City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention

02/02/2023

02/02/2023

As su***de rate keeps rising in Wisconsin, concentration in rural areas raises alarm

Check out this story from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: As Wisconsin su***des climb, alarming rural rates turn focus to farm stress

Su***de is now the state's 10th leading cause of death.

"Kohlbeck conducts research in su***de and su***de prevention across different communities in Wisconsin. In 14 years, Kohlbeck has analyzed the deaths of nearly 200 Wisconsin farmers who died by su***de."
Medical College of Wisconsin

Su***de is now the state's 10th leading cause of death.

02/01/2023

Abuse is Abuse no matter the situation.

02/01/2023

February is National TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH (TDVAM), a national effort focused on amplifying the needs of our youth and their experiences with dating abuse! This year, we’re encouraging teens to not only talk about it, but Be About It.

Be about EDUCATION and learn the warning signs of abuse.

Be about ENGAGEMENT and talk to your friends about relationship concern.

Be about EMPOWERMENT and set boundaries in your relationships. Remember, you have control over your own life!

Resources and support are available in an environment designed specifically for young adults at loveisrespect.org
Love is respect

01/31/2023

Photos from City of Milwaukee Health Department's post

01/31/2023

✨NOW HIRING: COMMUNITY PROJECT OUTREACH LIAISON ✨

Under the direction of the ReCast Program Manager in the Office of Violence Prevention, the Community Outreach Project Liaison assists in the planning and implementation of a coordinated community response system to prevent violence and to support community members that have been impacted by violence.
City of Milwaukee Health Department

Apply by February 17th.

More info & to apply:
https://jobapscloud.com/MIL/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=2211&R2=4434&R3=001

01/27/2023

01/26/2023

Youth Trap Therapy is BACK!!! Join us on Wednesday, February 22nd from 5-7 pm at the Sherman Phoenix. Speak Wellness (Tarsha Wiggins) will be facilitating another great session, so bring your family and tell a friend to tell a friend. By the way, this event is FREE!!! Mark your calendars.

01/24/2023

https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/
Co-sponsoring In-person training over 2 days @ Wisconsin Center. Collaborative efforts to better support and educate our city around the harm of strangulation and domestic violence.

01/21/2023

For Black Men, Barriers To Mental Health Care Can Be Complex : Consider This from NPR

For Black Men, Barriers To Mental Health Care Can Be Complex

Take a listen to this 14 minute interview as discussions are centered on actor and comedian Jerrod Carmichael and others.

The start of a new year can push us to think about how we take care of ourselves – our bodies or our minds. And for some people that can mean seeking help for mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In some ways, being open about pursuing treatment for mental health concerns is becoming ...

01/19/2023

January was first declared as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in 2010. Since then, January has been a time to acknowledge those experiencing enslavement and those who have escaped.

Join these informative free webinars to learn more:
Part 1
https://usdolee.webex.com/weblink/register/rf8a68076e145f5ac3a06fabffe3480aa
Part 2
https://usdolee.webex.com/weblink/register/r6dac40b893e9aeede4be9c7788f2cbcb
Part 3
https://usdolee.webex.com/weblink/register/r17f817e8272b997431ec2e2f9051b9a8

01/19/2023

How I Stay Above Water | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

"Cassandra Kolstad is passionate about mental health. She hopes that her writing will help others to feel a sense of safety and belonging in the world."

Even more helpful than identifying my coping strategies was identifying exactly what triggers me.

01/18/2023

Interactive bus stops aims to fight gun violence

Debra Gillispe is the founder of Mothers Against Gun Violence. She lost her son, Kirk Bikham Jr., to gun violence in the city in 2003.

Twenty years later, she’s still doing all she can to share support and resources for others going through the same thing.

Murals are amplifying voices of victims' families.

01/16/2023

Why experts worry TikTok could add to mental health crisis among US teens

"TikTok is far from the only social platform to be scrutinized by lawmakers and mental health experts for its impact on teens. Top execs from several companies, including TikTok, have been grilled in Congress on the matter. And this week, Seattle Public Schools sued social media companies like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube alleging the platforms have been "causing a youth mental health crisis," making it hard for the school system "to fulfill its educational mission."

Jerome Yankey said he used to pull all-nighters when he was in college -- not studying or partying, but scrolling on TikTok until the sun came up.

01/16/2023

VA to pay for all emergency mental health care starting next week

"Department officials announced the new policy on Friday as part of nationwide efforts to prevent su***de among veterans. According to the latest department data, about 17 veterans a day die by su***de."

The policy includes costs for care both inside the VA health system and for private-sector emergency visits.

01/16/2023

Most City of Milwaukee offices will be closed on Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will return to regular hours on Tuesday, January 17.

Request City services at milwaukee.gov/Click4Action, use the MKE Mobile app or call 414-286-CITY.

01/13/2023

Wisconsin youth report increased anxiety, depression, su***de, Office of Children's Mental Health says

"The OCMH released its detailed report Friday, saying the effects of the pandemic are continuing to weigh heavily on youth. Children returned to the classroom and found themselves facing new challenges like how to fill learning gaps, how to act in a classroom environment, and how to interact with peers."

The Office of Children's Mental Health (OCMH) released its 2022 annual report and it shows reports of su***de, depression, and anxiety among kids are up.

01/13/2023

Su***de Prevention

In 2020, 861 Wisconsin residents died by su***de. Everyone can take action to prevent su***de.

In 2020, 861 Wisconsin residents died by su***de. Everyone can take action to prevent su***de.

01/10/2023

Did you know that every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide?

To raise awareness of human trafficking, the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) encourages all Milwaukeeans to join the Blue Campaign in Wear Blue Day, tomorrow, Wednesday, January 11.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/3IEbypz

01/05/2023

January was first declared as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in 2010. Since then, January has been a time to acknowledge those experiencing enslavement and those who have escaped. Although slavery is commonly thought to be a thing of the past, human traffickers generate hundreds of billions of dollars in profits by trapping millions of people in horrific situations around the world, including here in the U.S. Traffickers use violence, threats, deception, debt bo***ge, and other manipulative tactics to force people to engage in commercial s*x or to provide labor or services against their will.

This month is dedicated to raising awareness about different forms of human trafficking, ways to support trafficking survivors, and educating the community about the issue so that people are equipped to notice potential trafficking situations and report them.

01/04/2023

NOW HIRING: DATA & EVALUATION COORDINATOR

Join the Office of Violence Prevention!

The Data and Evaluation Coordinator leads the collection, analysis, interpretation, and visualization of data for OVP, both internal to the City of Milwaukee Health Department and for designated community and academic partners.

The Coordinator is also responsible for presenting data to internal and external stakeholders using interactive data visualization solutions including statistics software, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, Tableau, and other state of the art tools.

Apply by January 27th.

More info & to apply:
https://lnkd.in/gPYEm7y2

Want to know what it's like to work for OVP? Watch the video here:
https://lnkd.in/grk-8m3V

01/02/2023

01/01/2023

Have a Happy New Year! 🎉 A reminder that most City of Milwaukee offices are closed for the holiday from Friday, December 30 through Monday, January 2.

Request City services at milwaukee.gov/Click4Action, use the MKEmobile app or call 414-286-CITY.

12/21/2022

On Wednesday, December 21st from 10 am until 12 pm, the OVP Faith Community Collaborative Partnership Training Subcommittee will host "Faith Based Leaders Cooling Conflict in the Community". This training is centered on how to respond to conflicts and understand methods of conflict de-escalation from a faith-based perspective. Our trainer will be Shanel Vrontez, Community Program Coordinator III of 414LIFE and Executive Director of YLEAD LLC.

Please register using the link below:
https://bit.ly/ovp-dec

12/20/2022

Spread the word to people who need this information.

🌨 Stay prepared & aware!❄️When temperatures drop and snow is on the horizon, make sure you plan ahead. Here are some helpful tips for tackling cold weather and winter storms.

More information at milwaukee.gov/coldweather

12/16/2022

80 Wisconsin domestic violence deaths in 2021, 'too many people dying'

Domestic violence homicides and shootings in Milwaukee peaked in January and September 2022, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Domestic violence homicides and shootings in Milwaukee peaked in January and September 2022, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin.

12/16/2022

12/15/2022

12/15/2022

Want to do something about domestic violence? Come to this town hall on Thursday

“Vann and others planning the town hall hope those who attend leave with a better understanding of the scope of the domestic abuse and what they can do to stop it. It's not just those experiencing abuse who can seek help by calling local hotlines. Family and loved ones speak with an advocate to get tips on how to approach and support their loved one who is experiencing domestic violence”.

Nearly 50 people have died in domestic violence related homicides in Milwaukee this year, according to The Asha Project.

12/15/2022

We're saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss. If you're struggling, please know you are never alone. Reach out. Call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline for help and support. We're here for you, 24/7/365.

12/14/2022

"For uninsured Milwaukee County residents (18 and older) facing a mental health or co-occurring crisis. Access clinics help connect people to culturally competent behavioral health and co-occurring care within their community regardless of ability to pay."
Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services

12/14/2022

On Wednesday, December 21st from 10 am until 12 pm, the OVP Faith Community Collaborative Partnership Training Subcommittee will host "Faith Based Leaders Cooling Conflict in the Community". This training is centered on how to respond to conflicts and understand methods of conflict de-escalation from a faith-based perspective. Our trainer will be Shanel Vrontez, Community Program Coordinator III of 414LIFE and Executive Director of YLEAD LLC.

Please register using the link below:
https://bit.ly/ovp-dec

12/13/2022

children.wi.gov

"In May 2020, the Office of Children's Mental Health released a survey to learn what mental health resources could be useful. Over 80 mental health advocates, providers, and parents participated. The top response was better understanding "what being in crisis looks like."

​"Throughout 2021, a small group of lived experts and mental health providers worked to create a direct yet affirming guide for parents and caregivers. The resource was created leveraging the expertise of youth crisis workers, parents, and mental health clinicians."
Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health

The attached link provides a pdf file for the guide

12/13/2022

Profile: Mike V., Living with Major Depression

"You are not your diagnosis" - Mike Veny
"Mike V. has battled major depression since he was a young child. But during his ongoing recovery, he has created a “toolbox” of strategies for coping. Today, Mike provides hope to people struggling with mental health challenges. Learn more about Mike’s story." SAMHSA

Mike is successfully managing his major depressive disorder. He credits treatment and support. “You are not your diagnosis,” Mike says. Watch the video to se...

12/13/2022

✨ There’s only a few more days to apply! Come join the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention! ✨

The following OVP positions are taking applications:

👉 ReCAST Program Manager
https://jobapscloud.com/MIL/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=2211&R2=4857&R3=001

👉 Grant Compliance Coordinator
https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=2211&R2=5162&R3=001

👉 Marketing & Communications Coordinator
https://jobapscloud.com/MIL/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=2211&R2=4501&R3=001

🤔 Want to know what it's like to work for OVP? Check out this video:
https://youtu.be/bLwioNUeDxQ

12/12/2022

Too Few Young People Get Mental Health Follow-Up After ER Visit

"When teens and young adults go to the emergency room or are hospitalized for critical mental health issues a staggering number are not receiving quick follow-up care, new U.S. research finds."

MONDAY, Oct. 17, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- When teens and young adults go to the emergency room or are hospitalized for critical mental health issues a staggering number are not receiving quick follow-up care, new U.S. research finds.Researchers at the University of Massachusetts looked at more than....

12/12/2022

Youth Trap Therapy is happening on Wednesday, December 14th at 5:30 pm. Make sure you are there as we close out 2022. Speak Wellness. and Sherman Phoenix thank you for your continued partnership in promoting healing within our communities.

12/08/2022

This will be an important conversation. Join the The ASHA Project & the We Are Here MKE Collective!

Join us

12/08/2022

Hello Program and Community Partners!
WE have a urgent charge ahead of us and we are looking to work collaboratively to address the needs of our youth TOGETHER. Join us and other community leaders, and youth leaders this week Thursday at Evolve Church. Our goal is to address the recent rise in youth homicides, look at the data, and work collaboratively to create a plan of action to provide continuous enrichment, support mentally, socially, academically, and spiritually. See you There!
If you have any questions email [email protected]

12/07/2022

www.samhsa.gov

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org. 988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help.
SAMHSA

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/988-247-crisis-support-story.mp4