Unified Community Services

Press Release: Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address Encouraging Wisconsinites to Take Care of their Mental Health this Holiday Season

Hello, Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers here. For many Wisconsinites the holiday season can be a difficult time of year even under normal circumstances, but this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of Wisconsinites’ lives, it is critical that we all take care of our mental and emotional well-being. First, check in on your people. Whether that’s talking on the phone or connecting over the Zoom, those conversations can provide comfort to those who need it. Second, know that you are not alone. There are resources available no matter your age or your struggle. Text HOPELINE to 741-741 for free emotional support services that can provide help and hope. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or, go online to resilient.wisconsin.gov for more resources. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. It’s better than “okay” – it can make a real difference for you and for your loved ones. Let’s get through this together. Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay resilient, Wisconsin.

November 30th is Meth awareness day.

In the next 5–10 years, it’s anticipated to increase even more. In fact from 2010–2014, grams of methamphetamine seized increased at an alarming 1,592%. Because of statistics like these, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, in partnership with Marshfield Clinic Health System, Northwoods Coalition, and the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth, are committed to making sure we all KNOW METH.

Know Meth in Wisconsin

Few things worry parents, grandparents, and other caregivers more than the prospect of children using alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. They know youth under their charge spend many hours each day out of their sight and are subject to influences they can’t control. Youth may be encouraged by their peers to try marijuana, try inhalants, or misuse prescription drugs. Media often link alcohol use with fun and excitement and with being popular and sophisticated. Dangers seem to lurk everywhere.

This resource guide for parents offers advice on keeping children substance free. Review statistics about adolescent substance use, and learn tips on good communication. The guide also features substance facts and case studies for additional insight.

Read it for yourself here

The DOSE OF REALITY Prescription Painkiller Abuse Prevention, Education, and Awareness effort is a statewide call-to-action aimed at preventing Wisconsin residents from abusing and becoming addicted to prescription opioids (or narcotics). This is a multi-faceted communications effort that involves television, radio, online, print, and outdoor messaging, as well as targeted and specialized materials to be used by the medical community with their patients, law enforcement, and more. See below for some of the ways we are raising awareness of this issue in Wisconsin

Find a Take Back Location

As you are well aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many lifestyle changes for the people in our community. The stay-at home orders and distancing guidelines have made it even more difficult for some of our populations in need of additional support and connection. Many of our older adults and family caregivers have been isolated from loved ones and from services and necessary health care. These changes can result in other mental and physical health issues. In an effort to mitigate the impacts of social isolation and loneliness caused by COVID-19 and beyond, Extension worked with our ADRC to compile a list of local and statewide services into a resource guide to make it easier to find the resources that people need. I’ve attached the resource guide for you to refer to if you are working with a community member that may need assistance. Please feel free to share this with others in your community who might find it useful.

Knowing the Signs Can Help Prevent Overdose Today is International Overdose Awareness Day“Drug overdose is a significant public health issue in Wisconsin, with devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Hundreds of people from all walks of life die or experience a permanent injury each year from a drug overdose in our state. These deaths and injuries are preventable and help is available.”The #EndOverdose campaign has useful tips on how to recognize and respond to overdoses involving the following drugs:

• Depressants: includes benzodiazepines, barbiturates
• Opioids: includes oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, and opium
• Stimulants: includes amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy
  

Where: American Legion Hall
Bloomington, WI
Located above Ma’s Bakery
122 Congress Street (Just off of Canal Street)

When: Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
(Very first meeting is on Thursday, 8/27/20

Join us for Fellowship and Coffee

Any questions call Peggy at (317)690-9241 or (608)994-2809Or Teresa at (608)485-1669

• Build a solid foundation: Invest in your health with adequate sleep, good nutrition, regular physical activity, and active relaxation.

• Connect with colleagues: Celebrate successes and mourn sorrows with your co-workers as a group.

• Take breaks: Time away from work, whenever possible, can help you see beyond the immediate crisis.

• Stay connected: Communicate with friends and family as often as you can, even if you are practicing self-isolation.

• Talk it out: Consider talking about your experiences and emotions with a trusted peer or mental or behavioral health professional. It’s okay to reach out for support, and talking can help.

Explore Resilient Wisconsin

Free support is available to help you through difficult times.

National Disaster Distress Helpline. Speak to a trained crisis counselor.
• 800-985-5990
• 800-846-8517 (TTY)
• Text: TalkWithUs to 66746

National Domestic Violence Hotline. Support for people experiencing domestic violence.
• 800-799-7233
• Text: LOVEIS to 22522

National Sexual Assault Hotline. Connect to a sexual assault service provider in your area.
• 800-656-4673

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Support for people in emotional distress.
• 800-273-8255
• 800-799-4889 (TTY)

HOPELINE Text Service. Support for people in emotional distress.
• Text: HOPELINE to 741741

County Behavioral Health Crisis Hotlines. Support for people in emotional distress.
Find the hotline for your county
Veterans Crisis Line. Support for veterans struggling to cope with life’s challenges.
• 800-273-8255, press 1

Caregiver Help Desk. Connect to information needed to navigate caregiving challenges.
• 855-227-3640

LGBTQ Youth (Trevor Project). Speak to a counselor trained to offer support in a judgment-free zone.
• 866-488-7386
• Text: START to 678678

Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline. Connect to services in your area.
• 833-944-4673
• Text: your ZIP code to 898211