Upcoming This Week…

Impact of Stigma on Recovery in Professional Communities

Stigma surrounding drugs and the people who use them is ubiquitous, but it isn’t always recognized or understood. Research shows that substance use-related stigma is high among the general public, among treatment professionals, and even among people who use drugs themselves. The burden of stigma is a particular challenge for former, current, or aspiring professionals who face additional barriers related to hiring, promotion, and social engagement. In this session, we explore the impact of stigma on professional communities as well as evidence-based strategies to reduce it.

Date/ Time: April 3, 2025, at 11:30-12:30 PM CST/ 12:30-1:30 PM EST

GREAT LAKES ROTA-RC Completes Year Two

77%

Increase in Virtual Education Outreach to Rural Counties

2.9k

Total Virtual Education Contacts

901

Adults Trained in Evidenced Based SUD & MH Programming

1,065

Youth Educated in SUD & MH Prevention Programming

Needs Assessment – Executive Summary

The Great Lakes ROTA-RC Needs Assessment highlights the critical behavioral health challenges facing rural communities in Health and Human Services Region 5. This report, informed by direct input from community providers, identifies priority areas for training and resource development to address disparities in prevention, treatment, and recovery. By engaging stakeholders across six states, this assessment serves as a foundation for evidence-based, community responsive interventions that support rural behavioral health. Click on the title above, or the graph to the left to access the Executive Summary.

Access the Full Report

GL ROTA-RC Partner

University of Minnesota Extension

LAUNCHES You First! Wellness

Learn more about this program

What's Included.
Trusted Resources.
The sections in You First! Wellness include resources from University of Minnesota Extension to help you grow in any area of wellness. We have also included content from trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health, to help support your wellness. We encourage you to explore these resources and use the wellness plan template to make strides in improving your wellbeing.

Waupaca Foundry earns Recovery Friendly Workplace recognition

UW Madison, Division of Extension, (a Great Lakes ROTA-RC partner), is excited to share that Waupaca Foundry has earned the Recovery Friendly Workplace recognition! This honor highlights their commitment to fostering a supportive environment for employees in or seeking recovery.

The Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative, supported by the Health and Well-Being Institute, aims to equip businesses with the tools and resources needed to create healthier workplaces. Waupaca Foundry’s efforts demonstrate the positive impact of this program, inspiring other organizations to prioritize recovery-friendly practices.

Read the full article in Insight on Business to learn more about Waupaca Foundry’s recognition and the role Extension plays in supporting recovery efforts in local communities in Wisconsin.

Featured Services

On the right side of a wooden desk sits a coffee cup on a saucer. Beside the coffee cup are a partially visible laptop, cell phone, and pen cap.

Upcoming Virtual Events

These virtual learning opportunities will be hosted by Great Lakes ROTA-RC’s Cooperative Extension partners in Region 5, and feature a range of experienced professionals.

What’s Upcoming