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In This Issue
Department Corner
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Aging & Disability Forum III
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class
The YMCA LIVESTRONG Foundation
RFP: In-School Programs
Run4YourLife & Women's Cancer Awareness Expo
Welcome to Parenthood Training
MA Walk & Bike to School Day 2014
FREE Rock & Read Program
Community Health Network Area (CHNA 27)
Free Suicide Prevention Training Opportunity
Patient Navigator & Community Health Worker Conference
Benefits Chek Up Screening Program
News from the Eastham Council on Aging
News from the Barnstable Senior Center
RFP: C&I Youth Community Development Council
My Life, My Health Workshop Series
Professional Education Day
Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed
Social Bullying in Older Adults
A Night at the Chef's Table
Falmouth Road Race Bibs Available
NAMI Cape Cod Charity Golf Tournament
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Mass 211 offers Mental Health Screenings Online
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
ISSUE: 112

April 25, 2014


 
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 Regional Substance Abuse Council

 

The Department of Human Services along with the Barnstable County Commissioners have convened the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council in response to the growing trends in substance abuse across Barnstable County. 

 

The purpose of the Council is to have a coordinated and comprehensive regional approach to substance abuse across the continuum of prevention, treatment, criminal justice and recovery.  The Council's work, led by County Commissioner Sheila Lyons and Director of Human Services Beth Albert, will help the region to identify and address gaps and disparities in the service system, maximize interagency collaboration, and maximize funding and resource opportunities by establishing a communication infrastructure across towns, treatment providers, organizations, and individuals in Barnstable County.

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

Each year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offers an opportunity to get rid of pills, cough syrup, and other unwanted medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  In addition to offering free, anonymous, and convenient disposal, Take Back Day also educates the public regarding how medications can be misused or abused.

 

This year's event is scheduled for April 26, 2014 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.  The DEA offers an online locator for local disposal sites. 
 
In Barnstable County, Police Departments in each of the 15 Cape towns offer a prescription medication collection site that is available year round.   
AGING AND DISABILITY FORUM III

REGISTER TODAY!

 

Aging and Disability Forum III - "Local Experts, Local Resources"
  
May 16, 2014
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, MA
  

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services is proud to be hosting its next Aging and Disability Forum on Friday, May 16, 2014.  This forum will be an all-day conference, 8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. and has been generously sponsored by Cape Cod Healthcare. 

 

With help from feedback provided by past forum participants, multiple breakout sessions have been developed focusing on some of the major concerns for older adults and people with disabilities on Cape Cod.  Legal questions, insurance needs, chronic disease self-management and prevention, mental health issues, and dementia are among the topics the May 16th conference will explore during panel presentations and interactive workshops.

This conference has been approved for 5 CEUs for social workers, registered nurses, licensed mental health counselors, and nursing home administrators.  

 

MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION CLASS

Reduce your Stress, Retrain your Brain.  This is a carefully structured, comprehensive 29 hour class offered over an eight week period.  It will give you real-world skills to work with stress and anxiety, optimizing your physical, emotional and mental health.

 

Studies at Mass General Hospital have shown that brain structure actually changes from taking the class and learning mindfulness.  And because stress is implicated in more than 85% of our health challenges, these mindfulness-based skills can have long-lasting and far reaching effects in our lives.

 

Eight week class - Spring session will be held on Mondays, April 21st through June 9th, 6-8:30 PM and Saturday, May 31st 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Facilitated by Cape Stress Reduction & Optimal Health, Clinic and classes will be held at Sasha's Yoga Studio, 23 Rte 134, So. Dennis.  Call 508/420-3300 or email info@capestressreduction.com for more information.

THE YMCA LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Cape Cod is a FREE 12-week program for cancer survivors.  This specially designed program delivered by training staff in a small group setting will help survivors regain strength, overcome fatigue, and increase flexibility.  The "Y" is committed to serving individuals and their families living with, through and beyond cancer.  The Y creates a safe environment where survivors can participate in physical and social activities that address the special wants, needs and interests.  View flyer.

 

Contact the YMCA at livestrong@ymcacapecod.org or 508/362-6500 ext 106.

RFP: IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The Job Training and Employment Corporation (JTEC) is the administrative entity for funds designated to this region by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.  As part of the workforce development system, the Youth Council and the C&I Workforce Investment Board (WIB) are seeking year-round programs of activities and services for low income youth who are seniors in high school and will be attending school for the FY2015 program year.  Read more ... 

 

The RFP will be available after April 15th on the Career Opportunities website.

 

A Bidders Conference will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 10:30 A.M.at Career Opportunities, Conference Room No. 2, 372 North St., Hyannis, MA.  Attendance at the Bidders Conference is mandatory for those applying for funding.  Proposals are due no later than 12 Noon on Thursday, May 29th.

RUN4YOURLIFE & WOMEN'S CANCER AWARENESS EXPO

Falmouth-based nonprofit, Team Maureen, will host the Run4YourLife and Women's Cancer Awareness Expo on May 3 at the Sea Crest Hotel in North Falmouth.  The day kicks off with the Women's Cancer Expo, followed by a 2 or 4 mile run/walk and a kid's fun dash.  The day concludes at 7 pm with "How Sweet It Is" -a celebration with live music by Christine Baze and dessert and candy bar sponsored by Ben and Bills Chocolate Emporium.

 

Proceeds support Team Maureen's cervical cancer awareness and prevention efforts.  For information, tickets or directions, visit www.TeamMaureen.org

WELCOME TO PARENTHOOD TRAINING

Call to reserve your spot for a Welcome to Parenthood

workshop on May 3rd, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., at Cape Cod Hospital, Mugar Building, Board Room.  Workshop is suitable for parents, expecting parents, grandparents, caregivers and those who support new families. 

 

Babies do not come with instruction manuals but there is a road map that will help you find rest stops, navigate through detours and avoid hazards.  The workshop will include a panel presentation, First Year Milestones and Red Flags with Barbara Prindle-Eaton; Postpartum Relationships with Lee Burwell; Managing Stress with Carol DiFalco; and Postpartum Adjustments and Mood Disorders with Ann MacDonald and Jennifer Sheehan, lots of family support information, and healthy snacks for all.

 

The program is FREE but registration is required.  Space is limited.  To register call Mary Wilson at 508/775-6240 ext 512 by April 25th.  This program is presented by the Cape & Islands Maternal Depression Task Force.

MA WALK & BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY 2014

The Massachusetts Walk and Bike to School Day

takes place every year on the first Wednesday of May and celebrates the efforts of hundreds of schools taking part in Massachusetts Safe Routes to School programs. This year's event is on Wednesday, May 7th.
  
The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program promotes healthy alternatives for children and parents in their travel to and from school. The program's goal is to educate students, parents, and community members on the value of walking and bicycling for travel by providing safety trainings, themed events, and community presentations. Safe Routes programs aim to establish healthy lifetime habits for students, increase independence in kids, help them arrive at school ready to learn, and teach safe pedestrian, bicyclist, and driver skills.

 

 

If you would like your school to participate in the upcoming Walk and Bike to School Day, or to learn more about how to get your child's school involved with Safe Routes to School, please visit the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School website today. Schools who also register their event with the National Center for Safe Routes to School will be eligible to win 10 bikes and 20 helmets!

ROCK AND READ PROGRAM

The FREE Rock and Read program is for families with children ages 4 & 5 (although siblings are welcome).  It is a one hour, combination parent workshop and parent child together activity.  Parents get all sorts of tips regarding reading and getting their children ready for kindergarten and the kids will be doing an activity in the next room.  Then both groups come back together to practice, read and play.  The Rock and Read Program will be on Wednesdays beginning on May 7th, from 1 - 2:00 P.M. at the Falmouth Administration building. 

  

Registration is necessary to please call 508/548-0151 ext 172.  This class will fill up quickly and priority will be given to those who were blitzed out of the STEM program.

COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK AREA (CHNA27)
The Community Health Network Area 27 (CHNA 27) will meet on Thursday, May 8th, 9-11 AM in Room 11/12 in the Barnstable County Superior Courthouse.  CHNA 27 is a local coalition of public, non-profit, and private sectors working together to build healthier communities. CHNA meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

At the May meeting, Laura Goodman, Staff Attorney at Health Law Advocates, will discuss Mental Health Parity. 
 

Please email any questions to CHNA27Cape@gmail.com 

FREE SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING OPPORTUNITY 

The Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition will offer a free QPR Suicide Prevention Training on May 8th from 11:15 A.M.-12:45 P.M. in Room 11/12 in the Barnstable Superior Courthouse, 3195 Main St., Barnstable Village.  The training will be conducted by Jean Calvert of the MA Department of Mental Health's Mobile Crisis Unit.  

 

 

QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer - three simple steps that anyone (parents, friends, volunteers, ministers, nurses, supervisors, firefighters, bartenders and others) can learn to help prevent suicide.

 

Registration is appreciated, but not required. For directions, questions or to register, contact Kelly Welch at 508-566-3610 or suicideprevention@capecoalition.com 

5TH ANNUAL PATIENT NAVIGATOR & COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER CONFERENCE 

Registration is currently open for "Changing Outcomes - the 5th Annual Patient Navigator/Community Health Worker Conference".  The conference will be held on May 8, 2014 at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood, MA.  This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Harold Freeman of the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute.  

 

The conference will provide professional development and networking opportunities along with tools, resources, and practical skills building sessions.  The conference is designed for patient navigators, community health workers and those involved in developing patient navigator programs throughout the state and country.

 

For more information and to register visit the conference website.  View preliminary program and workshops.

BENEFITS CHECK UP SCREENING PROGRAM

The BenefitsCheckUp screening program can identify up to 200 financial benefits assistance programs for older adults living in Massachusetts. The seminar is being held at the Yarmouth Senior Center, 528 Forest Rd, West Yarmouth on May 9, 2014 at 1:00 PMRegistration required

  

This 60 minute seminar will show you an amazing, easy-to-use benefits screening tool (www.BenefitsCheckUp.org/mcoa) that helps you assess an older adult's eligibility for federal and state financial assistance programs.  Many benefit applications can be downloaded.  Help struggling seniors find and enroll in benefits to help pay for food, medicine, health care, heat, telephone, and more.  View flyer.

 

To register for this seminar and get more information click on "BenefitsCheckUp Training Classes" at www.mcoaonline.com

NEWS FROM THE EASTHAM COUNCIL ON AGING

The May-June issue of Windmill Whisperings, the newsletter for the Eastham Senior Center, is filled with lots of information on programs, workshops and other useful information for seniors including:

 

7th Annual Health Fair, Friday, May 16th, 10 AM to 1 PM

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, Friday, May 2nd, 11:00 AM

SMILE Program, 2nd Friday, every other month, to assist seniors with their dental care needs.

The Gathering Place - A Supportive Day Center

read more ...

 

The Friends of the Eastham Council on Aging (FECOA) Thrift Shop is having its annual BIG BAG SALE starting the first week in May.  Bring a large bag & fill with all the clothes that will fit in for only $5 a bag!.  Not to worry, if one should forget a bag, the shop will have one for you.  The FECOA Thrift Shop is open Thursday - Saturday, 10 AM - 3 PM and also Mondays from June - September.  The shop is located at 580 Massasoit Road in North Eastham, Tel: 508/255-0264.  Volunteers are still needed so call today if you can help out.  View flyer.

NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER

Senior Health & Wellness Expo - May 9, 10 A.M. - 1 P.M.:  Older Americans Month is celebrated each May to honor and recognize older Americans for the contributions they make to our families, communities and society.  The theme this year is Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow.  This reflects older Americans as focusing on injury prevention and staying health.  The Barnstable Senior Center is once again sponsoring a vendor fair with great health and wellness resources for seniors.  Event includes a raffle, Trader Joe's Juice Bar and Brunch Buffet by Whitehall Estates.

 

Caregiver Recharge & Reflect, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 3-4:30 P.M. at the Barnstable Senior Center.  Beacon Hospice is offering a Healing Conversation Caregiver's group and educational series.  All caregivers are welcome to attend sessions with pre-registration requested.  Contact Brooks Reinhold, Bereavement Coordinator at 50-8/778-1622 ext 115 or brooks.reinhold@amedisys.com.  Group is FREE of charge and is open to all types of caregivers.

 

The Barnstable Adult Supportive Day Program is designed to provide supportive, professional services and engaging activities for elders who can not or do not wish to stay alone at home during the day.  Fees are income based and transportation may be available for Barnstable residents.  Program hours Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. - 3 P.M.  Call 508/862-4765.

 

For more information on these and other programs visit the Barnstable Senior Center website.

RFP: CAPE & ISLANDS YOUTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 

The Cape and Islands Youth Community Development Council is pleased to accept applications for its thirteenth grant cycle.  Nonprofit organizations with a 501 (c) 3 status, schools, school programs and clubs, civic clubs, youth groups, city and county government and municipalities serving Cape Cod & the Islands are eligible to apply.  This year the Council has set its priorities for funding in the areas of Human Needs and Education.  Read more...

 

Applications must be received by 12 Noon on May 12, 2014.  View more information and grant application.

MY LIFE, MY HEALTH WORKSHOP SERIES

The Cape Cod Coalition for My Life, My Health is offering a FREE six-week workshop series at Epoch Assisted Living in Brewster.  The My Life, My Health series is a chronic disease self-management program for adults with on-going medical conditions like arthritis, cancer, chronic back pain, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease among others.  Registrants will enhance their quality of life by learning proven self-management tools and techniques in a supportive learning environment.

 

The series begins at Epoch Assisted Living, 855 Harwich Rd (Rte 124) in Brewster on Wednesday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and every Wednesday thereafter through June 18th.  A celebratory luncheon will culminate the final workshop.

 

Individuals can learn more about the program and its benefits at an information session on Wednesday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m.  To register for the Information Session call 508/896-3252.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION EVENT

FREE Professional Education event:  a day of professional insights, personal development and organization collaboration on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 8:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. at HopeHealth, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis.  Complimentary breakfast and lunch provided.  View flyer for more information. 

 

To register call 508/313-2029 for all or part of the day. 

 

Co-sponsored by Barnstable County, HopeHealth, Bayada Home Health Care, the SHINE Program and Caregiver Homes.

MEALS-ON-WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands are in need of volunteers for the Meals-on-Wheels program in Harwich and Orleans.

 

If you have an extra hour to spare, you would be helping our growing population of elders on the Cape.  Please contact Nancy Wolf at 508/394-4660 or nancy.wolf@escci.org for more information or to volunteer.

SOCIAL BULLYING:  STRATEGIES FOR ASSESSING AND INTERVENING WITH OLDER ADULTS

Social bullying is a concern both for older adults and staff who work with them.  This program will explore what is and isn't bullying and provide a multi-faceted approach that has proven effective in addressing the problem.

 

This FREE workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 from 9:30 AM - 12 Noon at the Tilden Arts Center on the Cape Cod Community College, Route 132, West Barnstable.  No registration required.  View flyer for more info.

AIDS SUPPORT GROUP OF CAPE COD - 23RD ANNUAL "A NIGHT AT THE CHEF'S TABLE"

The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod's 23rd Annual "A Night at the Chef's Table" is coming up on Thursday, June 5, 2014, 7:00 P.M.  Tickets are $100/seat.  Registration to reserve a seat at the table opens on Tuesday, April 29th and will remain open until Friday May 23rd.  With over 50 Cape Cod restaurants participating don't miss your opportunity to share a special evening and a special dinner while helping support the work of ASGCC.

 

For the past 22 years on the first Thursday night in June, at restaurants all over Cape Cod, people have sat down to a sumptuous meal in remembrance of the many friends and family lost to this epidemic.  For information and to make reservations by phone with a credit card, contact Event Coordinator Tanya Rosario at 508/487-9445.  All proceeds benefit the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod.

 

View list of 2014 Host Restaurants.

 FALMOUTH ROAD RACE BIBS AVAILABLE

The Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition will once again be participating in the Falmouth Road Race's Numbers for Nonprofits program.  Through this program the CISPC is able to offer 10 New Balance Falmouth Road Race registration numbers to people interested in running the race on August 17, 2014 as a fundraiser for the CISPC.  Read more...

 

Run in memory of someone you've lost, or almost lost to suicide, or run for a family member who is grieving.  Email Kelly Welch at suicideprevention@capecoalition.com for more information.

NAMI CAPE COD CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

SAVE THE DATE for the NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands Siobhan Leigh Kinlin Memorial Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, September 8, 2014 at Oyster Harbors, Osterville, MA.

 

More information to follow.

MASSACHUSETTS SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELPLINE

Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline Connects People with Services:  For tens of thousands of Massachusetts resident struggling with alcohol and other drug related issues, 1-800-327-5050 is an important number.   Read more ... 

MASS 211 OFFERS MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS ONLINE

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 ...

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
  
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.