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Podcast Episode #17: Suicide Prevention in Communities with Adam Howarth

In this episode, we talked with Adam Howarth, Social Worker, Community and Veteran Advocate, and former Community Engagement Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Program at the VA. In his previous role, he worked to support Zero Suicide Coalitions in Wisconsin including the one in Jefferson County. We talked about local efforts in schools, community trainings, and community-wide efforts such as the Gun Shop Project to help people secure firearms. We also talked about what every person can do to help someone in need.

Some resources mentioned on this podcast:

Podcast Episode #16: What are ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and What Can We Do to Build Resiliency?

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and what is their relationship to risk factors for disease and other negative health outcomes? How do we find our ACE score and how do we build resiliency ourselves, and build a better community knowing more about ACEs? We talked with Lisa Dunham, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and adolescent therapist at Jefferson County Human Services for the answers.

Here are some links/resources mentioned on the podcast:

    • TED TALK Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
    • The Deepest Well Dr. Nadine Burke Harris (Book)
    • Change Your World Michael Ungar (Book)
    • AcesAware.org
    • Acestoohigh.com
    • Have I acted in a trauma-informed way today?
      • Was I friendly?
      • Did I stop and think before responding to things, especially when I had strong feelings?
      • Was I observant to how I impacted others?
      • Did I show others that I value/respect them?
      • Did I try to see situations from others’ perspectives?
      • Was I respectful of others’ personal space?
      • Was I patient?

 

 

 

Episode #15: Discussion about Delta-8 THC with Officer Pedro Gallegos

In this episode, we talked to Officer Pedro Gallegos about THC products, especially those that are being sold legally here in the local community. We talked in length about Delta-8 THC, which is a psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that acts in a similar way to Delta-9 THC. The unregulated nature of Delta-8 THC products can put people in harms way.

Just so listeners know, the Agriculture Improvement Act (the “Farm Bill”) exempted THC in hemp from controlled substance laws, and the DEA also exempted THC in hemp. Therefore, it appears that naturally occurring delta-8 THC is legal in Wisconsin at this time. The question as to whether synthetically derived THC is a controlled substance under state and federal laws has yet to be answered.

Here are some basic facts about Delta-8 THC and some of the potential dangers: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc

Podcast #14: Discussion with Maureen Busalacchi, Director of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project

It was a pleasure to talk to Maureen Busalacchi for our latest podcast. She is the Director of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project. She talked about some of the trends we are seeing in alcohol use during the pandemic and how schools and communities can work together to prevent the problems caused by excessive drinking and binge drinking. One of the consequences is the rise in deaths due to alcohol use the links between alcohol use and cancer. We also touched on the topic of youth drinking and how alcohol use can affect the youth brain and increase the likelihood of later addictions.

Podcast Episode #13: Interview with Tyler Prickette about Treatment Medications

In this episode, we talk to Tyler Prickette, Clinical Pharmacist at Fort Healthcare, about two medications that are used to treat opioid use disorders, specifically buprenorphine and naltrexone. We start with a conversation about the difference between being physically dependent on opioid medications versus having an opioid use disorder. We discuss how the medications differ, how they work, the benefits, and the potential risks of taking these medications. You will not want to miss this informative session. Listen to it here:

Neither the host nor the guest are associated with any drug company. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

For treatment resources in or near Jefferson County, refer to the Jefferson County Substance Use and Behavioral Health Resource Guide

Podcast Episode #12: K9 Handler Deputy Greg Jansen and K9 Gader

In our latest episode of the Prevention Connection, we spoke to K9 handler Deputy Greg Jansen about his K9 partner, Gader, and how they work together to keep the community safe.

Is K9 Gader nice? What treats does K9 Gader like? What does he like to do for fun? These and other important questions are answered on this podcast.

More seriously, we find out about the important work that K9 Gader does for the Sheriff’s Department. For example, K9 Gader is a “utility” K9 which means that he is trained to do a wide range of tasks including searching for illegal drugs, missing persons, or suspects. He received an Exceptional Service Award for his work with missing persons. He is 4 years old and is originally from Belarus. Deputy Jansen has been with him since he was 16 months old (and as you can see, they are pretty well bonded). Deputy Jansen has had several K9 partners in his long career in law enforcement and his love of training and working with animals naturally led him to being a K9 handler. You will have to tune in to learn more about this incredible duo.

Podcast Episode #11: Parent Perspectives on Children with Substance Use Disorders

In this episode we talk to Kimberly Hill and Mary Boesel-Rauwolf who are parents of children who struggled with a substance use disorder. As people with lived experience, they help other parents who are in the same situation and share resources that will help parents. Here are some resources mentioned on the podcast:

  1. Partnership to End Addiction: https://drugfree.org/
  2. NAMI Southeast Wisconsin (Some family support groups are virtual at this time) https://namisoutheastwi.org/support-and-education/support-groups/family-support-groups/
  3. Safe Communities: 24/7 Hotline 608-228-1278 (peer support for mental health, substance use, and families)

Some Holiday Tips from Pastor Dean Kurtz at newfocus

Merry and bright? There are many wonderful things about this holiday season but for those of us who experience extra stressors, maybe more temptations, or challenging relationships, the holidays can be a real trigger back into our addictions.

We at newfocus want you to know you are not alone and there are some things you can do to make this more a season of joy! 1) Lower some of your expectations. What? Yes, you read that right. Our culture, perhaps our families, have conditioned us to expect a Hallmark kind of Christmas every year. But some of our expectations are unrealistic and can trigger strong emotions that might set up for a wrong choice. If we expect that we will have some unpleasant memories and difficult emotions, it will help us anticipate that and give ourselves a little grace. Make your expectation more about how you can bless others with a smile, a kind note, a thoughtful phone call or an inexpensive gift. 2) Be a “health nut” during the holidays. Try to keep up with your regularly schedule of sleep, diet, and exercise. 3) Try to surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you in your sobriety. When you feel you must meet with family, coworkers, or others who might trigger you, limit your time, go with a “sobriety buddy” who will help you, have an exit strategy. You can be kind and still maintain some healthy relational, emotional, physical, and time boundaries. 4) Let me quote my mother, “Be safe, but have fun!” Even if you don’t feel like singing Christmas Carols, going to a church service, or doing that special activity go ahead and try to do something crazy fun! And speaking of that, you are all welcome to join our newfocus family December 17th at 7:00 for games, singing, an encouraging talk, and some Christmas treats. We are meeting at Calvary Baptist, 792 Milford St. in Watertown. Merry Christmas and “God bless us, everyone!”

Newfocus meets every Friday night at 7:00 pm for a peer encouragement meeting that is held at Calvary Baptist in Watertown. The Facebook live time at 6:30 pm. Search for ANewFocus or for more information go to www.anewfocus.org

Podcast #10: Interview with Sue Madecky on Recovery During the Holidays

Sue Madecky is founder of the Dave Gallup Foundation which provides support services to individuals in recovery. The organization engages in advocacy efforts to educate the public about addiction and recovery. She also runs a women-supported sober living home in Fort Atkinson. As a person with 28 years of recovery and experience with women in recovery, Sue shares “sober strategies” that can help people stay on their recovery path during the holidays.

She says people often have a “thinking problem,” not a “drinking problem. There are feelings that can lead to impulsive behaviors and trying to manage those feelings early on can help prevent the behaviors and outcomes. Recognizing the person, places and things that are triggering early on can help with prevention.

    • Some tips for staying in recovery over the holidays
      • Going to meetings (find them at aa.org or na.org or In the Rooms)
      • Finding a sponsor or sober person for support
      • Being of service to others (help someone in need or volunteer)
      • Making a gratitude list
      • Self-care and asking for help
      • Going to events with a sober partner
      • Talking to someone before and after the event
      • Have an exit plan if you need to leave
      • Being careful of what you pick up and drink
      • Making choices on what you think is the safest and best thing for you
    • The holidays can bring about feelings of guilt and shame. Instead of focusing on the past, it’s helpful to focus on the present and what you can do now to make things better
    • If you or someone you know would benefit from living in a sober living home for women, go to this website: DaveGallupFoundation.org and call the number listed on the website

Podcast #9: Emily’s Story, Peer Support, Treatment Court, and Recovery Resources

In Podcast #9, we talk to Emily Reich, a Certified Peer Support Specialist with NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) of Southeast Wisconsin. Emily talks about her recovery from alcohol and drug use and what she does now to support people in recovery. Before listening to this episode, learn more about Peer Support.

Some topics discussed in this episode:

  • Peer Support services that are available in Jefferson County
  • Support groups in Jefferson County
  • Local, recovery supportive events and activities in Jefferson County

To talk to a Peer Support Specialist: 24/7 Hotline 608-228-1278

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