‘Rise Together’ event in Onalaska to deal with addiction and mental health

It’s okay for young people to talk about drug addiction and mental health. 

And in the La Crosse area, young people are getting chances to talk Wednesday, as part of a program sponsored by the Coulee Council on Addiction. 

The ‘Rise Together’ community event happens at Stoney Creek Inn of Onalaska, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

From the Coulee Council, prevention specialist Rita Von Haden says some hazardous behavior could be avoided if teenagers were encouraged to speak out about problems.

“Our youth don’t really know what to say, they feel like they don’t have the power to bring it up, or to just find someone to talk to,” said Von Haden.

She says young people need to hear that they have a ‘voice’ in helping friends and family.