Community Advocates Public Policy Institute

05/20/2026

Join Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth on Thursday, May 28 for a discussion with the Tall Cop, Jermaine Galloway, to learn about substance use trends and retail availability in Milwaukee.

This free training is designed for coalition leaders, educators, public health professionals, and community members to learn about the latest drug and alcohol products affecting Milwaukee communties.

The training will be held in person at UW-Milwaukee Zilber College of Public Health, 1240 N. 10th St., Milwaukee, with the option to join virtually via Zoom. It's scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on May 28.

Register here: https://bit.ly/tcawy

05/18/2026

More older adults in Milwaukee are experiencing homelessness for the first time and the numbers are continuing to rise. A study from Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and the Medical College of Wisconsin, funded through a grant from Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, highlights how housing instability, health challenges, loss of income, and isolation are impacting seniors across our community.

This article from Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service explores the urgent need for accessible resources, affordable housing, and coordinated support for aging adults.

Read more:

Homelessness among Milwaukee’s older adults is rising due to a lack of resources, isolation and other systemic gaps. Leaders and health care workers are coming together to address the issue.

05/12/2026

It's National Prevention Week, a public education effort to highlight the work communities and organizations are doing to prevent substance use and misuse while also promoting positive mental health.

As part of National Prevention Week, SAMHSA is hosting a webinar tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13 at 1 p.m., featuring stories that strengthen communities from the "Talk. They Hear You." campaign and Communities Talk partners.

Register for the webinar at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-geOTy1CRhmZLhBgFBPEug #/registration

05/11/2026

It's Mental Health Awareness Month and Community Adovcates Public Policy Institute is hosting a Youth Mental Health First Aid workshop designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who might be experiencing a mental health challenge or is in crisis.

This training is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 19 and will be held at Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee.

Learn more and register by May 15 at: https://ppi.communityadvocates.net/news-events/event-calendar.html/event/2026/05/19/youth-mental-health-first-aid/564072

05/05/2026

A big shout-out goes to the Oak Creek Health Department, which convened the community to learn more about the public health priorities identified by Oak Creek residents and stakeholders—as well as what their elected officials are doing to make the community healthier.

Public Health Strategist Emma Durkin-Wagner presented the results of Oak Creek’s Community Health Assessment, which showed that nutrition and physical activity, substance use, mental health, bullying, and chronic disease are priorities.

Holly Miller explained how WI WINS checks to***co retailers to see if any are selling to minors. Last year, just one of 22 retailers sold to minors—this year, Oak Creek is trying to get to a perfect score.

Then, Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz, state Sen. Chris Larson and state Rep. Jessie Rodriguez fielded questions on what they’re doing to make Oak Creek healthier.

Community Advocates’ Kat Becker, Alliance for Wisconsin Youth Regional Coordinator, showed up to support AWY’s partner, the Oak Creek Health Department.

04/27/2026

Earlier this spring, 11 professionals from across Wisconsin completed the Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Skills Training (SUPST). This annual training is delivered by the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth and designed to develop the skill sets of people working to prevent and reduce the consequences associated with substance use. Participants were introduced to the Strategic Prevention Framework and walked through strategies for implementing a principled approach to environmental-level change in their local communities.

Learners put their knowledge to the test over the course of three days by applying the framework’s concepts to a case study, offering opportunities for real-time learning through conversations based on lived experience and best practice. One participant shared, “It was great to see and experience the teams support each other in and out of their individual groups. Thank you for the opportunity for some honest and relevant conversations.” We're grateful for those who took time out of their busy schedules to prioritize this education!

If you’re interested in learning about the Strategic Prevention Framework, evidence-based substance use prevention, or getting connected to a local coalition, please reach out to the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth’s SE Region Coordinator, Kat Becker: [email protected]

04/24/2026

How are commercial to***co and ni****ne products affecting young people in Wisconsin? Hear straight from young people themselves about how they are targeted by the to***co industry and lurned into addiction.

During this disucssion, participants will hear directly from informed, inspiring, and engaging group of teens from across the state coming together to speak up about this crisis.

The virtual youth panel is scheduled for Monday, April 27 from 6-7 p.m.

Register at https://www.to***cofreekids.org/get-involved/wisconsin-youth-event

04/22/2026

According to a new report from Wisconsin Examiner, overdose deaths in Milwaukee County have dropped by 42.6% since 2022, marking the fourth straight year of decline.

Officials are pointing to expanded harm reduction efforts, increased access to resources like naloxone, and a deeper investment in community-based care as key drivers of this change.

Read more:

Fatal overdoses in Milwaukee County are down, but public officials say that the fight isn't over as people still battle addiction.

04/21/2026

In celebration of National Public Health Week earlier this month, Greendale Public Health Department announced Community Advocates as the recipient of their 2026 Collaborative and Reciprocal Partnership Award for Organizations Beyond Greendale—specifically recognizing Alliance for Wisconsin Youth (AWY).

Our AWY Coordinator, Kat, provides coalition training and serves as a trusted resource, and has greatly supported efforts to improve community health and strengthen capacity within the community!

Thank you, Kat, for all you do! 🎉

04/16/2026

Running a successful substance misuse prevention coalition is one thing. But figuring out how to sustain the coalition through funding, personnel, and administrative changes is another challenge. But sustainability planning is totally do-able. Kat, Southeastern Wisconsin’s Alliance for Wisconsin Youth Coordinator, assembled the region’s coalition leaders and worked through the steps needed to strengthen and continue their work. Big questions include: What’s working—and what isn’t working? What do you need to continue operating? And perhaps most importantly, how do you continue the sustain the vision and spirit of the coalition in your community? Learn more about the great work being done by AWY partners at this link: https://ppi.communityadvocates.net/policy-projects/alliance-for-wisconsin-youth.html