The Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council has completed an Analysis of Substance Abuse on Cape Cod: A Baseline Assessment.  View the Full Report and the Executive Summary.

The purpose of this report is to provide a snapshot of substance dependency, and the related costs, for Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It has been created to inform programming and policy needs to be defined by the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council.  The Council's goal is that Barnstable County will have a coordinated and comprehensive regional approach to substance abuse across the continuum of prevention, treatment and recovery, harms reduction and law enforcement.

If you have questions about the report, please contact Vaira Harik at vharik@barnstablecounty.org

Barnstable County, through its Chief Procurement Officer and on behalf of the Department of Human Services, seeks a qualified contractor to assist the Department in coordinating the "Massachusetts Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative" (MOAPC) in Barnstable County.  

To download the RFP, go to http://purchasing.barnstablecounty.org/.  Specifications may be obtained from the Barnstable County Purchasing Department, Superior Court House, P.O. Box 427, Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630.

Proposals will be received at the Superior Court House, Office of the County Commissioners, Purchasing Department, 3195 Main Street, P.O. Box 427, Barnstable, MA 02630, on or before April 7, 2015  DATE at 10:00AM.  

Register today for the Gerontology Intensive Workshop Series at Cape Cod Community College 

Calming the Crisis, March 27, 5:30 - 7:30 PM: In collaboration with Yale University and the Cape Cod Community College START Program (Students Achieving Recovery Together).  Event will be held at Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Rd., West Barnstable, Science Building Lecture Hall A.  View flyer for more details.

Calmer Choice presents Dan Harris, #1 NY Times Best Selling Author of 10% Happier, and ABC News co-anchor of Good Morning America and Nightline, on April 14, 2015, 1-2:30 PM at Cape Cod Community College, Tilden Arts Center, 2240 Iyannough Rd., West Barnstable.  Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door.  Free for students with valid ID.  View flyer for more details.

The next Housing Assistance Corporation Round Table is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.  Please RSVP by Friday, March 27th to 508/771-5400.

Advanced Grant Writing (WPG038-65)

Thursdays 4/2 - 4/9/15, 3 - 6:00 PM

Cost:  $129.00

Location: Hyannis Center, Room 107, 540 Main St., Hyannis

This advanced grant writing workshop is perfectly suited for those that have a basic understanding of the grant writing process and format. The workshop will cover establishing a grant strategy for an organization or project, in depth various grant writing concepts and strategies, and discuss advanced program development evaluation techniques.  Registration information.  Call 508/362-2131 ext. 4711 to register.  For questions about a course contact WERC at 508/375-5011 or werc@capecod.edu.

Cape Cod Healthcare Blood Center has scheduled a Blood Drive on Tuesday, March 31st, 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM in the Harborview Room on the Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main St., Barnstable.

Give Blood for Cape Cod: every pint of blood donated stays on Cape Cod to serve your community and save lives.  View flyer.  View brochure.

The Friends of the Eastham Council on Aging Thrift Shop is located on the corner of Massasoit Rd. and Oak Rd. in North Eastham.  Currently the shop is open from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and the occasional Monday.  Used items may be dropped off at the shop on Wednesdays from 9 - 11:00 AM.  If you would like to volunteer in the Thrift Shop please call 508/255-9896.

Upcoming Programs:

April 3, 11:00 AM:  Information Forum for Veterans & their families

April 10, 10:30 AM:  "A Cape Cod Edible Garden"

April 24, 11:00 AM:  Cape Rep Theater - "I Wish You a Waltz"

Please call the Senior Center at 508/255-6164 to register for programs.

Attached please find information on an event on April 4 which will contribute greatly to our understanding of the Cape Cod veterans we serve.  The broadened perspective to be gained from this event will enable us to better comprehend the human experience of our recently returning veterans and their families. It will equip us with the information we need to better advocate within our community for the understanding and appropriate response which an ethical society owes to these men and women.

Please review the attached flyer and join us on April 4th, 3-5 pm at Knight Auditorium, Barnstable High School, 744 West Main St., Hyannis.

We thank you as always for your support of veterans, and, in advance, for your attendance of this important event.

Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center

Dementia Certificate Level Two: Behavior and Medication Management: April 10, 12 - 4:00 PM, HopeHealth, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis.  Cost is $100, 4 CE's available. Read more...  For more information or to register please call 508/775-5656, visit www.HopeDementia.org/ProfessionalEducation or email info@hopedementia.org

Alzheimer/Dementia Monthly Kick-Off Gathering for family members (any loved one providing care except paid caregivers) of individuals living with a memory impairment as a result of dementia.  This will be a first time gathering at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation at Eagle Pond so you can meet other caregivers on Thursday April 9th from 10-11:30 am. View flyer. 

We will gather to share stories and concerns in a comfortable and safe space, and plan to continue to meet monthly. Please call Brooks Reinhold at Beacon Hospice 5058-778-1622 x115 or email brooks.reinhold@amedisys.com  with any questions about this group or to RSVP.

Jeff Thompson, certified mediator, hostage negotiator and NYPD detective will be presenting this special FREE Lecture/Seminar at Cape Cod Community College on Friday, April 10th, 2-4:00 PM.

Cape Mediation and Cape Cod Community College will be working together to welcome Jeff on this event to raise awareness, educate, and provide community connections about conflict resolution and mediation skills.  Call 508/240-1717 with questions.

Falmouth Track Club presents the Cape Cod Expo on Saturday, April 11 from 12 - 4:30 PM at Ballymeade Country Club, 125 Falmouth Woods Rd., East Falmouth.  This family focused event will include a variety of indoor and outdoor instruction and demonstrations of wellness activities and sports, taste samplings from local restaurants and expo booths with local and national business offerings for healthy and active living.

Entry is FREE with donations appreciated.  Following this event a dinner is offered from 5-7 PM.  Advance dinner tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under.  Tickets also available at the door.  View flyer.

The Cape Cod Trail Race will take place on Sunday April 12 at the Crane Wildlife Management Area on Rt. 151 in East Falmouth.  Event will include a 10K, half marathon, marathon, 50K and free Kids Fun Run.  Registration is available through www.CapeCodTrailRace.com. Read more...

SAVE THE DATES:

Advocacy Day at the State House

NAMI MA Walk in Boston

More information to follow.

AARP Refresher Program - The Life You Save May Be Your Own: March 31, 1-4 PM, RSVP required to 508/862-4750.

Matter of Balance Info Session: April 2, 1-2 PM, FREE, RSVP required to 508/862-4750. 

Brown Bag for Seniors program:  If you receive fuel assistance or live in subsidized housing, or receive food stamps you will be eligible for the Brown Bag for Seniors program.  This consists of a free bag of groceries once a month consisting of basic, healthy food.  Complete the application and mail back to the Outreach Dept. at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis, MA  02601.

Silver Express vans offer transportation Monday - Friday and on a first come/first serve basis.  Suggested voluntary contribution of $5 for round trip.  Call 508/862-4752.

Gosnold & Falmouth Police Team up for High School Social Host Lesson:  On April 1, Gosnold's Prevention Division will team up with the Falmouth Police Department to present a Social Host lesson on underage drinking prevention to freshman health classes at Falmouth High School. The students will fill out a brief freshman alcohol survey, and take home a mandatory assignment on the Social Host Law to be completed with a parent or guardian.

Gosnold Scholarship:  Gosnold on Cape Cod, is offering a $2,500 scholarship to a graduating Cape Cod senior who has been accepted and is entering college in the Fall of 2015.  The student must plan to major in psychology, social work or another field of study that is relevant to addiction and/or mental health.

Interested applicants must complete an application and submit by April 15, 2015 and a 1,000 word essay responding to a specific issue about addiction. View flyer.  Print application or contact Jodi Landers at jlanders@gosnold.org or click here http://www.gosnold.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2015-Scholarship-Application.pdf

Join The Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition, Barnstable County Human Services/Regional Substance Abuse Council, and the Cultural Center of Cape Cod on April 16th from 6-8pm at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth for a screening of What Happened Here: the Untold Story of Addiction on Cape Cod. 

This documentary tells the stories of addicts, families, law enforcement, clinicians, and community leaders who are affected by addiction and recovery on The Cape.  Don't miss the opportunity to experience this powerful documentary and meet the local filmmakers, Sam Tarplin and Nate Robertson.

Free admission; donations welcome.  A portion of the donations will support students in recovery at Cape Cod Community College.

----------------------------------------------

Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition
suicideprevention@capecoalition.com

www.SuicideIsPreventable.net

April is National Volunteer Month, and April 12-18 is National Volunteer Week 

Volunteer Fair & Festival

ASIST two-day training on May 7 & 8, 2015, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM at the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak St., Harwich.  Cost $125 per person.  Light lunch and snacks included.  Hosted by Harwich Youth Services. View flyer.  For application or more information email yspp@chcofcapecod.org or call 774/392-5420.

A Call to Artists, Poets, Writers, Musicians and Speakers!

Dance in the Rain Whole Person Approach Peer to Peer Services will be presenting it's Third Annual Mindset Art Event at the Guyer Barn on South Street in Hyannis. The Event will take place Saturday May 23, 2015 from 11:00 am to 8:00pm. This will be a multimedia event and we are looking for artists representing many different types of mediums.

For information contact us at: info@danceintherain-wpa.org or more info go to: www.danceintherain-wpa/events.html

Helping persons' ages 14 and older living on the Cape & Islands who have mental health challenges or dual diagnosis

A Day of Words, Wit and Wisdom, June 4, 2015 at the Wychmere Beach Club, Harwich Port announcing Authors & Woman of the Year.  Authors Chris Bohjalian, Lily King and Paula McLain join emcee Anne LeClaire, WE CAN Special Advisor for individual reflections on this year's theme, "Tell Me Your Story" and a panel discussion. 

Tickets to this event will be on sale beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 13 by credit card ONLY at WE CAN's website.  More information about A Day of Words, Wit, and Wisdom.

Families with children who have experienced the death by suicide of a close family member are invited to attend this one day FREE event for a day of mentorship, support and group activities on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Camp Harbor View, Boston, MA.  Program is for youth ages 5-17 and their parents, guardians or designated family members.  Loss must have occurred a minimum of 3 months prior to the date of the program.  Registration is required by May 15th.  All services are free of charge.  Read more...  For more information visit www.comfortzonecamp.org/samaritans.  Call 781/756-4840 with questions or email MA@comfortzonecamp.org.

Through a partnership with Kognito Interactive, the MDPH Suicide Prevention Program is engaging in a pilot program to provide FREE on-line training for high school and middle school staff to recognize At-Risk youth and manage conversation with the student with the goal of connecting them with the appropriate support.  Read more...

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is conducting its five-year Title V Maternal & Child Health Needs Assessment.  As part of the Needs Assessment, we are conducting a survey of families of children & youth with special health care needs.  Family input is critical.  The information from the survey will help us to improve services and supports for children and youth ages birth through 24 years with special health care needs and their families.  Read more...   

Click https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/CYSHCN2015.survey to get the survey online.

If you would like a paper copy of the survey, or if you have any questions, please call 617-624-5478 or send an email to specialhealthneeds@state.ma.us.  (Paper copies are available in English and in Spanish.  The online link is in English only.)

ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE IS STILL AVAILABLE:  You can apply and enroll in MassHealth at any time during the year. If you are newly eligible for ConnectorCare Plans (subsidized public health insurance*), you can apply and enroll at any time during the year.  You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have Qualifying Life Events, such as a marriage, having a baby, losing a job, new Massachusetts resident, etc. (Need to apply and enroll within 60 days of the event.)

If you are currently on MassHealth and received a Renewal Notice, it is important to enroll by the deadline noted in your letter from MassHealth or you may experience time without health insurance.  View flyer.

Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands has certified MA Health Connector Navigators trained to help you! To schedule an appointment or for more information: call 508-771-1727 or walk-in at 372 North St., Hyannis, MA. (We offer services in Falmouth and on Nantucket, by appointment only.)

Volunteers are needed across Barnstable County for our Meals-on-Wheels program.  Just an hour a week can help ensure our homebound elders have a warm meal.  Mileage reimbursement is available.  Please contact Nancy Wolf at 508-394-4630 or nancy.wolf@escci.org at Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands.

The Greater New England Chapter'S Financial Assistance Program aims to support independence, safety, health, and quality of life for people living with MS. We support needs in the following categories: air conditioners; transportation to medical appointments; emergency needs; short-term counseling; home and auto modifications; medical equipment; and home and respite care. We also help to identify other potential funding sources.

Eligibility: Any person diagnosed with MS, living in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont, may apply for financial assistance. A person is eligible to receive financial assistance from the Greater New England Chapter once per year. All applications must be approved before the purchase of goods and/or services. We are unable to provide reimbursement for items or services already purchased. To learn more or to receive an application, call us at 800-344-4867 or e-mail us at generalmailbox@nmss.org

Health Imperatives sponsors training opportunities through their GLYS Program.  Training topics include:  Welcoming all Genders: LGBTQ 101; Supporting LGBTQ Families, & Providing Culturally Competent Care for Patients/Clients.  Gay Lesbian Youth Support (GLYS) trainings are designed for youth focused agencies and organizations that want to enhance their support of young LGBTQ clients.

Most trainings are 3 hours but can be easily customized for your needs.  CEU's are available for Social Workers and Licensed Mental Health Counselors.  Scholarships available for those who qualify. 

For information, to schedule a training or see if your agency is scholarship eligible contact Hope Freeman, High Risk Young Adult Specialist, at Health Imperatives, 942 West Chestnut St, Brockton, 508/583-3005 Ext 1041 or hfreeman@healthimperatives.org

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is pleased to announce that the Parkinson Support Network of Cape Cod (PSN) has been designated a Branch of the American Parkinson Disease Association, Massachusetts Chapter.  This relationship will bring increased education, services, and awareness to the Cape through the APDA Chapter's access to professionals and lay volunteers dedicated to providing speciality services supporting those with Parkinson's.

The Parkinson Support Network was founded in 2009 by Joyce Ginouves of Cotuit, following her husband Paul's diagnosis with Parkinson's.  She recognized the need for additional services for the nearly one thousand families living with Parkinson's on Cape Cod.  Read more...