Safe Communities

08/31/2026

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! We can’t wait to see you there! 💗

We’re officially just 2 weeks away from International Overdose Awareness Day! 💜

Join us at Olbrich Park on Monday, August 31, from 5–7:30 PM for an evening of connection, remembrance, and hope.

✨ 5-7 PM: Resource Fair featuring community organizations, resources, and support
🍕 Free pizza
🍧 Kona Ice
🎶 Music
🧵 Memorial quilt
💜 And so much more!
✨7-7:30 PM: A program and opportunity to share a few words about your loved ones

Looking for a moment of reflection before the event? Join us at 4 PM for a Healing Circle, generously supported by one of SACRED THREAD’s star facilitators and practitioners, Silvia Lopez.

We hope you’ll join us as we come together to remember, connect, and honor those impacted by overdose. 💜

08/28/2026

Our International Overdose Awareness Day event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We are SO grateful! 💜💙

Thank you so much:
Buck & Honey's
Don's Home Furniture
Recovery.com
Madison Community Policing Foundation
ASAP Addiction Services and Pharmacotherapy
Miramont Behavioral Health
Ventus Rex
Shorewood Behavioral Health
Public Health Madison & Dane County

08/21/2026

We’re so excited to have so many wonderful community partners joining us for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31!

Stop by our Resource Fair from 5-7 PM at Olbrich Park to connect with local organizations, grab resources, and learn more about the support available in our community.

We can’t wait to see you there! 💜
CAYA Clinic
GRASP
BHRC
Start Healing Now
Journey Mental Health Center
Vivent Health - Wisconsin Prevention
PULSE - Wisconsin Users’ Union
UnityPoint Health - Meriter
5 Door Recovery
Tellurian, Inc.

08/20/2026

Students are actively helping their peers and addressing youth mental health in schools through student-led wellness groups. This is the topic of the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health's newest Data Bite.

School-based student-led wellness programs are in place in over 340 schools in Wisconsin. The programs help students feel they belong, spread positive messages, build coping skills, and provide informal peer support. The most common programs in Wisconsin include Hope Squad, Sources of Strength, NAMI Raise Your Voice, and REDgen, and there are more. See OCMH’s map of student-led wellness programs to see where these programs are located.

Learn more about how these programs help students – read OCMH’s Showcasing Solutions on Student-led Mental Wellness Programs Help Wisconsin Kids! 💙

08/19/2026

Meet one of the newest additions to our Peer Provider team, Elizabeth! 🎉

"I’m a Peer Support Specialist who uses my lived experience to connect with and support others navigating incarceration, recovery, and life transitions. I believe in meeting people where they are, listening without judgment, and helping others recognize their own strengths and possibilities. My goal is to offer hope, encouragement, and support while empowering each person to make choices that move them toward the life they want."

We’re so excited to welcome Elizabeth to the team and can’t wait for you to get to know her and the work she’ll be doing in our community. 💜

Welcome, Elizabeth! We’re so happy to have you with us!

08/18/2026

🍂 Only 6 weeks until Only Leaves Should Fall!🍂

Join the Falls Free Dane Coalition of Safe Communities on Tuesday, September 29, from 12:30-3:30 PM at the Verona Senior Center for this FREE falls prevention event!

Hear from keynote speaker Dr. Zorba Paster, participate in fall risk screenings, learn strategies for maintaining your independence, and leave with resources to help prevent falls.

📅 Tuesday, September 29
⏰ 12:30–3:30 PM
📍 Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli St., Verona
🎟️ Registration is required.

September is Falls Prevention Month—don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to stay safe, strong, and upright!

Contact the Verona Senior Center at 608-845-7471 to register.

08/17/2026

We’re officially just 2 weeks away from International Overdose Awareness Day! 💜

Join us at Olbrich Park on Monday, August 31, from 5–7:30 PM for an evening of connection, remembrance, and hope.

✨ 5-7 PM: Resource Fair featuring community organizations, resources, and support
🍕 Free pizza
🍧 Kona Ice
🎶 Music
🧵 Memorial quilt
💜 And so much more!
✨7-7:30 PM: A program and opportunity to share a few words about your loved ones

Looking for a moment of reflection before the event? Join us at 4 PM for a Healing Circle, generously supported by one of SACRED THREAD’s star facilitators and practitioners, Silvia Lopez.

We hope you’ll join us as we come together to remember, connect, and honor those impacted by overdose. 💜

08/15/2026

Volunteers Needed! 🚨

We’re looking for volunteers to help set up our International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Sign Display on Friday, August 28, from 9:15 AM–1 PM, depending on the task selected. Some openings require a car and some do not.

Sign up and learn more using the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48A9A728A2F8C61-64749013-national #/

Please note: These volunteer tasks involve manual labor, including lifting and moving materials.