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In This Issue
Department Corner
SAFE-T Webinar
CORD hosts Fundraising Events
Zumba Dance Party for Kids!
National Suicide Prevention Event
Living with Bipolar Disorder
Coping with Stress & Depression Webinar
Lobster Luncheon at the Eastham Senior Center
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Workshop
Runners needed for the Falmouth Road Race
"No Show" event to benefit Sight Loss SErvices
News from the Provincetown Disability Commission
ChopChop Massachusetts
New Grief & Loss Support Group
Five Ways Data Influences Health
Mandated Reporter eLearning Tool
HopeHealth Earns Awards
MASS 211 Information and Referral Resource for Families & Children
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
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ISSUE: 90

June 14, 2013 

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.  For additional information visit the Department website at bchumanservices.net.
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DEPARTMENT CORNER

  

The Department of Human Service is pleased to announce the publication of In Focus: The Demographic and Socioeconomic Landscape of Barnstable County. The report provides a broad range of indicators on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of Barnstable County that are of particular relevance to the health and human services community.   This report adds to the Department's collection of data and analysis reports which can be found on our website.

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SUICIDE ASSESSMENT FIVE STEP EVALUATION AND TRIAGE (SAFE-T) WEBINAR

FREE SAFE-T webcast on June 20, 2013 from 12-1:00 PM EST.  There is no easy equation to determine that someone is likely to commit suicide.  However, known risk factors can be assessed, protective factors identified, and together used to try and reduce risk.  This presentation will discuss five easy steps in that process and how you can be incorporating them into your own work.  View flyer for more information.

 

To register to participate please go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/June20SAFET to complete a brief survey or email Sara Herman at SHerman@MentalHealthScreening.org.

 

This webinar is being offered by Screening for Mental Health, Inc.

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CAPE ORGANIZATION FOR RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED HOSTS FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Battle of the Voice and Bands competition will be held Saturday, June 22, 2013 starting at 12:30 PM at Harwich High School.  The competition is open to students in grades 5 through college students age 22 (age change) across Cape Cod.  The winning band will receive the opportunity to create a demo with 'nDgroove DeVoe Music Record Label, produce a video demo with Cape Cod Community Media Center and play at CORD's Family Fun Day on June 23rd among other gifts.  Tickets are $10 and $15 at the door.  To purchase tickets contact CORD at 508/775-8300 or at 106 Bassett Lane in Hyannis.  Click here for more information.

  

Murder Mystery "Murder at the Juice Joint" at Alberto's Ristorante on June 28th (date change) starting at 6:00 P.M.  The night will be filled with mystery, delicious appetizers and a full 4 course mouth-watering Italian meal with wine at each course.  Tickets are $40 (price change) per person and must be purchased in advance.  Event will also include a silent auction, prize drawing and entertainment as participants figure out "Who Did It!" ensuring an overall fun-filled evening.  To purchase tickets please contact CORD at 508/775-8300 or 1-800/541-0282 (both #'s v/tty) or at 106 Basset Lane in Hyannis. 

  

CORD is the Center for Independent Living providing independent living services free to people with any disability on Cape Cod and the Islands. 

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ZUMBA DANCE PARTY AT THE HYANNIS YOUTH & COMMUNITY CENTER

The Mentor Network and the Hyannis Youth and Community Center present:  a FREE Zumba Dance Party for kids ages 7 and up.  A drop in 8-week program starting June 27th designed to get kids moving, dancing and learning about health and wellness.  Each dance session will end with a half hour fun-filled workshop on topics ranging from nutrition, mind body connection, relaxation and fitness.

 

Program will be held at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center, 141 Basset Lane, Hyannis on Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:00 PM beginning June 27th.  For more information and to sign up in advance please contact Ayanna Parrent, LICSW Clinical Supervisor at the Mentor Network at 508/577-8562 or Ayanna.parrent@thementornetwork.com.  Please feel free to post or forward the attached flyer.

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NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION EVENT

Suicide is a preventable public health problem.  There is strong evidence that a comprehensive public health approach is effective in reducing suicide rates.  Learn about the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the ultimate goal of eliminating the tragic experience of suicide by registering for the in-person or echo event on Thursday, June 27, 2013.

 

"Everyone Plays a Role in Suicide Prevention: Turning Strategy into Action" is an interactive event.  Following the general session, participants will engage in action sessions to learn about evidence-based practices and make individualized action plans specific to their organizations and communities.  The event will kick off "75 Days of Action" to put plans into action and begin to dramatically reduce suicides by National Suicide Awareness Day on September 10, 2013.

 

This event will be held at Northwestern University in Chicago and will be broadcast nationally via echo sites.  You do not have to attend the main event in Chicago to participate via echo sites.  Questions about the event contact EveryonePlaysARole@samhsa.hhs.gov

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LIVING WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

This two-hour educational program will show the film Living with Bipolar Disorder followed by a discussion led by clinicians from North Shore Medical Center, Salem Hospital.  Program is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2013 from 6 - 8:00 P.M. at North Shore Medical Center, Salem Hospital in the Davenport 102B Conference Room, 81 Highland Avenue, Salem MA.  Although this is a FREE event everyone who plans on attending is encouraged to pre-register.  Please email Melanie Varady  by June 24 and include the names and emails of all persons registering to attend.  For more information email Melanie Varady  or call 617/439-0940.

 

This FREE program is offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Boston Chapter in partnership with North Shore Medical Center, Salem Hospital.

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COPING WITH STRESS AND DEPRESSION WEBINAR
Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free "Coping with Stress and Depression" Webinar on June 27 at 7:30 pm ET / 4:30 pm PT (and also viewable on demand afterward). Designed for adults, family caregivers, and human resources and employee assistance professionals, this one-hour webinar covers

  • What is stress
  • What are ways to reduce stress (such as lifestyle changes, reframing, positive inventory, mindfulness-based stress reduction, etc.)
  • How to differentiate stress from more serious conditions, especially anxiety and depression
  • What to do if you are, or someone you know is, suffering from depression
  • What resources are available

Our expert presenter is psychologist Charlene Gooch, a marital and family therapist, educator, and employee assistance professional. Registration is free at www.familyaware.orgWebinar attendees who complete the online evaluation form will receive a free Coping with Stress brochure.  View event flyer.

 

Families for Depression Awareness is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to help families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides.  Visit their website.  For questions please contact info@familyaware.org or 781/890-0220.

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LOBSTER LUNCHEON AT THE EASTHAM SENIOR CENTER
On Friday, July 12, 2013 the Eastham Senior Center will host a Lobster Luncheon featuring the musical group Toast & Jam! Guests will enjoy music, a hearty lobster roll from Arnold's, Cape Cod Potato Chips, cole slaw, a tall glass of iced tea, and dessert - all for just $10.00! Music starts at 10:00 AM, and lunch will be served after the performance. Space is limited; reserve your spot today! Please RSVP by Monday, July 1, 2013 to the Eastham Senior Center. For more information or tickets, please call the Eastham Senior Center at (508) 255-6164. The Eastham Senior Center is located at 1405 Nauset Road in North Eastham.

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MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION WORKSHOP

There is research coming out of Mass General Hospital and Stanford and Duke Universities; there is new focus on trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression not to mention just the everyday pressure of on-going stress in our lives.  Mindfulness is being taught to help with with anxiety, PTSD, ADD, chronic pain, anger issues, high blood pressure and all kinds of chronic degenerative disorders.

 

Here on the Cape, Cape Stress Reduction & Optimal Health will offer a summer cycle of the 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction class with a free introduction and Stress Reduction Clinic on July 2nd.  The 8 week summer cycle will be held in Mashpee on Tuesdays, July 16 - September 3 from 6 - 8:30 PM at BodyWorks in Mashpee Commons.  Call 508/420-3300 or email info@capestressreduction.com to register or for more information and fee schedule.

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RUNNERS NEEDED FOR THE FALMOUTH ROAD RACE

For the third year in a row, the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition has a team running the Falmouth Road Race on August 11, 2013.  In the past two years the team has raised over $40,000.00 for this important cause.   The funds have been used to support suicide prevention training and awareness events across the Cape and Islands.  We are  looking for additional members for CISPC Falmouth Road Race Team - the Coalition has already paid the $150.00 entry fee for guaranteed placement in the race, runners then seek sponsorship for the race from donors. 

 

Tim Lineaweaver is heading up the team for the Coalition again and will assist runners in a simple and easy fundraising process.  If you are interested in being part of the team contact Tim at tnt410@aol.com or by calling 508-524-7978.   Please help support an important Cape and Islands cause!

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"NO SHOW" EVENT TO BENEFIT SIGHT LOSS SERVICES, INC.

Sight Loss Services, Inc. is a 501c-3 non-profit offering help to the newly blind, the visually handicapped, people with low vision and progressive eye disease as well as the legally blind.  Their mission is to help people continue to live independently and safely with sight loss.  They offer Self-Help Support groups, up-to-date information, a Resource & Referral Network, Outreach & Home Independence training and Educational presentations.  Read more ...

 

Sight Loss Services, Inc. is hosting their 2013 "No Show" benefit to raise funds to help provide the many services and more listed above. The "No Show" fundraiser is a request for donations as they encourage you to take time out to do something relaxing and enjoyable for yourself in lieu of attending an "event".  Each dollar raised will support programs and service remains right here on the Cape and Islands to benefit blind and low vision residents.  View No Show event  additional information.

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PROVINCETOWN DISABILITY COMMISSION LAUNCHES BEACH PATH-MATS & MOBICHAIR PROGRAM

The Provincetown Disability Commission held a ribbon-cutting to launch their new program for Beach Path-Mats and MobiChair at the Ryder Street West Beach (Near the Kite Shop) on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM.

 

Path-Mat is a flexible sand surface reinforcement product designed for accessible beach access that can be used by all pedestrian people with special needs and wheelchairs alike.   Additionally the MobiChair (Floating Beach Wheelchair) donated by SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life) will be introduced. The MobiChair is a high quality, amphibious beach wheelchair that provides a seamless transition from boardwalk-to-water.

 

Provincetown - "Like Nowhere Else" welcomes everyone with open arms.  For additional information contact: ADA Coordinator Vernon Porter at 508-487-7003 or vporter@provincetown-ma.gov

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CHOPCHOP MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

The Mass in Motion ChopChop recipes page offers new, fun and healthy recipe for you and your family to make together in the kitchen and is now online in English and Spanish.

 

 Click here to view monthly newsletter.  Click here for recipe page.  Each recipe is brought to you by the Department of Public Health's Mass in Motion initiative in partnership with ChopChop, the fun cooking magazine for families.  For more information on ways to eat better and move more at home, school and in your community, please visit www.mass.gov/massinmotion

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NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR ANYONE EXPERIENCING GRIEF OR LOSS

Hope Community Care, part of the HopeHealth family of services, announced a new community bereavement support group to be held in Falmouth and Hyannis.  HopeHealth, formerly Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, is a non-profit healthcare organization providing medical care, care management and support services to people living with serious illness.

 

All support groups provide a safe, confidential and supportive setting for anyone experiencing loss or grief.  Programs are led by licensed professionals from Hope Community Care with specialized training and extensive experience. The new groups will focus on Loss of a Spouse/Parent and Young Widow/Widower.

 

Advanced registration is required. Please call (508) 957-0244 for Falmouth groups or (508) 957-0268 for Hyannis groups to register or for more information.  All groups are free and open to the public. New members can join within the first two weeks of the group's official start. More information can be found at HopeHealthCo.org.  View schedule and locations.

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FIVE WAYS DATA INFLUENCES HEALTH

We are a nation awash in massive amounts of data-reams of information so large that special analytic tools are needed to collect, process, and interpret it. For health care, harnessing this data and making it public offers extraordinary promise for improving efficiency, raising quality, and improving health outcomes for millions of Americans.  Read more ...

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MANDATED REPORTER eLEARNING TOOL

Over the last year the Executive Office of Health & Human Services' Center for Staff Development in partnership with the Department of Children & Families (DCF, formerly DSS) developed and launched an on-line Mandated Reporter eLearning tool. To date this tool has only been available to State employees but we are now announcing that it will be made available to community based providers and the public at large. To read official announcement and get access to the Mandated Reporter eLearning tool click on the link:

  

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zcR7FiPU3K9hMVtM0PaAKGRRN0u-WrNZqsxjXKdZY_yxf6oMUjbsR0jgdi0tqiH05l-zdfb-BaHtC0nB3Y-L77jn_HeghKH93ORB39OChZ6CaZ7En-55Z3L6u7gbzrUGPbGSOI17SnsLLfKL1EnVyX03T-Tj82oV7XDdsEVnfsnySEfizgzr5EYe_vkuv_Wpi1nAZ3rw_bA=

 

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HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE OF CAPE COD'S REBRANDING AS HOPEHEALTH EARNS NATIONAL & REGIONAL AWARDS
HopeHealth, formerly known as Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, rebranded last year to reinforce their 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. The organization, along with its agency, Bennett Group, was honored recently at the 2013 Lamplighter Awards ceremony, sponsored by the New England Society for Healthcare Communications (NESHCo) and by the 30th annual National Healthcare Advertising Awards competition.

 

HopeHealth and Bennett Group were recognized with a total of 11 awards for their work produced during 2012, including an award for the overall HopeHealth campaign. The honors included six gold awards and a silver award with the honors crossing multiple categories, including television advertising, website design, radio advertising, print advertising, logo design and brochure design. Read more ...

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 MASS 2-1-1 NEW INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN REQUIRING ASSISTANCE

Mass 2-1-1 is an information and referral service for children, youth and families offered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. EOHHS has contracted with MASS 2-1-1 Inc. to provide enhanced information and referral services to families and children who are dealing with challenging issues.

 

This program supports all families, including families who are involved with Chapter 240 of the Acts of 2012, also known as "Families and Children Engaged in Services" legislation. The legislation, which became effective in November of 2012, provides services for children who are runaways or truants, or children who are having serious problems at home and in school; the law also helps children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

 

Families can dial 211 from any phone and be connected to a trained information and referral specialist, anytime of the day or night.

View the Mass2-1-1 brochure.

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BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ANNOUNCES NEW ON-LINE RESOURCE

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services is pleased to announce a new website find.bchumanservices.net featuring on-line directories of health and human service resources. The Directories are a compilation of local resources organized around areas of critical need such as food, housing, mental health services, energy/fuel assistance, and services for seniors and people with disabilities. Find.bchumanservices.net is a valuable resource now available to Barnstable County residents and human service organizations. This new on-line tool is an effective and efficient way to make local information available on a 'simple to search' website. For more information view press release in its entirety.

 

If you believe your organization should be included in any of the new Directories or have any other feedback on how to improve the on-line directories, call the Department of Human Services at 508/375-6628.

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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?
Not sure how to use 2-1-1?  Want to learn how to create your own directory of resources?  It's easy - call us for free training.
  
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 kcallahan@barnstablecounty.org 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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E-NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
To submit materials, please include the following information and forward to kcallahan@barnstablecounty.org :
  • 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.