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Barnstable County Human Services 
   E-Newsletter
In This Issue
Department's Corner
Fall Walking Weekend
The Art of Recovery
Medical Safety ID event
Suicide Prevention Webinar
Human Rights Commission seeks new Commissioners
An evening with Brent Runyon
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
Healthy Eating Opportunity
Health Literacy and the Affordable Care Act Webinar
Family Law Overview workshop
Medical Reserve Corps seeks volunteers
News - The Coalition for Children
Cape Cod Healthcare announces RFP
Funding Opportunity - Forward Promise Initiative
"84" Movement grant
News from Independence House
Ounce of Prevention 2012
Open Meeting Law Training
MLK Day Service Projects
Parkinson's Symposium
News from Alzheimer's Services
Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod
MUCCHC - Name Change
Suicide Prevention Training Calendar
News from NAMI Cape Cod
News from the Barnstable Senior Center
News from the Eastham Senior Center
Hospice & Palliative Care Rebrands
Provincetown Kitchen Fundraising Challenge
2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
Prevention & Public Health Fund Reporting Database
2012-2013 Disaster Behavioral Health Training Series
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
Homelessness Crisis Hotline
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
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ISSUE: 71

September 21, 2012 

Greetings!

Welcome to the information E-Newsletter from Barnstable County Department of Human Services.  This newsletter is designed to provide timely information on health and human service topics of interest for people living and working in Barnstable County.
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DEPARTMENT'S CORNER

Suicide Deaths on Cape Cod and the Islands

 

The Department recently released a Fact Sheet: Suicide Deaths on Cape Cod and the Islands that summarizes data on suicide deaths specific to residents of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket during the period 2000 - 2009. The fact sheet highlights populations of concern including middle-age men, young people and older adults and provides general facts about suicide deaths. For a copy of the fact sheet click here.  For more information contact Christine Stein, Senior Project Manager, 508 -375-6629, [email protected]

 

The Department is planning to release of a complete summary report of Cape and Islands suicide deaths in October 2012.

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FALL WALKING WEEKEND

Join us for Fall Walking Weekend October 5-8th

Explore Cape Cod's natural surroundings through free walks and hikes.  For walk schedules, descriptions, and information please visit: www.capecodcommission.org and click on Walking Weekend under Quick Links.  There are walks for all ages and fitness levels and several of this year's walks have special themes.  There is still time to add walks-if you would like to submit an idea, please email Heather McElroy at [email protected]

 

This year Cape Cod Pathways is partnering with the Barnstable County Department of  Human Services Mass in Motion Initiative for Walking Weekend: www.bchumanservices.net

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THE ART OF RECOVERY

This is an exhibit to restore the dignity of incarcerated young men and women.  It is by and for our children, parents, brothers and sisters in the Barnstable County Correctional Facility (BCCF) and those in recovery at other sites.  The exhibit will open on September 21st and continue through Thanksgiving at the Three Fish and a Ram Gallery in Mashpee Commons.  The exhibit will support artists through the Canteen Fund at the BCCF, the work of the Cape Cod Justice for Youth Collaborative to reduce youth violence, and the mission of Three Fish and a Ram Gallery, a non-profit dedicated to providing a venue for emerging artists.  See flyer for more details or visit http://threefishandaram.weebly.com/art-of-recovery.html or www.ccjusticeforyouth.org or email [email protected] or call 508/862-9984.

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MEDICAL SAFETY ID EVENT

FREE, no appointment necessary Medical Safety ID event for seniors and other people with special educational needs, disabilities or communication difficulties will be held on Monday, September 24, 2012 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Bourne Veterans Memorial Community Center, Main St. in Buzzards Bay. 

 

What to bring:  Names, roles and contact details for your physicians, emergency contact information, medication list, allergies or other vital information, medical information, evidence that you are the guardian or have power of attorney for another person for whom you are seeking a Medical Safety ID.

 

Event is sponsored by New York Life Mutual Insurance Co.  For more information contact Alan Milsted at 508/362-2807.

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WEBINAR: EXPANDING SUICIDE PREVENTION TO INCLUDE UPSTREAM APPROACHES 

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) Training Institute will host a web-based seminar on Tuesday, September 25, 3:30 - 5:00 EST titled "Expanding Suicide Prevention to Include Upstream Approaches".  This webinar is free of charge although people are asked to pre-register.

 

Suicide prevention efforts have largely focused on strategies to identify and get help for those who are at-risk for suicide, but suicide prevention can also occur prior to the onset of risk to prevent the development of risk. Such "upstream" suicide prevention approaches may be able to inoculate individuals against suicide. One example of an upstream approach is the Good Behavior Game (GBG), a classroom management technique for use in elementary schools. A follow-up study of students who had the GBG in first and second grade found an almost 50% reduction in suicide attempts at age 20. This webinar will highlight the GBG and its theorized mechanism for reducing suicide attempts. In addition, other upstream approaches and the role of upstream approaches within the spectrum of wellness, prevention, treatment, and aftercare strategies for suicide prevention will be discussed. The potential long-term impact of upstream approaches in preventing a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders will be discussed, along with the practice implications of such findings. 

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HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SEEKS THREE NEW COMMISSIONERS

The Barnstable County Human Rights Commission is seeking candidates to fill three vacancies on the nine member Commission for three-year terms beginning January 2013. For more information about the Human Rights Commission click here.

 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume postmarked no later than Friday, September 28, 2012 to: Barnstable County Human Services Department, HRC Candidates, P.O. Box 427, Barnstable, MA 02630 or by email to [email protected]Click here to read more.  For questions or additional information about the work of the Human Rights Commission contact Elenita Muiz, HRC Coordinator at Tel: 508/771-1530 or email [email protected].

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AN EVENING WITH BRENT RUNYON
In The Burn Journals, Brent describes his devastating suicide attempt and his recovery over the following year.  But more importantly, Brent takes us into his own mind as he shares his thoughts and hopes and fears.  An evening with Brent Runyon is scheduled for September 27th at 7:00 PM at the Jonathan Bourne Public Library, 19 Sandwich Rd., Bourne.  Presentation is open to the public and FREE of charge.  Light refreshments will be served.  Sponsored by the Jonathan Bourne Public Library and the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands.  For more information contact Diane Ranney at 508/759-0644 or Stephanie Kelly at 508/548-7999.  Click here  for flyer.
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GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP

Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition invites  you to join them for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group.  Group will be held at Cape Cod Child Development, 83 Pearl St., Hyannis starting on September 27, 2012 from 5:30 PM (dinner) with meeting 6:00 - 7:30 PM and continuing every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month.  Childcare and dinner will be provided.  Please register by the Tuesday before each meeting by calling Kerry Bickford at 508/771-4336.

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HEALTHY EATING OPPORTUNITY

With the ongoing shift in health care towards prevention & wellness, Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands has committed to conducting an evidence-based FREE six week workshop series for adults age 60+: Healthy Eating for Successful Living.  The latest series is scheduled to begin on September 27, 1 - 3:00 PM at the Yarmouth Senior Center and will be held on Thursdays through November 1, 2012.

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HEALTH LITERACY AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT WEBINAR

Health Communication Matters!  FREE webinar about the ongoing challenge to explain and implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 10 - 11:30 (Pacific time).  The most sweeping health policy change in decades has created a myriad of challenges in how to convey a complex subject to the public, the media, policymakers, and other professionals. In this webinar experts in ACA-related health literacy and health insurance literacy initiatives will wall through on-going areas of challenge and health communication principles to deliver understandable and compelling content to diverse audiences.  Webinar participants will receive a copy of a new tool, "Health Literacy: Undervalued by Public Health" designed to build capacity for health literacy among public health professionals. Register now.

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FAMILY LAW OVERVIEW WORKSHOP

"Everything you wanted to know about family law but were afraid to ask" presented by: Attorney Kathy Pett-Ryman coming up on Wednesday, October 3rd from 4-6pm at the Falmouth Service Center.  Please see poster for details.  Attendees are encouraged to come with a list of questions.

 

To register for this workshop call WE CAN @ 508-430-8111 or via email at [email protected].  

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MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

The Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps is seeking volunteers for the towns of Provincetown and Truro to assist in the event of an emergency.  Open House is scheduled for October 4, 2012 at 10 AM and 2 PM at the Provincetown Library Lower Level Conference Room.  Learn how you can help your community in an emergency in lots of different ways.  Click here  for more information.

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NEWS FROM THE COALITION FOR CHILDREN
  • Active Parenting Class:  6 week class beings Thursday, October 4th in Falmouth at 5:45 PM.  For more details or to register call 508/548-0151 ext. 172.
  • Next Council meeting: Monday, September 24th at 5:30 PM at the Police Athletic League in East Falmouth.  For more details call 508/548-0151 ext. 172.
  • Join the Coalition for Children for a day of fun, music, food and laughter at a fundraiser on Saturday, October 13th for Alexis Briggs, a 7 year old diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor, a rare form of cancer.  Click here  for more information.  BeTheMatch.org bone marrow sign-up will also be available. 
For more information on these and other events and activities visit http://www.thecoalitionforchildren.org/
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CAPE COD HEALTHCARE ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY BENEFITS RFP

Cape Cod Healthcare to award $175,000 in Strategic Grants as part of its Community Benefits Program.  Proposed projects must align with one or more of the FY13 Community Benefits priorities. Click here for the press release.  Deadline for proposals is Wednesday, October 9, 2012 by 4:00 PM. Visit the Cape Cod Healthcare website for information about this grant process.

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE HEALTH, LIFE SKILLS OF YOUNG MEN OF COLOR
As part of its Forward Promise initiative, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will fund community-based projects that strengthen health, education, employment opportunities for boys and young men of color.  Applications are due by October 10, 2012
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THE 84 GRANT APPLICATION FY13

The 84 Movement is a statewide youth tobacco prevention movement that celebrates the fact that 84% of Massachusetts youth do not smoke!!!  They are announcing a total award of 15 statewide mini-grants to high school age youth groups across the state for youth to fight tobacco.  Groups that receive grants will become 84 Chapters and join a statewide network of youth groups all fighting for the same cause - to fight the influence of Big Tobacco!  For more information view the info sheet and grant applicationGrant applications are due by Friday, October 12, 2012.  Contact Hye Won Lee at 617/279-2240 x307 or [email protected] for questions.

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NEWS FROM INDEPENDENCE HOUSE

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

  • Annual 5K Walk/Run for Domestic Violence on Saturday, October 13, 2012 in Chatham and Hyannis.  The Chatham Clergy Association has teamed up with Independence House to support a second walk/run location in Chatham along with the open house in Hyannis at Independence House on Bassett Lane.  Learn more and register.
  • 12th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Breakfast will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012 at the Cape Codder Resort, Iyannough Rd., Hyannis.  This event will bring community members together to talk about the important connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.  The breakfast is a complimentary community awareness event to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence.  Reservations are required - register online.
  • The Rape Crisis Program of Independence House announces a new collaboration with the Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project.  The first initiative is a jointly facilitated Male Survivor's Recovery Group and is for any person identifying as male who is a survivor of Domestic and/or Sexual Violence and resides on Cape Cod.  For more information call 508/771-6507 or email [email protected].

For more information about events and activities of Independence House visit their website at www.independencehouse.com

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OUNCE OF PREVENTION 2012

The Ounce of Prevention 2012 Conference "Paving a New Way for Prevention: Transforming how we Pay, Play and Perform" is scheduled for October 16, 2012 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center in Marlborough, MA.  Event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health with support provided by AdCare Educational Institue, Inc.  For more information and to register click here.

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OPEN MEETING LAW TRAINING

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 [email protected], 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.

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MLK DAY OF SERVICE PROJECTS - January 21, 2013

Barnstable County's AmeriCorps Cape Cod is seeking applications for potential projects for a Martin Luther King Day of Service volunteer event to take place on Monday, January 21, 2013.  Let us offer your organization the energy and resources leveraged by a corps of 32 AmeriCorps Cape Cod members, AmeriCorps program staff, community volunteers, donations from local businesses, and grant funding. Fill out the attached Request for Information form, and your organization's project could be selected.  Deadline for submitting proposals is October 19, 2012.

 

Visit www.americorpscapecod.org for additional information.

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PARKINSON SYMPOSIUM 2012

The Edward I. Rudman Parkinson's Disease Patient and Carepartner Symposium at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston will be webcast live at the YMCA Cape Cod, 2245 Route 132, Barnstable, MA on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 8:30 AM.  See flyer  for more details.   No registration fee.  Register for the webcast by calling 617/667-9910.

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NEWS FROM ALZHEIMER'S SERVICES OF CAPE COD & ISLANDS
  • Dementia Certificate program scheduled for October 22 & 29 at the ASCCI office, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis.  Course fee $115.00 & 8 CEU's for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, MSWs, LHMCs, Psychologists, PCAs, Nursing Home Administrators, and Activity Professionals.  To register call 508/775-5656.  Register online at www.alzcapecod.org/education.
  • Reds, Whites & Blues Gala to benefit Alzheimer's Services of C&I is scheduled for October 27, 2012 at the Willowbend Country Club.  RSVP on or before October 19.  Admission $100.  Reservations recommended.  Contact Catherine at [email protected] or call 774/487-3667.

Find more classes at www.alzcapecod.org/education

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16th ANNUAL PHILANTHROPY DAY ON CAPE COD

Philanthropy Partners has announced that registration is open for this event which will include a full lineup of extended educational programming.  Program descriptions and registration are now available online at the partners' newly designed website capecodphilanthropy.org.  The full day event will be held at the Resort and Conference Center of Hyannis from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 14th.  The theme of the conference is "Motivations, Expectations & Actions.  CFRE credits will be offered.  Registration starts as low as $40 per person.  Registration deadline is Wednesday, November 7th.  For a copy of the registration brochure or other questions contact Maura White at [email protected] or 508/280-1822.

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MID UPPER CAPE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER NAME CHANGE

For years, Mid Upper Cape Community Health Center has been serving the diverse population of Barnstable County, creating lasting relationships with patients and the community. That being said, Mid Upper Cape Community Health Center has a new name...Harbor Community Health Center- Hyannis!

 

Harbor Community Health Center-Hyannis

(Formerly known as Mid Upper Cape Community Health Center)

30 Elm Avenue, Hyannis, MA 02601

To make a medical appointment, please call (508) 778-5420

To make a dental appointment, please call (508) 778-5440

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MDPH SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM TRAINING CALENDAR
Mental health professionals often treat suicidal patients, and suicidal behavior occurs even among patients who are seeking treatment or are currently in treatment. The training of most mental health professionals in the assessment and management of suicidal patients is surprisingly limited.  Alarmingly, only 50% of psychologists, 25% of social workers and 6% of counselors have training in suicide risk assessment.  Improving the training and competence of mental health professionals is one of the most logical ways to prevent suicide and save lives.

 

Now Available:  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program Training Calendar for September 2012 - August 2013.  Please click on the link to view the training calender and to register at http://www.cvent.com/d/bdqfst/6T

 

When registering for a workshop, please note that each event has tabs titled with information regarding the workshop, available CEs and cost.  Space is limited for each workshop and fills up quickly, so please register early.

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NEWS FROM NAMI CAPE COD

Many exciting activities going on at NAMI Cape Cod:

  • Expanded Family Support Groups across Cape Cod and on Martha's Vineyard
  • Expanded Connection Support Groups for those with mental illness
  • Recovery Education courses on the Cape & Martha's Vineyard
  • Family-To-Family courses being scheduled for 2013.
  • Healing through Art class planned for this Fall
  • 5th Annual Cookout at Goodwill Park in Falmouth will be held on October 6 from 11 AM - 3 PM

Ron Holmes has been hired as a full time Executive Director while maintaining the administrative staff complemented by a substantial increase in the volunteer force.  For more information on support, education and advocacy visit the NAMI Cape Cod website.

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NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER

Lots of activities & workshops being planned at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis this Fall:

  • Healthy Eating for a Healthier You, October 3rd from 10:30 - 11:30 AM 
  • Planning for Retirement Housing workshop, October 11th at 1:00 PM
  • Adult Supportive Day Open House, October 17th from 3 - 6:00 PM
  • Crafter Fair, October 19th from 9 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Hearing Screenings, October 30th from 1 - 3:00 PM
  • Senior Medical Patrol - Guidelines to Healthcare Fraud, October 31st at 1:00 PM

RSVP is required for most events to 508/862-4750 or [email protected].  Many more offerings can be found at the Barnstable Senior Center website.

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NEWS FROM THE EASTHAM SENIOR CENTER

Upcoming events and activities at the Eastham Senior Center:

 

  • Veterans Administration presents  State Veteran's benefits at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 21, 2012. 
  • Obtaining disability placards at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 28, 2012 at the Eastham Senior Center, located at 1405 Nauset Road.
  • Alzheimer's Support Group every 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:30 AM.
  • Caregiver's group: All are welcome! The group meets every 1st & 4th Wednesday of the month at 10:30 AM.
  • Performer Peter Donnelly: Enjoy songs of the 60's & 70's from Peter Donnelly on Friday, October 5 at 10:30 AM.
  • Medical Alarms USA/Phillips Lifeline: will review the alarm system, and a Q&A session regarding the use/safety of the alarms at the Eastham Senior Center on Friday, October 12 at 11:00 AM.
  • Flu Shots will be given on Thursday, October 18 from 9-10 AM, 10-11 AM OR 11 AM-12 PM. Appointments are required. To schedule yours please call the Eastham Senior Center at (508) 255-6164.
  • Sisters Act features Eastham Senior Director, Sandra Szedlak and sister, Gail Peters Wolfahrt. Mrs. Wolfahrt, an attorney,is an expert on legal and financial matters affecting seniors. Mrs. Szedlak is an expert on health insurance, claims filing, Medigap policies, and Medicare Part D. The presentation will be held on Friday, October 19 at 10:30 AM.
  • New Discoveries in the Medical Field:  Learn about clinical research studies in the Cape Cod area. The presentation will be held on Friday, October 19 at 11:00 AM

All events are held at the Eastham Senior Center, located at 1405 Nauset Road. For more information or to RSVP, please call us at (508) 255-6164.

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HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE OF CAPE COD REBRANDS AS HOPEHEALTH

Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, the organization that has provided hope to thousands of patients and families for more than three decades unveiled its new name HopeHealth on September 17, 2012.  The HopeHealth name reinforces the non-profit's mission of enhancing the quality of life for people experiencing serious illness and loss, while also reflecting an expansion of services and footprint across six Eastern Massachusetts counties.

 

Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands (ASCCI) became an affiliate of Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod more than a year ago. ASCCI also announced its new name Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services and will continue to fulfill their mission of meeting the growing healthcare needs of Cape Cod and the surrounding communities.  Read more ...

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PROVINCETOWN KITCHEN FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

The Provincetown AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (ASGCC) kitchen is badly in need of renovation.  Over the past few years we have been able to make upgrades to most of our equipment thanks to the generosity of our friends in the community.  Now we are in our final push to finish the project!  An anonymous donor has offered to match all new donations up to $2,000. Any donation amount is welcome and greatly appreciated! 

Here's what you can do to help:
1)  Make a donation - by sending a check, calling us with credit card information or through our Pay Pal account - and make note that the donation is part of the "Provincetown Kitchen Fundraising Challenge"
2) Share the information about this challenge with your friends and family and ask them to help us reach our goal by making a donation. 

 

Donations can be sent to ASGCC, P.O. Box 1522, Provincetown, MA 02657, Attn: Kitchen Fundraising Challenge.  Reach us by phone at 508-487-9445 or  You can make a Pay Pal by visiting our website at www.asgcc.org

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2012 NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION RELEASED

The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin announced the release of the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention on September 11, 2012.  It is a report of the Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance).  Some of the major developments addressed in the revised National Strategy include:  A better understanding of how suicide is related to mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, violence, and other related issues; new information on groups that may be at an increased risk for suicidal behaviors; increased knowledge of the types of interventions that may be most effective for suicide prevention; and an increased recognition of the importance of implementing suicide prevention efforts in a comprehensive and coordinated way.  View the full report.

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PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH FUND REPORTING DATABASE

There is now a comprehensive link to the Prevention and Public Health Fund Reporting Database, maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services.  This database includes funding opportunity announcements, requests for proposals, and other funding solicitations for activities funded from the Prevention and Public Health Fund.  It can be sorted a number of different ways. 

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2012 - 2013 DISASTER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRAINING SERIES

This year, the DPH Emergency Preparedness Bureau, in collaboration with DMH, is supporting the Boston Medical Center - Center for Multi-Cultural Mental Health to provide three different courses and seven training sessions taking place at various locations throughout the Commonwealth. The training curriculum focuses on building psychological resilience for individuals responding to a disaster as well as how to provide Psychological First Aid to anyone impacted by a disaster. These trainings are relevant to a wide variety of professional and volunteer healthcare, mental health, public health, and public safety personnel. Continuing education credits will be available for several professional licenses.  I have listed the dates of the trainings below. Additional information as well as online registration can be accessed through the training series' website.

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MASS 2-1-1 RESOURCE LOCATOR
Is your organization listed on 2-1-1?  If not, take some time and list it today!
  • 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?
~ Is your organization listed on Mass 2-1-1?  If not, let us know.
~ Not sure how to use 2-1-1?  It's easy - call us for free training.
~ Want to learn how to create your own directory of resources?
  
MASS 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral database and hotline for access to health and human services for consumers and providers.  Multi-lingual translations are also available.  The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has designated it as the official point of contact for receiving emergency information during a time of crisis.  

MASS 2-1-1 is a project supported by the Barnstable County Department of Human Services in partnership with the Cape & Islands United Way.  For more information contact the Barnstable County Dept. of Human Services at [email protected] or call 508/375-6626.  To locate services dial 211 or 1-877-211-MASS on your telephone or go to www.mass211help.org
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VETERANS CRISIS HOTLINE

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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SAMARITAN SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUPS
Over 800,000 people worldwide end their lives annually.  Seven to ten people -- parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren and close friends -- deeply feel the devastation of each loss.  
That means that approximately 5 million "survivors" are left behind every year.
Samaritans has expanded the number of sites on the Cape & Islands for their survivor support groups including Falmouth, Hyannis and Nantucket.  These groups honor and respect the needs of the survivors, provide unconditional emotional support, help survivors gain courage and comfort from one another, and deal with a unique grief that is often not understood by others.

For more information contact the Samaritans office at Tel: 508/548-7999
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HOMELESSNESS CRISIS HOTLINE
Serving individuals & families in the communities of Barnstable County, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  Immediate local emergency housing, food and transportation available.  Referral to the right resources for assistance, assessment and on-going support. If you or someone you know, are in crisis and have no place to stay tonight, call the  Crisis Hotline at 1-888-656-2233 to connect with an experienced advocate who can arrange local overnight emergency housing until the next business day.  You will meet with an advocate the following day to help you access available resources and supportive services.
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E-NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
 To submit materials, please include the following information:
  • 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)
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Barnstable County Seal

Posting of articles submitted for publication in the Barnstable County Human Services Newsletter is at the discretion of the Department.  All articles must be submitted in text format to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  To request this newsletter in alternate formats, please call Kathie at 508-375-6628 or TDD at 508-362-5885.