Each year, more than 50 partners across Milwaukee County join forces for Light & Unite Red Week to promote healthy, drug- and alcohol-free living and support our community members who are improving their lives by remaining free of substance use and achieving holistic wellness.
Light & Unite Red promotes community-wide prevention education and is led by the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition, formerly the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (MCSAP). Community organizations, local health departments, government entities, and other allies work together to shine a light on the dangers of substance use and to unite the Milwaukee community to engage in prevention, encourage treatment and support recovery throughout the year. This year's theme is Ignite Hope, Inspire Community, Rise Together.
On this page
Light & Unite Red Week 2023 Events
Substance Misuse and Prevention Resources
In alignment with National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week, from March 20-26, Light & Unite Red 2023 will offer enlightening events, workshops, and resources to promote health and wellness throughout Milwaukee County.
In observance of Light & Unite Red, numerous businesses and organizations have committed to lighting local landmarks and buildings red in order to shine a spotlight on the importance of substance use awareness education among our youth and in our community.
Landmarks Lighting Up RED include:
- City of Milwaukee Fire Stations
- Community Advocates
- Discovery World
- Fiserv Forum
- Hoan Bridge
- The House of Kings and Priests
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Mitchell International Airport Sign
- Neu-Life Community Development
- Northwestern Mutual Downtown
- Our Daily Bread Community Outreach Center
- US Bank
- We Energies Building
- Wraparound Milwaukee
Light & Unite Red 2023 Events
Monday 3-20-23
10am-12pm Trauma and the Brain Virtual Training with Community Advocates
6pm-8pm RISE Drug Free MKE/Light & Unite Red Official Launch with Rise Drug Free MKE Coalition Partners
Tuesday 3-21-2023
10am-12pm Question. Persuade. Refer. Suicide Prevention Virtual Training with Community Advocates [RSVP Closed]
2pm-3pm "How Can I Help YOU" Group with Pathfinders MKE (Ages 11-25)
(Pathfinders Drop In Center 4200 Holton St, Suite 400)
7pm-9pm Family Skate Night with RISE Drug Free MKE (Petit National Ice Center) [Register Here]
Wednesday 3-22-23
9am-4pm Adult Mental Health First Aid Virtual Training with Community Advocates [RSVP Closed]
6:30pm-8pm AODA Bingo with Pathfinders MKE (Ages 11-25)
(Pathfinders Drop In Center 4200 Holton St, Suite 400)
7pm-9pm "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" Family Movie Night with RISE Drug Free MKE (Marcus Southgate Cinema) [Sold Out]
Thursday 3-23-23
10am-12pm Verbal De-Escalation Virtual Training with Community Advocates [Register Here]
12pm-4pm Family Discovery Event at Discovery World with RISE Drug Free MKE [Register Here]
2pm-4pm AODA Jeopardy with Pathfinders MKE (Ages 11-25)
(Pathfinders Drop In Center 4200 Holton St, Suite 400)
Friday 3-24-23
9am-4pm Youth Mental Health First Aid Virtual Training with Community Advocates [RSVP Closed]
4:30pm-5:30pm Wellness Group with Pathfinders MKE (Ages 11-25)
(Pathfinders Drop In Center 4200 Holton St, Suite 400)
6:30pm Open Mic Night with Pathfinders MKE (Ages 11-25)
(Pathfinders Drop In Center 4200 Holton St, Suite 400)
Saturday 3-25-23
9am-3pm Mocktails and Paint with Pathfinders MKE (Ages 11-25)
(Pathfinders Drop In Center 4200 Holton St, Suite 400)
11am-3pm Hidden in Plain Sight with House of Kings and Priests
(Believers in Christ Prosperity Center)
Sunday 3-26-23
4pm-5pm Mindful Gratitude Virtual Session with Forward Communications [Register Here]
From the Journal of the American Medical Association:
- Roughly 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance misuse.
- 37% of alcohol misusers and 53% of drug misusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
- Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29% misuse alcohol or drugs.
Light & Unite Red Resources
- Behind the Haze: Get the Facts about Vaping
- Campus Drug Prevention
- Campus Drug Prevention - 2022 Data
- Community Advocates Mental Health and Wellness Resources
- Community Advocates Trainings
- Light & Unite Red on Facebook
- RISE Drug Free MKE Mental Health & Wellness Resources
- Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division
- National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week
- Teachers: Classroom Resources on Drug Effects
- National Drug & Alcohol IQ Challenge
- Tobacco Is Changing
- Wisconsin Opioid Project
