MCSAP

Light & Unite RED

Light & Unite RED is coordinated by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division and supported by nearly 50 community organizations, surrounding health departments, high schools, libraries, and government entities to shine a spotlight on the dangers of substance use and unite our community to engage in prevention, encourage treatment and support recovery throughout the year.

Why RED? It's the color of substance abuse awareness.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2018

January 22-28, 2018

Each day during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, the Light and Unite Red partners are offering activities that help to prevent drug and alcohol use and misuse. You can find the full list of events on Light and Unite Red's website, but here are some highlights:

Monday, January 22: Addiction Information and Resource Fair at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (901 15th Ave., South Milwaukee), which will include information on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Narcan training, and a panel discussion with treatment providers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program is scheduled for 5:45 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 23: Light & Unite RED Phone Bank: Tune in to tmj4.com and call with your questions.

Wednesday, January 24: Recognizing Narcotic Abuse and Addiction and Helping Those with It featuring Dr. Michael McNett, pain management physician and leader of the comprehensive pain program at Aurora Health Care. Dr. McNett’s presentation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Greenfield Public Library, 5310 W. Layton Ave. Please register by calling 414-329-5268.

Thursday, January 25: “Written Off” Documentary Screening and Talk Back from 7 to 9:15 p.m. at the Landmark Oriental Theatre, 2230 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee. "Written Off" explores the national opioid epidemic through the life of Matt Edwards of Wisconsin, and more specifically through the words in his journal. Through his writings, Matt chronicled his daily struggles with his addiction and his countless attempts to quit. The screening and talk back are free and open to the public but registration is required by signing up here.

Friday, January 26: Light & Unite RED Day: Wear red, the national color of substance abuse awareness, or light up your building red. Then post your messages to social media with the hashtag #LightUniteRed. Need a red lightbulb or T-shirt? Contact Nzinga Khalid at Nzinga.Khalid@milwaukeecountywi.gov (while supplies last).

Saturday, January 27: Resource Fair for Parents and Teens: Prevention advocates will promote awareness of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southridge Mall’s Center Court, 5300 S. 76th Street, Greendale. Register for free to exhibit or be a youth performer at LUR.eventbrite.com.

Tuesday, January 30: Northshore Health Department Resource Fair: Stairway to Heroin will be held at the Shorewood High School Theater, 1701 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood. The Resource Fair will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Presentations by health care providers, families and survivors, and law enforcement will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required here.

Light & Unite RED’s website also includes resources for educators, such as an urban dance line performance of “We Go to Work,” a haiku challenge, and giveaways.

Drug Facts - Learn the Real Deal

Do you know the facts about drugs and alcohol?

Prescription Drug/Heroin Fact Sheet

Marijuana Fact Sheet

Synthetic Drugs Fact Sheet

Alcohol Fact Sheet

Tobacco/E-Cigs Fact Sheet

Test Your Knowledge

TAKE A BRIEF DRUG FACTS SURVEY to determine if you know the real deal about the drugs impacting our community. Click here to take the National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge.