Accessibility Resource Center

February 14, 2014

Barnstable County Department of Human Services Awarded Innovative Grant to Promote Health,

Cut Health Care Costs

January 27, 2014 - A community-based partnership led by the Barnstable County Department of Human Services is one of nine such partnerships in the Commonwealth to receive funds in an innovative health and wellness initiative.  The Patrick Administration announced more than $40 million in grants that will be shared by nine partnerships to help fight chronic illness and improve health outcomes on the community level while reducing health care costs.  Part of the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund, this first-in-the-nation effort is part of a $60 million grant over four years created by the Legislature and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  The Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund supports community-based partnerships in achieving measurable health goals through research-based interventions.  Read more ...

SAVE THE DATE

Open Enrollment for New Health

and Dental Insurance

Massachusetts residents can now apply for health and dental insurance during open enrollment: October 1, 2013 - March 31, 2014.  There are new plans and new ways to get help paying for health insurance.  Commonwealth Care consumers must re-enroll in new coverage.

Locally, Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & the Islands is available to inform and assist individuals on how they may qualify for affordable health coverage and help with enrollment in new programs or re-enrollment in existing programs.  To set up an appointment or for more information contact CACCI at 508/771-1727 or walk in at 372 North St., Hyannis.

Individuals can also seek enrollment assistance online at MAhealthconnector.org or call 1-877-623-6765 for questions, help completing an application, and a list of Navigators in your area. 

Can I still change my Medicare Plan?

For those with a Medicare Advantage Plan:

           Between January 1 and February 14, you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare, but you cannot switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan. If you drop your Medicare Advantage plan during this period, you will be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage. Your Original Medicare coverage and your prescription drug coverage will begin the first day of the month after your enrollment. You may also add a supplement (Medigap) at this time.

For those with Prescription Advantage or getting "Extra Help" paying for prescription drugs:  You can change your plan anytime during the year. Those with Prescription Advantage can do this only once each year. Those with "Extra Help" can change every month.

Trained SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone...on Medicare) volunteers can help you! They offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on Medicare. To schedule a SHINE appointment, call your local Senior Center.  For other SHINE related matters, call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then press or say 3.

With many areas facing urgent needs for blood donations from cancelled blood drives due to the harsh winter weather, there are a number of blood drives scheduled for the remainder of the month of February on Cape Cod in Bourne, Hyannis, Sagamore Beach, Centerville, Sandwich and South Yarmouth.  Read article from the Red Cross.

View a list of local blood drive locations and dates.

Notice of Public Hearing

Barnstable County HOME Consortium

Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2014 Allocations

In accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides funding to the County for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and with the provisions of the Consortium's Citizen Participation Plan, the Consortium, prior to publishing the FFY 2014 (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015) Action Plan will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 20, 2014, 5:00 - 6:00 PM, Cape Cod Commission Conference Room, 3225 Main St, Barnstable, MA.

View the entire notice in English, Portuguese or Spanish.

The Town of Barnstable Growth Management Department, the lead agency for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is pleased to announce the availability of CDBG funds estimated at $296,000 plus any roll over funds for the 2014 program year (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015).  Funds can be used for eligible projects that benefit Town of Barnstable residents with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.  Completed application packets must be submitted and received by 4 pm on February 21, 2014.  Read more in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Visit http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/cdbg for eligibility requirements and application instructions.

Join Child & Family Services for their 1st Annual February Freeze Polar Plunge Challenge on February 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Craigville Beach.

If you aren't up for the challenge come cheer on the participants and join the crowd to warm up at South of the Border at Sam Diego's at 12:00 PM.  View flyer.

All proceeds benefit programs at Child & Family Services Cape Cod.  For questions contact Kristin at 508/778-1839.

Harbor Health Services, Inc. and Ellen Jones Community Dental Center are reaching out to members of the community so they can provide toothbrushes to children who need them. 

The Great Brush-Out will be held from February 24th through March 7th, and we're looking for new, SOFT, individually wrapped children's toothbrushes. 

If you or an office, organization or business you know wants to join the effort by donating toothbrushes or serving as a toothbrush collection site, email Judith Reppucci at jreppucci@hhsi.us or by telephone at 508/778-5499.  View flyer and distribute as needed.

To celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month, Harbor Community Health Center, Hyannis and Ellen Jones Community Dental Center, Harwich are hosting Open Houses with free dental screenings for children under age 18 on March 1 and March 8.  The clinics are delighted by the receipt of additional support which will  allow them to offer FREE fluoride treatments as well - especially important here on the Cape where none of the towns derive the benefits of community water fluoridation.  There are only 25 slots open in each location, so please make appointments as soon as possible by calling Harbor Health Services at 508 778-5400.  View flyer.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD) will host the Massachusetts PCA New Hire Orientation Program consumer forum at CORD's office at 106 Bassett Lane in Hyannis. 

People using the Massachusetts Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program are encouraged to attend the forum to learn about what is required under the PCA New Hire Orientation program which is intended for all newly hired PCA's.  Requests for reasonable accommodations should be made to CORD at 508-775-8300 (v/tty) or to the PCA Quality Workforce Council at pcacouncil@state.ma.us  by February 17th.  Please note that CORD is a scent-free office and requests that you refrain from wearing scented products to this event.  For more information call Cathy Taylor at CORD at 508-775-8300.  View flyer.

The Gerontology Intensive Workshop Series at Cape Cod Community College has been postponed by 2 weeks and will not start until 2/26.

There are still spots in this Series which is now starting on February 26 due to a weather delay.  If you would like to explore Gerontology as a career choice, or, if you are now in aging services but would like more training, this Series covers the major topic areas in the field, taught by knowledge experts. For more information on Series content, dates, times and cost, contact Andrea Nevins at 508-896-7423 or anevins@verizon.net or visit the college's Workforce Education Resource Center website.

GET ANSWERS TO SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS!

National Healthcare Reform and the Affordable Care Act have changed the health insurance landscape for many Massachusetts residents beginning in 2014.  Navigating the various options and qualification guidelines can be complicated.  The Falmouth Human Services Committee is hosting a community forum to educate residents, providers and business owners regarding the general guidelines that make up this new law and where to get personal one-on-one help with the application process.

Open enrollment ends on March 31st, 2014. The community forum, hosted by the Falmouth Human Services Committee, is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 4:30-6 pm at Atria Woodbriar Place, 389 Gifford Street, Falmouth.  The community forum is free and all are welcome. 

Partnering sponsors are Falmouth Human Services, Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands, Massachusetts Health Connector, and Atria Woodbriar Place.  Questions about the event can be directed to Falmouth Human Services at 508-548-0533.  Please share this information and post the attached flyer. 

• Independence House is commemorating 35 years as a leader on Cape Cod, helping domestic and sexual violence victims/survivors find safety, justice and empowerment.  Independence House has offices in Hyannis, Orleans, Falmouth and Provincetown serving all 15 towns on Cape Cod.
• Independence House Paver's "Solstice Day Spa" begin their 4th annual "Share the Love" benefit for Independence House.  Throughout the month of February $10 raffle tickets will be for sale to take a chance on 20 different spa and beauty services as well as gift certificates.
• Thursday, March 6 from 9-11:00 AM, Irish Village in Yarmouth will host White Ribbon Day, a campaign spearheaded in Massachusetts through Jane Doe, Inc. to call on men and boys to help prevent violence against women.  Come take a pledge and receive your white ribbon.  Event sponsored by Independence House and the Yarmouth Police Department.
• Independence House has secured 12 bibs for the Falmouth Road Race on August 3, 2014.  Contact Sandy at sfaiman@aol.com for more information.
• Independence House is currently recruiting volunteers to join their team of HOTLINE, MEDICAL ACCOMPANIMENT AND SAFEHOME advocates.  Training begins on March 17th.  Contact Joy at joyc@indhouse.net or 508/771-6507 for more information.

• Free SOS Trainings:  Screening for Mental Health is excited to offer four free half-day trainings to provide school staff and community members with education on youth suicide prevention.  Trainings will use of the evidence-based SOS Signs Of Suicide ® Prevention Program. Trainings will be held in Raynham MA on March 12th and North Hampton MA on April 30th. For more information or to register visit http://mentalhealthscreening.org/SOStrainings2014/
   
• NAMI Crisis Intervention Team speaker event has been rescheduled for March 19th from 7-9:00 PM at the Hampton Inn, 99 Rt 28, S. Yarmouth.

• Cape Cod Healthcare has announced an expansion to its Fontaine Medical Center in East Harwich that will include an updated Behavioral Health area.  The $1.6 million project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2014.

March 12: Volunteer Coordinator Roundtable, Mashpee Public Library

April is National Volunteer Month.  Contact Cape Cod Volunteers to plan your volunteer projects.

For additional information Read more ... or visit the Cape Cod Volunteers website. 

15th Annual Spring Conference: Dementia & Alzheimer's Disease Innovations in Treatment

Grant deadline for the Gay and Lesbian Equity (GALE) Fund is Friday, March 14, 2014.  Funding will be geared toward raising awareness and generating support for issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) community on Cape Cod and the Islands.

Cape Cod Foundation Grants accepted on a rolling basis:

• Community Impact General Grants
• Thomas C. McGowan Fund for Animals
• Vito Pini Grants.

CHNA 27 has released a Request for Proposals from non-profit and public entities proposing to address issues that eliminate health disparities, promote wellness, and prevent/manage chronic disease for individuals who are elderly and/or persons with disabilities.  During 2014 $70,000 will be distributed on Cape Cod and the Islands through a competitive grant process. Application deadline March 14, 2014.  Read more ...   

For a listing of all Cape Cod Foundation grant programs, deadlines and links to the online application click here.

HopeHealth announced its 22nd Walk for Alzheimer's scheduled for May 18th is open to walkers to support the programs of Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services.  The signature event provides funding for essential services for those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, healthcare professionals and community agencies.  These services include assessment, individual and group counseling, education, telephonic support, respite care and much more. Formerly known as Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, the organization is now part of the HopeHealth family of services.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is scheduled for March 20 and 21, 2014 from 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM at Child and Family Services, 1019 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis.  Cost is $125 per person (subsidized rate).  Light breakfast, lunch and snacks included.

ASIST is a two-day intensive, interactive, and practice dominated course designed to teach suicide first-aid to help a person at risk stay safe and seek further help as needed.

For an application email yspp@chcofcapecod.org or call 774/392-5420 for more information.  Registration deadline March 14, 2014.  View flyer.

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Child and Family Services Hyannis, Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Community Health Center of Cape Cod and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Massachusetts Health Council presents: The Integration of Behavioral Health and Medical Health at the Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA on Thursday, April 3, 2014, 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

Two keynote speakers: former Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Sherry Glied, PhD, leading scholar on U.S. health policy reform and mental health care policy.  View brochure and registration form.  For more program information and to register online visit www.mahealthcouncil.org

A Long Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for residents in nursing and rest homes. Ombudsmen offer residents a way to voice their concerns and have their issues addressed. They seek to help residents live their lives with dignity and respect.

Long Term Care Ombudsman are people just like you who have an hour or two a week to spare.  Volunteers receive training and support.  The next training will be held at the Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands South Dennis office on April 28, 29, and 30, 2014. Read more ...

To learn more please contact Cheryl Gayle, Program Director, Long Term Care Ombudsman Program @ 800-244-4630, ext. 501 or email cheryl.gayle@escci.org

Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands has an immediate need for Meals on Wheels drivers in Harwich, Orleans and Sandwich.  Meals are picked up at the nutrition site between 9:45 and 10:00 a.m. Total time commitment is less than 2 hours per week.

Please call Nancy Wolf, Volunteer Coordinator at 508-394-4630, ext. 430 for more information.

• February is National Children's Dental Health Month.  The Falmouth Walmart is helping to raise awareness and collect oral care products for our children and teens.  The America's Tooth Fairy Smile Drive will be held there during the month.  Stop by the Falmouth Walmart or come by the Boys & Girls Club to donate toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and dental rinse for the kids.
• Help the Boys & Girls Club "Burn the Mortgage"!  It's gone from $470,000 in 1999 when the building was built to just $60,000 today.  If the Club raises $50,000 by May, they can secure a $10,000 match to pay off the building mortgage.  For more information or if you want to donate call Cathy at 508/477-8845.
• The Boys & Girls Club Cape Cod was presented with a "Thanks for Giving Award" by the Mashpee Human Service Committee in recognition of all the work done by so many over the years to provide a safe place and life-changing programs for Cape Cod's children and teens.
• Lots of February Programs & Vacation Week Activities.  Visit the Boys & Girls Club Cape Cod website  for more information on all programs and activities.

Leslie Moreland, LMHC has joined Children's Cove: The Cape & Islands Child Advocacy Center as the Mental Health Coordinator.

Moreland has provided mental health services and coordinated supportive services for children and families who have experienced sexual abuse/severe physical violence for over 18 years.  As the Mental Health Coordinator at Children's Cove, Moreland will develop and coordinate services with a network of trained, mental health professionals who specialize in trauma informed treatment for child victims of sexual abuse and severe physical abuse.

Children's Cove plans to sponsor a series of trainings and establish an on-going learning collaborative to build the capacity of trained mental health providers who specialize in trauma treatment on the Cape and Islands.

Massachusetts Healthy Aging Data Report: Details Older Adult Health in Every Community in the Commonwealth.  First-of-its-Kind Report Reveals Individual Community Strengths and Challenges to Spark Targeted Interventions.

The Tufts Health Plan Foundation recently released the results of its Massachusetts Healthy Aging Data Report: Community Profiles, the first-of-its-kind report to list healthy aging indicators for older adults in each of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns plus the 16 neighborhoods of Boston. The data was presented on February 3rd at a Massachusetts Health Policy Forum, "Healthy Aging in the Commonwealth: Charting a Path Forward." To view the Highlights Report, each of the 367 Community Profiles and interactive maps of the data, visit the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative website. http://mahealthyagingcollaborative.org/.

The report can also be accessed on www.bchumanservices.net

If you are 55+ and want to return to work, call the Mature Workers Program at Elder Services 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 508-394-4630 and ask for the Mature Workers Program office.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for low- and moderate-income working people.  It encourages and rewards work as well as offsets federal payroll and income taxes.  Twenty-six states, including the District of Columbia, have established their own EITCs to supplement the federal credit.

Who is eligible and for how much? Read more ...

Mass 211 is offering free, anonymous mental health screenings online.  This program is an an easy way for people to monitor their mental health and learn about local treatment options.  Although online screenings are not diagnostic, they do provide valuable insight helping to identify if someone is exhibiting symptoms association with depression and other mood disorders and if they should seek help.  Read more ...

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.

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.

• 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.

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.  

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