Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski believes technology can play a role in helping people. Earlier this month was National Prevention Week, which addresses the strides taken to address underage drinking, prescription and illicit drug use, alcohol abuse, suicides, and mental health. In some respects, Joski says the area has taken strides to improve while falling short in others. He says technology allows people to check in on each other and reach out when people are in trouble more readily.
Joski says the community has taken the biggest strides in addressing alcohol abuse and underage drinking, but can still improve on helping people through their mental health issues.
FROM KEWAUNEE COUNTY SHERIFF MATT JOSKI
I apologize for being a bit late with this topic, but the need for awareness knows no boundaries. The week of May 10th through May 16th was designated as National Prevention Week bringing awareness to the many issues that our communities struggle with.
Sunday was marked as Prevention and Cessation of Tobacco Use. We have seen an increase in awareness of the health hazards associated with tobacco use, however there is much work left to do in the area of youth tobacco use. On a similar note, while we have seen a marked decrease in the use of cigarettes in our society, a new health threat has emerged which has the potential for as much if not greater health risks, vaping. While originally marketed as a safe option to smoking the multitude of chemicals and additives contained within these devices demand close scrutiny and oversight.
Monday was marked as Prevention of Underage Drinking, which is an issue we have spent many resources in both education and enforcement and continue to reach out to the community to educate our young people about the many dangers and pitfalls of underage alcohol consumption. We have seen successes in this area as we now have the widespread adoption of school codes which hold the students accountable if they make the choice to consume alcohol. This message must be followed through in the home as well so that a consistent message is sent increasing our chance to truly influence our youth.
Tuesday was marked as Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Use. This is notably our biggest challenge in our communities as we continue to see widespread use of varying drugs. Over the years we have seen the popularity of various narcotics come and go, but the presence of drugs in general continues to take its toll on both those who live with the addictions as well as those who die from them. We must continue our vigilance to the suppression and ultimately eradication of these drugs from our communities. These efforts must be two fold in that we work to eliminate the availability through enforcement while at the same time eliminating the demand through treatment. We are very fortunate to have professionals dedicated to each of these efforts in their respective disciplines.
Wednesday was marked as Prevention of Alcohol Abuse. This issue is separate from prevention of underage alcohol because it is in fact its own serious issue facing those under the legal age as well as those who can legally consume. This issue includes such behaviors as binge drinking which unfortunately Wisconsin is rated as one of the top states for this behavior. This also brings awareness to alcoholism in general, which has claimed too many marriages, jobs, families, and even lives. Very few of us are able to say we have not seen this sickness affect someone, and we must call awareness to this issue even if that person is not receptive. I have always said, I would rather have someone angry with me and alive than to attend the funeral of a friend.
Thursday was marked for Suicide Prevention. This is not always easy to identify and unfortunately is not recognized until after the tragic event. Our most effective tool to combat suicide is our own daily interaction with those around us. We must always be sensitive to what our family and friends are going through. What might seem like a small matter to us may seem insurmountable to the next person. Especially during these past few months of limited socializing, the potential for increased mental health issues is something we all must be aware of and willing to reach out to make sure our friends and neighbors know that we are all there for each other.
Friday was marked as the Promotion of Mental, Emotional, and Behavior Well Being. While our well being in these areas may be directly tied to the decisions we make or the circumstances we find ourselves in, for some it is truly a medical condition. We must all be compassionate to those around us who may be suffering from a mental health condition which in many cases is only manageable through constant medical attention. It is important to note that wellness, which gets a great deal of attention these days does in fact consist of four distinct categories; Physical Wellness, Mental Wellness , Financial Wellness, and Spiritual Wellness. While we may go through highs and lows in each of these categories at any given time, each is there to support the other, and each requires practice and vigilance for success.
