “infant relinquishment,” allows a parent to leave their newborn in a safe place in certain circumstances with certain individuals.
Under Wisconsin law, a parent can leave their unharmed newborn child under 72 hours old with a:

  • police officer
  • 911 emergency medical staff person
  • hospital staff member

without fear of legal consequences. If you do not indicate that you will be back for your child this is called “Safe Haven” or “Infant Relinquishment.” You do not have to give your name or address to the professional accepting the baby, unless:

  • The baby has been harmed
  • You are being forced by someone to give up the baby
  • The baby is more than 3 days old

You may be asked if you are willing to fill out a form. This form is NOT required. It will, however, help providers give the best care to your infant now and in the future.
Get more information here