• Do you provide health or human services on Cape Cod or the Islands?
• Does the public know what services you provide?
• Do people know how to access your services?
• Do you need assistance in finding services for your clients?

Barnstable County Department of Human Services recently released a case study report "A Community Response:  Addressing Suicide and Depression Among Men on Cape Cod".  This report captures the collaborative and rapid response to the 2010 increase in deaths by suicide in Falmouth, most of which were middle-age men age 35-64  years of age.  The report describes the response efforts of state, county, and town governments, community-based organizations and media; discusses the need to address suicide and depression among middle-age men; and closes with region-wide plans to respond to the issue, including the Real Men, Real Depression mental health campaign.  The Department plans to post this report on their new website to be launched shortly.  In the meantime, please contact Christine Stein if you would like a print copy at 508/375-6629 or cstein@barnstablecounty.org.  Please note:  Representatives and Alternates of the Barnstable County Health & Human Services Advisory Council will automatically get a copy of this report.

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Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple pie, but did you know that more fires are reported on that day than on any other day of the year in the United States.  You can enjoy your holiday and the fireworks with just a few simple safety tips:  PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

• Leave fireworks to the professionals.  Do no use consumer fireworks.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
• After the firework display, children should never pick up left over fireworks, they may still be active.
• The tip of a sparkler burns at temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit which is hot enough to cause third degree burns.  Use common sense around young children.

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The Regional SHINE office for the Cape and Islands is currently scheduling Medicare training sessions for September 20211  These sessions are designed to be held at your organization and can be customized, based on the needs of your staff, to include an overview of the Medicare program, the 2011 changes to the program, as well as an overview of financial assistance programs available to their Medicare patients/clients in MA.  For more information, or to schedule a September training session for your staff, contact Antoinette Day at mippaantoinette@gmail.com

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Spaulding Health Psychologist will present "Keys to Living Well with Parkinson's" on Tuesday, July 19 at 4:00 PM in the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod in Sandwich.  "This is an opportunity to learn about strategies to help navigate Parkinson's better" says Dr. John Allen, health psychologist and director of the Parkinson's Positive Psychology Program for Patients and Care-partners at Spaulding.  "It is possible to enhance quality of life in the midst of this difficult disease."

To pre-register for the presentation call 508/833-4210 or on line at www.spauldingcapecod.org.  Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.  Light refreshments will be served.

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Project Playhouse Cape Cod is a new fundraiser for the children's programs of Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC).  A non-profit organization that provides affordable housing services and solutions to Cape Codders, HAC has partnered with Cape builders EJ Jaxtimer, Cape Associates, Inc., and the Valle Group to showcase three one-of-a-kind playhouses to be raffled off on August 12, 2011.  The goal is to raise $40,000 to benefit HAC, which serves approximately 3,000 children each year through emergency shelters and housing programs.  Playhouses can be viewed July 1 through August 12 at Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville, the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis and Mashpee Commons in Mashpee.  Playhouse Ribbon Cutting ceremonies scheduled for July 1st: 11 AM at Mashpee Commons, 5 PM at Cape Cod Mall, 7 PM at Four Seas Ice Cream.

To purchase raffle tickets or to learn more visit www.ProjectPlayhouseCapeCod.org.  Tickets are $10 each. 

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CIGSYA has been selected for a fundraising opportuity at Not Your Average Joe's, 793 Iyannough Rd. in Hyannis.  On Tuesdays during the month of July, 15% of your dining bill will go directly to benefit CIGSYA programs.  Just let your server know which featured non-profit you would like to support.

This fundraising opportunity is available to non-profits across the Cape.  For more information contact Not Your Average Joe's manager, Derek Pattison.

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Recruitment is undeerway for the 2011-2012 Pathmaker's Program at WE CAN.  Pathmaker's is a 10 month program (September to June) that provides women an opportunity to create a life vision and set goals, and provides support from both an individual mentoring partner as well as a group of women of all ages. 

For more information or to register call 508/430-8111 or email info@wecancenter.org

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The VA has rebranded the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline to what is now called Veterans Crisis Line.  The purpose of the change is to shift the emphasis from "suicide" to "crisis" for Veterans and their families to make that critical first call for help.  The Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) is available 24/7/365 to provide confidential counseling and referrals for Veterans and their families.  This is an integrated national outreach effort to increase awareness and use of the Veterans Crisis Line, support and promote broader VA suicide prevention efforts, and promote help-seeking behaviors among Veterans at risk of suicide and other mental health problems.

For more information about the Veterans Crisis Line please click here.

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• Support existing programs and practices that encourage happy and healthy eating
• Increase awareness of and participation in food-centered activities
• Increase healthy food options at all Cape Cod food pantries
• Promote community-driven advocacy and public education around healthy and happy eating.

To learn more visit http://www.bchumanservices.net/ or contact Beth Albert at Tel: 508/375-6626 

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