For the Tomahawk Leader
ONEIDA COUNTY – The Oneida County Substance Use Coalition last week announced that it is partnering with two state agencies in an effort to prevent and reduce substance use in the county.
The Coalition is teaming up with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) on a campaign called “Real Talks Wisconsin.”
A release from the coalition said having open, honest and caring conversations about substance use helps build supportive communities where prevention works, treatment is available and recovery is possible.
“Alcohol and substance use are common in Oneida County,” said Moriah Gross, Co-Coordinator of the Oneida County Substance Use Coalition. “However, they are often hard to understand and are not discussed due to feelings of shame or blame. This loss of hope creates a significant barrier to building supportive environments where people can recover. Recovery is real when people receive the support they need, when they need it.”
“Everyone has a role in preventing and reducing substance use,” the release stated. “Real Talks Wisconsin provides people with the information they need to keep themselves, their families and their communities healthy and safe. By having open and honest conversations, we can move towards creating a supportive network where hope and healing are achievable in Oneida County.”
The release said Real Talks Wisconsin highlights the importance of asking open-ended questions to encourage open communication, practicing empathy to create a safe space for sharing and helping with problem-solving to support positive change.
“Substance use affects us all, and your words can make a difference,” the release stated. “Learn how to start a life-saving conversation today at Real Talks Wisconsin.”
For more information on how to get involved with Oneida County Substance Use Coalition initiatives contact Gross at [email protected] or 715-369-6110.