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In This Issue
Department Corner
SHINE Program
Behavioral Health Summit
Recovery Education Course
Alzheimer's Caregiver Group in Bourne
NAMI Peer-to-Peer Support Group
Mass In Motion Training Series
Inclusion Initiative
Family Education Workshop
Coping with Grief
2013 Ounce of Prevention Conference
Info about Affordable Health Coverage
News from Cape Cod Volunteers
Chronic Disease Self Management Workshop Series
Resilience Through the Lifespan Conference
The Money Conference
Healthy by Design Conference
Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Breakfast
Decent Exposure
Parkinson's Disease Family Caregiver Series
Applied Suicide Intervention Training
Mature Workers Program
Income Tax Assistance Program
Ombudsman Program Training
SMILE Soiree
Services of the Barnstable Senior Center
VNA - Navigator Pilot Project
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
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ISSUE: 97

September 19, 2013 



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
DEPARTMENT CORNER

Barnstable County Department of Human Services Hires Senior Project Manager

 

We are pleased to introduce Vaira Harik who has joined the Department as the Senior Project Manager.   Vaira comes to us from the University of Arizona College of Public Health where she was teaching and pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health.  Vaira has a Master of Science in Health Policy and Management from Harvard University and worked at Boston University as a statistician and senior policy analyst and has an extensive background in public health as the Director of the Cochise County AZ Health Department.  We are thrilled she is on board!

 SHINE PROGRAM

New Regional Manager for the SHINE Program

 

The Department is pleased to announce that Sheila Curtis is the new Regional Manager for SHINE - Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone.  

 

SHINE is a statewide program that assists elders and individuals with disabilities in understanding their Medicare and Mass Health benefits and other private and public health insurance options.  SHINE Counselors are available throughout the region to meet with individuals for one-on-one counseling and benefits enrollment.

 

The SHINE program will continue to operate at the Yarmouth COA, Monday - Friday from 9 am - 3 pm until the office moves to the County Complex in Barnstable Village within the next few weeks.  

 

Sheila can be reached at

 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUMMIT

The Cape Cod & the Islands 1st Annual Behavioral Health Summit is being held on Friday, October 4, 2013

at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 287 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis,MA.  $50 registration fee includes lunch and continuing education credits.   Nursing contact hours will be awarded.  Applications for physician CMEs and Social Work, LMHC CEU's have been submitted. Registration deadline is Friday September 20, 2013. 

 

The summit will provide opportunities for networking and bridges the gaps in our community service system that create barriers to achieving sustained recovery for the people needing services.  View the brochure for more information and registration form.

RECOVERY EDUCATION COURSE

This NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands Recovery Education Course is a FREE 12 week course for people with mental illness.  Participants will learn aspects of recovery in a classroom setting through interaction with others and a series of workbook readings and exercises.  The course is taught by someone with mental illness in recovery and stresses connecting with others.

 

Course will be held weekly beginning Wednesday, September 18th from 6 - 8:00 PM at Cape Cod Community College Hyannis campus, 540 Main Street, Hyannis.

 

To register or for more information email NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands at info@NAMIcapecod.org or call 508/778-4277.

ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVER GROUP IN BOURNE

Alzheimer/Dementia/Memory Impairment Monthly Caregiver Drop-in Group

 

This on-going group is caregivers of and family members caring for those with Alzheimer's, another form of dementia and/or memory impairment. We will explore various support strategies for dealing with stress specific to Alzheimer's and/or Dementia for caregivers and their families. We will review materials, have discussion, sharing and reflection time and all levels of caregivers are welcome.

 

We will begin our monthly meetings Wednesday September 18th and meet the third Wednesday of the month from 3-4:30 pm at Bourne Manor in Bourne, MA.  Please call to register: Brooks Reinhold, Social Worker & Bereavement Coordinator Beacon Hospice, 68 Center Street, Hyannis, MA 02601, brooks.reinhold@amedisys.com or 508.778-1622 x115.
NAMI CONNECTION PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT GROUP

FREE, confidential support group for adults living with challenges of mental illness.  Meetings take place every Tuesday from 1 - 2:30 PM at the Federated Church, 320 Main Street in Hyannis.  For more information view flyer or contact Veronica at 774/368-3086 or nami_hyannis_welcome@yahoo.com

MASS IN MOTION TRAINING SERIES: RURAL WALKING TOOLKIT

Webinar: Rural Walking Toolkit: How to help rural areas develop walking facilities.

 

MA Department of Public Health commissioned WalkBoston to develop recommendations to help rural and low density communities increase walking opportunities.  This webinar training will provide an introduction to different types of walking facilities that can be constructed in rural areas.  The training will include case studies of a number of communities building creative and cost-effective walking facilities.

 

Webinar is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2013 from 1-2:30 PM.  Viewing location on Cape Cod:

Harborview Conference Room, Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main St., Barnstable.  To register and for more information click here.

INCLUSION INITIATIVE

The Inclusion Initiative is a grant program of Third Sector New England that encourages collaborative, community-led solutions to solving the persistent and systemic problems that perpetuate poverty and inequality in our region.

 

Each grant cycle will support collaborative efforts between organizations and individuals to build the community capacity to tackle the pillars of poverty in low-income areas. Grants will be awarded in two stages with up to 8 networks of community collaborations receiving a $25,000 planning grant in the first stage, and up to 5 networks receiving a $40,000 implementation grant in the second phase.  Networks demonstrating a commitment to community-led efforts that address poverty through education, healthcare, community and economic development, youth development, and environmental justice will be considered for the first grant cycle.

 

Third Sector New England will distribute a call for proposals to groups located in communities in Massachusetts or Rhode Island in November 2013Register to learn more at a regional Information Session on September 25, 2013, 10 - 12:00 Noon, at the NonProfit Center, Boston, MA.

 

FAMILY EDUCATION WORKSHOP

Are you caring for an aging parent or relative with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.  Are you looking for ways to manage behaviors and for activities that will engage them both physically and emotionally.

 

Workshop will be held at The Pavilion Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, 876 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis on September 25th from 5-7:00 PM.  For more information or to RSVP call 877/257-3124 or email

 cberman@capecod.com

COPING WITH GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS

Beacon Hospice is offering grief ongoing group and education Tea Group beginning Wednesday, September 26 at Borsari Gallery, 524 Main St., Dennis, MA.  This 8 week group is free of charge and is open to anyone in the community who is experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one.  Group will run until November. 

 

Mourning Reflections: Writing through loss and grief will be offered by Beacon Hospice, September 27, 1 - 4:00 PM Orleans Council on Aging and Wednesday mornings October 2nd-November 20 at the Eastham Public Library.

 

Pre-registration is requested for either group by calling Brooks Reinhold, Beacon Hospice Bereavement coordinator and social worker at 508/778-1622 ext. 115 or email brooks.reinhold@amedisys.com

OUNCE OF PREVENTION CONFERENCE 2013 

Registration is open for the October 22nd Ounce of Prevention 2013 Conference:  Many Paths to Healthier Communities.  Click here for event summary and to register by October 1st.

 

This year's conference will focus on four themes: Health Care Reform & Primary Prevention, Integrating Primary Health & Primary Care, Community Organizing for Health Equity, and Climate Change & Public Health.

INFORMATION ABOUT AFFORDABLE HEALTH COVERAGE

Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands is available to inform and assist individuals on how they may qualify for Affordable Health Coverage and help with enrollment in new programs that can make the cost of health insurance affordable.

 

To set an appointment or for more information contact 508-771-1727 or walk in at 372 North St Hyannis. 

 

OPEN ENROLLMENT AND RE-ENROLLMENT BEGINS OCTOBER 1, 2013!
 
Due to Changes in Health Insurance Programs, Commonwealth Care Consumers must Re-Enroll in New Coverage. Some individuals presently insured may need to transition to new coverage, others may have to choose Qualified Health Plans. New Medical and Dental Plans! Learn how to qualify, get your tax credit in advance to pay for your insurance. Premiums could be reduced! Income Eligibility is 0-400% Federal Poverty Level (up to 94,000 for a family of 4) and is based on adjusted gross income.
NEWS FROM CAPE COD VOLUNTEERS

September 25: Quarterly Volunteer Coordinators Roundtable at Mashpee Public Library from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. 

 

October 1, 2 & 3:  Host a project for the Days of Caring.  View more information or the project registration form.

 

October 28 & November 4:  Two-part workshop - Effective Volunteer Management.  View registration flyer or register online.

 

Visit www.capecodvolunteers.org to learn more about Cape Cod Volunteers and to post your volunteer opportunities.

CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP SERIES

The My Life, My Health Cape Coalition is supporting Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands as it offers the Chronic Disease Self Management six week workshop series in two locations in October. One in South Dennis starting October 3 and one in Mashpee starting October 9.

 

For more information and times call 508-394-4630 Pat Hart. Please print and post flyer if you are in the region and/or refer to your clients and staff.

RESILIENCE THROUGH THE LIFESPAN CONFERENCE

Riverside Trauma Center is having a conference called Resilience Through the Lifespan: Maximizing Personal Strength in the Face of Trauma in Natick on October 4. Speakers will include Dr. Donald Meichenbaum, an icon in American Psychology, and Steve Gross, whose creative work with traumatized and vulnerable children in the Greater Boston area and beyond is legendary.

 

Online registration for the event is at http://riversidetraumacenter.eventbrite.com/.

THE MONEY CONFERENCE

The Money Conference: Financial Empowerment for Individuals & Families, Saturday, October 5, 2013, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Rd., West Barnstable.  This event offers lessons to sharpen spending and saving skills in particular areas of personal finance.  This conference is designed for individuals and families challenged by the current economic climate.  Adult attendees of any age, economic background, and level of financial knowledge are welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

Register online: www.themoneyconference.com

 

Presented by the Massachusetts State Treasurer's Office and the Massachusetts Financial Literacy Trust Fund, in conjunction with regional and local planning partners.

HEALTHY BY DESIGN: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

Join MPHA and our partners on October 9, 1 - 2:30 pm at the State House, House Members' Lounge for "Healthy by Design: Planning and Development for Vibrant Communities," with internationally renowned public health, planning and transportation expert Mark Fenton. 

 

Learn how community design impacts health, honor innovative communities, and support the passage of the Active Streets and Zoning Reform bills.

 

For a PDF version of the save the date, please click here.  We thank Partners HealthCare for their sponsorship of this event and the Act FRESH Campaign.

INDEPENDENCE HOUSE HOSTS ANNUAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH BREAKFAST

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 

 

Event will be held on Friday, October 11 from 8 - 10:00 AM at the Double Tree Hotel in Hyannis.  Erica Kay-Webster is the guest speaker.  "Moving Beyond Shame" is the title of her presentation.  RSVP to Chris Morin at chrism@indhouse.netView invitation.

DECENT EXPOSURE

The Center for Breastfeeding presents: Decent Exposure, an uplifting evening with features speakers: Cheryl Bartlett, Commission of the MA Department of Public Health and Karin Cadwell, founder of the Healthy Children Project.  Guest of Honor:  MA State Senate President Therese Murray.  Event is being held on October 25th from 6 - 10:00 PM at the Cotuit Center for the Arts.  Tickets are $25.00 and includes hors d'oeuvres, cashbar and entertainment.

 

For tickets and information call the Center for Breastfeeding at 508/888-8044.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE FAMILY CAREGIVER SERIES

Parkinson's Support Network of Cape Cod presents a Parkinson's Disease Family Caregiver Series, an education program for family caregivers on Tuesday evenings, October 29, and November 5 & 12, 4 - 7:00 PM at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod, 311 Service Road, East Sandwich.

 

For more information and to register, please contact the American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center at 800/651-8466 or 617/638-8466 or by email at information@apdama.org.  A light supper will be served.  Although there is no fee for the program, registration is required and space is limited.

APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING (ASIST)

Two days of intensive, interactive and practice-dominated sessions designed to teach suicide first-aid to help a person at risk stay safe and seek further help as needed.  The training is suitable for mental health and medical professionals, teachers, youth workers, police and correctional staff, clergy, and community volunteers.

 

The training will be held October 31st and November 1st from 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM at the Community Health Center of Cape Cod, 107 Commercial St., Mashpee.  Cost is $125 per person (actual cost of $250 has been subsidized by the C&I Suicide Prevention Coalition, the MA Dept. of Public Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  Lunch and refreshments included.  13 Continuing Education Credits available for SW and LMHC.

 

Registration deadline is October 24th.  Email or call for application at YSPP@chcofcapecod.org or 774/392-5420.

MATURE WORKERS PROGRAM - THE BRIDGE BACK TO WORK FOR PEOPLE 55+

If you are 55+ and want to return to work, call the Mature Workers Program at Elder Services of the Cape & Islands to learn if you are income eligible for this Bridge Back to Work Program, an Elder Services paid internship program.  If you are a non-profit or governmental agency and would like to learn more about the opportunity to have the services of one of our interns, you may call to get more information about what the program can do for you.

 

For details, call 598-394-4630 and ask for the Mature Workers Program office.

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Volunteers are needed for VITA - the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program through Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands.  This program provides free service to assist clients with filing their 2013 income taxes.  No experience necessary, free training offered.  View flyer for more information or call Mellisa Carney at 508/771-1727 ext 132.
OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM TRAINING

Register now for Ombudsman Program Training in November.

 

Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands is seeking long-term care ombudsman throughout the Cape and the Islands.  Volunteers in the Ombudsman Program service as advocates for residents of nursing and rest homes and their families.  State certification training is required and provided by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.  Interested parties must be interviewed and undergo a CORI before participating. 

 

The next training will be held in the Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands' South Dennis office on November 18, 19 and 20, 2013.  For more information about the program or to volunteer call Cheryl Gayle at 508/394-4630 ext. 501 or email cheryl.gayle@escci.org

SMILE SOIREE

The Oral Health Excellence Collaborative (OHEC) invites oral health providers, educators, funders and advocates to a SMILE Soiree to celebrate the extraordinary expansion of affordable oral health services on Cape Cod and the Islands from 1998 - 2013.

 

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, November 20, 3-4:30 PM.

View flyer for more information.

NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER

The Barnstable Senior Center offers many great activities and events throughout the month. 

  • Also, their Outreach Department provides assistance with fuel assistance, pharmacy programs, food stamps (SNAP), housing direction and referrals and much more. 
  • They offer an Adult Supportive Day Program which provides a social, safe and structured environment for seniors who cannot or do not wish to stay home alone during the day. 
  • Additionally, the Center offers Transportation Services to Barnstable seniors through their Silver Express Van Service.  Drivers will pick seniors up at their door and bring them to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping and banking trips.  Vans are wheelchair accessible and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A $5 round-trip donation is appreciated.  Call 508/862-4752 for more information.
NAVIGATOR PILOT PROJECT 

The purpose of the project is to improve access to information and the coordination and delivery of home based long term services and supports for residents of Cape Cod aged 18 and over who have chronic health conditions and disabilities, regardless of income.  The Navigator Pilot does not duplicate existing programs and services and is FREE.  To be connected to a Navigator call 508/957-7629.  Click to download program flyers for the community and for professionals.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ON-LINE RESOURCE

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services website find.bchumanservices.net features 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,  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.

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?  
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.  To locate services dial 211 or 1-877-211-MASS on your telephone or go to www.mass211help.org
  
Mass 2-1-1 also provides enhanced information and referral services to families and children who are dealing with challenging issues.  Families can dial 211 from any phone and be connected to a trained information and referral specialist, any time of the day or night.
  
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has designated Mass 2-1-1 as the official point of contact for receiving information during a time of crisis or weather emergency.
  
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. 
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.

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
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)

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.