August 13, 2012 

Barnstable County Department of Human Services has completed a report of results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 2008 to 2010, contrasting Barnstable County respondents with those for Massachusetts as a whole. The BRFSS - centrally managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - is the world's largest, on-going telephone health survey system, tracking emerging public health issues, health conditions, risk factors and behaviors among adults 18 years and over across the nation.  In Massachusetts,the annual BRFSS survey is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which provides access to results for Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs), counties and certain large cities.  More than 400 Barnstable County residents respond to the BRFSS questionnaire each year and details regarding methods are in the Department of Human Services report along with results. The report can be viewed at www.bchumanservices.net/local-data-statistics

_____________________________________________________________________

The next meeting of the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission is scheduled for Monday, August 13th at 5:30 PM in Rms 11/12 at the Barnstable County Superior Courthouse, 3195 Main St.  These meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

_______________________________________________________________________

Learn tips and tricks to help everyone, no matter what age, get better at remembering what you don't want to forget.  FREE workshop taught by Joan Houlihan of Atria Woodbriar on Monday, September 10th from 1:30 - 2:30 PM at the Falmouth Council on Aging and Wednesday, September 19th from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at the Sandwich Council on Aging.  To register call Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod at 508/775-5656 or email info@alzcapecod.org.

_____________________________________________________________________

12th Annual Children's Cove Conference on Child Sexual Abuse is scheduled for September 13 & 14, 2012 at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa in Hyannis.  Group discounts and CEU's available.  Register by September 3rd online at www.childrenscove.org.

______________________________________________________________________

Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Islands Nutrition Program is scheduled for September 21, 2012 at the Club at Yarmouthport, Rte. 6A.  Player registration and tournament sponsor opportunities available.  Shotgun start at 1:00 PM.  See flyer, registration form, and sponsor form for more information or contact Helen at 508/394-4630 ext. 102.

_____________________________________________________________________

2012 Out of the Darkness Community Walk, September 29th, Buzzards Bay sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  2012 Honorary Co-Chairs:  Senator Scott Brown & Senator John Kerry.  To register or sponsor or donate visit www.outofthedarkness.org.  For other Massachusetts walk locations click here.

_______________________________________________________________________

Please join staff from Attorney General Martha Coakley's office, Division of Open Government, at an educational forum on Open Meeting Law scheduled for October 17, 2012 from 6 - 8:00 PM at Barnstable High School, 744 West Main St., Hyannis.  This workshop will provide an update on and guidance about compliance with the Open Meeting Law.  The educational forum will be conducted by attorneys and staff from the Division of Open Government and will be a terrific opportunity for municipal officials, members of public bodies, and members of the public to understand this important law.  The forums are open to the public and offered FREE of charge.

Please register in advance by emailing OMLTraining@state.ma.us, or call 617/963-2925 with:  First and last name, town of residence, public body/organization you represent and the location of the educational forum  you will attend.

____________________________________________________________________

Fact Sheets from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus are attached. Click here for mosquito-borne illness risk map.  Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus and is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Read more ...  West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis.  Read more ...

State Officials announced on July 30th a significant decline in mosquito population following aerial spraying on the weekend of July 20 - 22 in SE Massachusetts.  Ground spraying will continue as risk of EEE remains a concern.  Residents are urged to take precautions.  Read more ...  A new press release from the Mass Dept. of Health on August 7th announced changes in risk level in some cmmunities as well as plans for additional aerial spraying.  Read more ...

______________________________________________________________________

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced $2.3 million in grants to train primary care physician assistants (PA's) and help veterans transition from the military to civilian PA careers when they return home.  Funding priority was given to grantees that have strong recruitment, retention, and education programs for veteran applicants and students, including academic recognition of medical training and experience gained during military service.  Read more ...

_____________________________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________________

Message from new Board of Directors President, Pam Marsh & new Vice President Sharon Hawkins

WE CAN has purchased a permanent home on Route 28 in Harwich Port, just 1.5 miles down the road from their current office.  They have recently selected a contractor and renovations began on August 1st.  This new modest space will allow for growth and improved service delivery to meet the steadily increasing demand for their unique program offerings to Cape Cod women such as legal services, financial counseling and work support.  In the first half of this year the number of program participants served has doubled.  The Second Decade Campaign will make it possible to complete the building renovations.  Since the campaign launch in late June $125,000 has been raised - halfway to the $250,000 goal.  For more information on the Second Decade Campaign or to donate click here.

WE CAN is dedicated to empowering Cape Cod women of all ages to successfully navigate challenging life transitions such as career change, job loss, illness, divorce, or retirement.  Whether the situation is acute or chronic, WE CAN helps with information & referrals, mentoring, free legal services, training and workshops - empowering women to achieve lasting, positive change for themselves and their families, and ultimately for the entire community.

_____________________________________________________________________

• 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?

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.

____________________________________________________________________

• Descriptive Title
• Brief Description of the Content (the who, what, why, when, where) 
• Attachments must be submitted in PDF and text format (either DOC or RTF files are acceptable)
• Weblink or Hyperlink if available 
• Contact information of the person submitting the information and if appropriate, the contact person for the event (include name, address, phone, TTY, email)