Healthy Youth, Bright Futures Coalition Fights Youth Addiction Print
News - Articles for State & Local
Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Robert Kraig   
Tuesday, 12 May 2015 08:34

drugaddicts-youngIn the face of a statewide heroin epidemic, advocates to join Rep. LaTonya Johnson in announcing new legislation to prevent youth addiction.


MADISON - As heroin and other drug use continue to rise across Wisconsin, on Tuesday May 12th at 11:00 AM, Citizen Action of Wisconsin will join state Representative LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) announcing new legislation prioritizing early youth screening and intervention in Wisconsin schools.

The proposed legislation guarantees Wisconsin school districts access to training to administer comprehensive and effective screening, intervention and referral to treatment for illicit drug and alcohol use with all students in a chosen grade level on an annual basis.

According to a recent report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Wisconsin ranked above the national average in both youth illicit drug use and binge drinking in 2014. A Wisconsin Department of Justice report shows that heroin-related cases rose to record levels in nearly every county in Wisconsin in 2014.

What: Media event: Annoucement of legislation to prevent youth addiction in Wisconsin

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 – 11:00 AM

Where: Wisconsin state Capitol building, Assembly parlor (2nd floor, NW)

Speaking:

State Representative LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee

Erik Kirkstein, Citizen Action of Wisconsin health organizer and coordinator of the Healthy Youth, Bright Futures coalition

Dr. Richard Brown, MD, MPH, University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine

Anthony Alvarado, co-founder of Rise Together, a Wisconsin-based recovery advocacy group focusing on raising the voices of young people impacted by addiction

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The Healthy Youth, Bright Futures Coalition for the Prevention of Youth Addiction in Wisconsin includes Wisconsin Initiative to Promote Healthy Lifestyles, Rise Together, Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, IMPACT, Citizen Action of Wisconsin Education Fund, Wisconsin United We C.A.N.(Change Addiction Now),Elevate, Inc, and Community Advocates.