November 2, 2012 

November 5, 11 AM-12 Noon:  Kevin Lambert, Director of Special Populations Program for Veterans Services discusses veteran reintegration into society after returning from conflict.  Kevin returned from Iraq with a serious injury to his spine, post-traumatic stress disorder and a mild brain injury.  As an outreach coordinator for the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans' Empowerment (SAVE) program through the Mass Department of Veterans' Services, Kevin now reaches out to other returning veterans. Kevin has pioneered multiple veterans' outreach efforts that have received national recognition.  His newest endeavor known as the Statewide Homelessness and Reintegration Program (SHARP) focuses on peer support and outreach for veterans seeking assistance for a multitude of issues including homelessness, substance abuse, judicial system issues and reentry from incarceration.  This is a FREE event presented by SolAmor Hospice.  Please RSVP to 508/862-4750.

For more information on programs and services check out the website at www.town.barnstable.ma.us/seniorservices

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On November 9, 2012, leading experts in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will provide informative views on the differences and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and lesser known dementias. Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services, an affiliate of HopeHealth and formerly known as Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, will host the 15th Annual Alzheimer's Awareness Conference: Entering the World of Dementia.

Advanced registration is required for the Alzheimer's Awareness Conference being held on Friday, November 9 at the Cape Codder, 1225 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Six continuing education units are available for this conference. Conference fees are $95.00, including course materials and CEs, and must be received by November 7. 

For more information or to register for the conference, call (508) 775-5656 or visit HopeDementia.org to register online.

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On Tuesday, November 13th, part three of a series on Workforce Development will be held with a look at local educational resources that will help prepare individuals for jobs and careers in our region.  Panelists from Cape Cod Community College and the Regional Technical Schools will present information on Adult Basic Education and GED, financial aid, certificate and degree programs and non-credit certificates geared toward obtaining employment.  The FREE training will be held at the Harborview Conference Room at the Barnstable County Complex from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon with coffee and light refreshments available starting at 9:30 AM.

This training is sponsored by the Client Coordination Council of the Cape & Islands Regional Network to Address Homelessness.  It is open to the public and people are encouraged to attend even if you were not able to attend Part 1 or 2. View flyer & registration form.  Please fax registration form to 508/362-0290 or email to pkschnepp@gmail.com.

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On November 13th, individuals can take advantage of free, confidential memory screenings as part of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative to promote proper detection of memory problems.  Hope Dementia and Alzheimer's Services, formerly Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands and an affiliate of HopeHealth, will provide memory screenings at ten Councils on Aging and Senior Centers across Cape Cod.  Screenings will be held in Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Sandwich, Wellfleet, and Yarmouth.  Read more ...  For more information call 508/775-5656 or visit HopeDementia.org

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The Cape Cod Commission is currently accepting applications for two new rental units in Eastham:  a one-bedroom handicap accessible unit and a two-bedroom unit.  There is a one year housing voucher available for each unit.  Income limits do apply.  Applications must be received by November 15th at 4:00 PM.  Click here for more details or contact Michelle at 508/362-3828 or email mspringer@capecodcommission.org

Regional Ready Renters Program: The Cape Cod Commission is currently accepting applications for its Regional Ready Renter List. This list currently covers the Towns of BARNSTABLE, DENNIS, HARWICH and YARMOUTH. It is a list used when there are available rentals in smaller rental developments, accessory apartments, "shop top housing" (rentals on top of retail stores) and other scattered availabilities. Getting on this list does not guarantee you housing, but it does mean that when there is availability, you may be called.  At this point, you will need to submit a final application and documentation for certification of income eligibility prior to leasing.  Rental Rates and Income Qualification will vary depending on projects; all rents will be affordable; some maximum eligible incomes will apply, different projects may be targeted to different income levels.  Click here for more information or call Michelle at 508/362-3828 or email mspringer@capecodcommission.org

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If you have lost someone to suicide, you are not alone. There are millions of survivors who, like you, are trying to cope with this heartbreaking loss. More than 38,000 people take their lives every year in the Unites States, each leaving behind friends and loved ones who struggle with loss, grief and all of those questions that begin "Why...?"  

On Saturday, November 17th, hundreds of simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the country and around the world. This unique network of healing conferences helps survivors connect with others who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss, and express and understand the powerful emotions they experience.  This is a day for survivors of suicide loss, their family and friends and the clinicians who support them.

Local conference will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 99 Main St., Route 28 in West Yarmouth on Saturday, November 17th from 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM sponsored by the Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Youth Suicide Prevention Project, a program of the Community Health Center of Cape Cod.  Lunch will be served.  For more information and to register please call Maura Weir at 774/392-5420.

It Does Get Better - A Community Gathering recognizing International Survivors of Suicide Day will be held at Thrive/CIGSYA, 56 Barnstable Rd. in Hyannis on Saturday, November 17th from 5 - 6:00 PM to remember those lost to suicide and addiction.  View event flyer.  For more information call 508/778-7744. 

For a list of other Massachusetts Conference Locations click here.
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Cape Mediation is offering a new type of mediation training you may be interested in for yourself or your staff.  It is skill building around conflict resolution for people to apply to workplace situations including challenges with clients, etc. This 2-day intensive training is open to the public and is scheduled for November 16th & 17th from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM each day at the Harwich Community Center.  Early registration is recommended.  Tuition is $200.00 and includes all materials, a continental breakfast and lunch for both days.  Program is approved for 13 CEU's.  For more information about the training and registration click here or contact Debbie Fish at deb@capemediation.org.

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 abr, entertainment and desserts.  Tickets are available for $25 or $30 at the door.  Call Anna Snow at 508/420-2272 to purchase tickets or for more information.  Beyond Beauty Salon, located in both Mashpee Commons and Hyannis will also donate $5 for each visit over $25 during the month of December to help with the playground fundraising efforts.

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Lots of great events and activities are being planned at the Eastham Senior Center, 1405 Nauset Rd for November & December such as:  Celebrating our Veterans luncheon, promoting good health with exercise program, property tax exemption info, assistance with completing fuel assistance applications, assistance with the annual Medicare Open Enrollment process and lots more.  Click to view the November/December newsletter filled with information on various activities and programs.

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The new telephone number for the Human Rights Commission (HRC) is 508/375-6912. The HRC is responsible for investigating complaints from residents of Barnstable County who feel they have been discriminated against in housing, employment, health care, education or public accommodation. 'The HRC takes all complaints in complete confidentiality, investigates and mediates a soltion whenever possible. When necessary, the HRC refers complainants to other authorities such as the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination said John Reed, Chair of the Commission.' The Commission will arrange for interpreter services when needed.

The Human Rights Commission meets on the first Monday of the month at 5:30 PM in the Superior Courthouse in the County Complex at 3195 Main St. in Barnstable. Meetings are open to the public.

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The Executive Office of Health and Human Services announced Dr. Lauren Smith will lead the Department of Public Health in her new role as interim commissioner beginning October 30, 2012.  Dr. Smith has spearheaded key priorities for Governor Patrick, including Mass in Motion, a successful program that combats obesity and promotes healthy living across the Commonwealth.  She has also led the way on efforts at DPH to promote school nutrition standards, prevent concussions in student athletes, and address health disparities for women and minorities.

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The 5-County Regional Tobacco and Alcohol Education Program has been working with Boards of Health and Housing Authorities across the region to consider new regulations.  Bob Collett, Program Director, has presented new updated regulations to the Boards of Health of Chatham, Wareham, Rochester, Harwich, Brewster, Bourne, Orleans, West Tisbury, and Middleborough to develop and pass regulations that include banning the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies and regulating the sale of e-cigarettes to only those 18 years of age and older.  Following his presentations, each of the above mentioned Boards held hearings and decided to pass the new regulations this past year.

In addition, Mr. Collett has collaborated and provided technical assistance to local housing authorities to help them decide whether to voluntarily make their apartment complexes smoke-free.  So far, the Barnstable, Falmouth, Mashpee and Orleans Housing Authorities have made that decision.  Read more...

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Interim Commissioner Dr. Lauren Smith announced on November 1st that the Patrick-Murray Administration has named Christian A. Hartman, an expert in pharmacy practice and patient safety, to chair a Special Commission on compounding pharmacies. Earlier on the same day, the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy passed emergency regulations to enhance the state's oversight of the compounding industry. These actions coincide with  plans of Congress to unveil federal legislation that will address the "regulatory black hole" currently governing these pharmacies.  Read more ...

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• 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.

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