Barnstable County Behavioral Health Web Portal

The Barnstable County Behavioral Health web portal  is a fantastic tool for our community providing critical information, communication, and advocacy tools with a single point of entry.  One of the key features of the new portal is a comprehensive Service Directory that enables consumers to easily locate the local programs and services they need most.

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.)

Bay State Bike Week starts May 9 and continues until May 17.

Barnstable Bike Clinic, Friday, May 8, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, Barnstable County Complex, lower parking area.  Sponsored by the Cape Cod Commission and MassBike. 

"Two Barnstables" Ride, Wednesday, May 13, 8:15 AM, West Barnstable Village Green, Route 149.  5 mile, 1-way ride from West Barnstable to Barnstable Village.  Sponsored by the Cape Cod Commission. 

For more information contact Lev Malakhoff at 508/744-1229 or lmalakhoff@capecodcommission.org A calendar, announcements and information about these and other bicycle and pedestrian planning initiatives sponsored by the Cape Cod Commission are available at www.capecodcommission.org/initiatives/bikeped. 

Additional Bike Week events being held on the Cape can be found on the Bay State Bike Week online calendar at www.baystatebikeweek.org/events.

FREE SCOPE of Pain Trainings will be offered across Cape Cod on May 11th & 12th at Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Hospital and the Chatham Wayside Inn.  The trainings are FREE and 3 CME/CE credits will be provided.  View flyer for additional information.  Visit the SCOPE of Pain website to register.

SCOPE of Pain is a series of continuing medical education/continuing nursing education activities designed to help healthcare professionals safely and competently use opioids, if appropriate, to manage patients with chronic pain. 

SCOPE of Pain is sponsored by Boston University School of Medicine.  The Cape Cod meetings are in collaboration with Cape Cod Healthcare and the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council.

WE CAN Open House, May 11, 8:30 - 10:30 AM.

Upcoming Workshops:

Divorce Boot Camp, May 16th, Hyannis

Falmouth Monthly Legal Consults, May 10, 10:15 AM - 12:45 PM

Legal Workshop: Legal Issues Facing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, May 21st, Sandwich

Immigration Attorney consultations - next openings June 12

Call WE CAN to register or for any questions.

Join the Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD) as we honor State Representative Sarah Peake with the Community Champion Award on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton, Route 6 in Eastham. 

The PathMaker Program, a program of WE CAN, is a ten month (Sept - June) mentoring program of mutual learning and growth that has the potential to be life-altering.  The program is an opportunity for women to create a life vision and move toward making this vision a reality.  Join this group of women of all ages, each on her own personal journey, enriching one another as they come together for monthly workshops and 1:1 sessions.

Register to attend an upcoming Information Session:

May 12, 5:30-7:00 PM, Harwich Community Center

May 14, 5:30-7:00 PM, Zion Heritage Museum, Hyannis

May 19, 5:30-7:00 PM, Cape Cod Media Center, Dennis

May 28, 5:30-7:00 PM, Sandwich Public Library

View flyer for additional program information and June dates and locations.

Given the high prevalence of pain and associated disability in the veteran population, research addressing this has been designated as a priority by many federal funding agencies, including the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

This professional Education program, Caring for Veterans in Pain in the Community Setting, is designed for nurses, physicians, pharmacists, CAM providers, social workers, persons with pain and anyone interested in pain management.  Program is scheduled for May 13, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 265 Lakeside Ave., Marlborough.  Cost is $55, 3 CEs available for nurses and social workers.  Read more..... 

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Pain Initiative

Pre-Prom Assemblies:  As part of their effort to reduce substance use among young people, Gosnold on Cape Cod will

be holding a Pre-Prom Assembly on May 14 at 6:30 PM at 

Falmouth High School.    The assembly is open to parents who have children attending prom activities. An estimated 9.3 million underage youth drank alcohol last year making the need for educating our young people a top priority for Gosnold's prevention team. 

Gosnold's Spring into Summer Clean-up and Cookout,

Saturday, May 9th at 1:00 PM:  Join friends, family and Gosnold alumni to help with the Spring clean-up and garden preparation at the Miller House, 165 Woods Hole Rd. in Falmouth, followed by a cookout and recovery community meeting. 

Lock Your Meds Presentation: Community Care Resource Group, May 13:  Gosnold's Prevention Division and Community Care Resource Group will be working together to educate professionals who serve seniors on the importance of locking up and properly disposing of prescription medications. 

Rogers & Gray Charitable Foundation: Comedy for the Community: May 14, 6:30 PM at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in East Harwich.  Evening includes live music, live auction and comedy show.  For more information visit https://www.rogersgray.com/comedy/

8th Annual Health Fair, May 15, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Eastham Council on Aging, 1405 Nauset Rd, North Eastham.  RSVP to 508/255-6164.

Hit the Road - AARP Safe Senior Driving, May 22, 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM at the Eastham Council on Aging.  Call 508/255-6164 to register or for questions.  1st 12 people to register will receive free tuition. 

Falmouth Gay Men's Social Group presents Wild and Precious, a powerful, heartfelt production written and performed by Steve Cadwell, at the Woods Hole Community Hall, 68 Water St., Woods Hole on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 PM.  View flyer. 

Cabaret Fundraiser to benefit Thrive!/CIGSYA on June 11, 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Ballroom, Doubletree by Hilton, 287 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis.  Sponsorships available.

Please support programs at CIGSYA, the Cape & Islands Gay Straight Youth Alliance, for the remainder of the school year and to help increase hours for fall programs.

My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management: New classes will run Tuesdays, 5/26 - 6/30/15, 9-11:30 AM at the Falmouth Council on Aging and Mondays, 5/11-6/22, 1-3:30 PM (info session 5/4, 1-2 PM) in West Barnstable at the Cape Cod YMCA.

Matter of Balance: Class for individuals who are at risk of falling or have a fear of falling.  8 week group meets Thursdays, 6/4-7/23, 2-4 PM at the Yarmouth Council on Aging. 

Tai Chi Healthy Aging: Physical activity program to help reduce the risk of falls and improve balance, coordination and stamina will run Thursdays, 7/9-8/27, 3-4 PM at the Barnstable Council on Aging.

All programs are FREE and are open to the community through the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund grant through Barnstable County.  View flyer for more information, visit the www.healthylivingcapecod.org website or contact Gina Kupski at 508/470-1125.

2015 Visual Art Exhibit until May 19, by students of the Barnstable Intermediate School

Cook Book Reading Club: organizational get-together on Thursday, May 14th @ 2:00 PM

May is National Mental Health Month.  The Hyannis Public Library is hosting a two-part program: "Discover Recovery from Mental Illness" on May 13 and 20 @ 4:00 PM.

Read more... for additional details.

The Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition is thrilled to announce Brian Finkelstein's: First Day Off in a Long Time on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main St., South Yarmouth.

Written and performed by Brian Finkelstein, a storyteller and regular host of NPR's Moth Radio Hour, this hysterical and life-changing solo-show tells true tales from the four years Brian spent volunteering at a New York City suicide hotline.

Tickets can be reserved dayofftickets.eventbrite.com, suggested donation of $10.00, and paid for at the door. More information about the event and about Brian can also be found on the attached flyer and on the ticket site.

Workshop on Legal Issues Facing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on May 21st at the Sandwich Public Library.  Co-sponsored by the Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition and the MA Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.  For additional information and to register click here. 

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 2015 Conference

Boston Globe article by Kathleen Conti, May 1, 2015: Opioid Addiction Among Parents Leads to more Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.  More information  on how to approach this subject with your grandchildren.

What does health equity look like in your community?  The conversation continues with a FREE 90-minute interactive webinar on May 21st.  The webinar will include practical steps and examples for applying key concepts.  View more details or register.

This free training is provided by the Community Health Training Institute in partnership with the MA Department of Public Health.

Thrift Boutique Manager: Full time year-round position at The Family Pantry of Cape Cod.  Responsibilities include managing volunteers and daily operation of Second Glance Thrift Boutique.  Retail experience a must and strong interpersonal and organization skills are most important.  Compensation will include salary and commission.   

The White House Conference on Aging represents an important step in working to ensure that Americans throughout the lifespan have the opportunity to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work, make choices about their daily lives, and participate fully in community life. In addition, the Conference is designed to assist the public and private sectors to be responsive to the needs of a diverse aging population and to promote the dignity and independence of and expand opportunities for current and future generations of older persons and their families. Be the change you want to see in the world!   Visit http://whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov/ for more information.

Remote Site Viewing Session

Age-Friendly Yarmouth

Yarmouth Senior Center

May, 28, 2015

Call 508-394-7606 to confirm time and RSVP!

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity where you can really make a difference? Then volunteering for The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands could be a great fit for you!

Our volunteers are not counselors or therapists, so no experience is required. Volunteers are trained in non-judgmental active listening so as to best assist our callers who are lonely, depressed, or isolated.

The next Crisis Line/Senior Outreach Volunteer Training will be held on May 26, 27, 28 and June 1 and 2, 2015. If you'd like to learn more about attending our upcoming volunteer training and how you can help make a difference, please contact our office at 508/548-7999 to learn more!

The next Elder Suicide Prevention Training for Cape and Islands Communities is scheduled for June 15, 2015, 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM at the Stoneman Outpatient Center, 2 Jan Sebastian Way, Sandwich, MA.  This FREE training offers 7.0 CEUs to registered nurses, social workers, and licensed mental health clinicians.  For more information view flyer or contact Stephanie Kelly at 508/548-7999 or ccsamaritans@verizon.net.

The ManKind Project, Cape and Islands Community with the collaboration of Independence House and the NO More Campaign are hosting a Men's March on May 31st at 1:00 PM for men and boys joining together saying "NO More" to domestic violence and sexual assault. 

The March will begin at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center through the Main Street District and return back to the Community Center for a post-March rally.  Proceeds from the March will benefit Independence House.  Read more.....

Four half-day FREE trainings on Multi-sector Engagement, Coalition Communications, Meeting Facilitation and more!  Join coalition leaders and members from across the state to build practical skills.  Two half-day each trainings will be held in Fall River on June 2nd and in Springfield on June 3rd.  Read more...

These FREE trainings are provided by the Community Health Training Institute in partnership with the MA Department of Public Health.

Save the Date

Aging with Dignity Conference, Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA. 

The conference focus:  Preventing and Responding to Substance Use and Related Problems in Older Adults.  Read more...

INML is now accepting applications for the 2015-16 year. Programs offered include the Core Certificate Program and the Community Fellows Program.  Read more.....  Register for an INML information session at www.inml.org or here.

Upcoming Workshop Series

Leading as an Ally to People of Color: scheduled for May 29, June 5 & 12 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at United Way, 51 Sleeper St., Boston, MA.  This 3-session workshop is for Executive Directors and Senior Leaders on Achieving Inclusion.  Cost is $275 per person.  Register.

For further details please email INML.OrgINML@

A non-partisan, FREE, public information forum:  Combating Cape Cod's Substance Abuse Epidemic: What's working? What's missing? What can we do? will be held on June 10, 2015 from 7-9:00 PM at the Centerville Library, 585 Main St., Centerville.  Topics will include: Prevention, Intervention, Treatment, Recovery, & Support.  Please RSVP to Gerry McGowan at cgmc88@comcast.net or 508/428-5960.  View flyer for more information.

Sponsored by the Barnstable Democratic Town Committee

The Independence House Falmouth Office has moved

2nd Annual Cape-Wide Softball Tournament to benefit Independence House is currently recruiting for teams. Minimum of 12 players per team, minimum of 2 females per team.  Individual registration is $30, Team registration is $300.  Read more... for more information and to download Registration forms.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day:  June 15.  This international campaign is designed to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes that affect elder abuse and neglect.  Read more...

Independence House will facilitate the Cape and Islands Regional Domestic Violence Council Quarterly Meeting on Monday, June 23 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM at the Harborview Conference Room in the Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main St., Barnstable Village.  Email RSVP to cherylc@indhouse.net.

Independence House Mentors in Violence Prevention programs are held at Barnstable High School, Falmouth High School and DY Regional High School.  On May 28th, high school seniors of Sturgis East and West campuses will participate in an Independence House by-stander training.

Sarah Nasuti, Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod 2015 Youth of the Year will be receiving a $1,500 college scholarship and join 42 other Youths of the Year from around Massachusetts at the State House in Boston to compete for the title of the MA State Youth of the Year and a chance to travel later this year to Washington DC to meet the President.  Two other youths were interviewed by a distinguished panel of judges and named as finalists: Miranda Davis and Justin Rose.

SAVE THE DATES:  

June 5: Boys & Girls Night at Puritan Clothing in Mashpee.

June 25: Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod Annual Gala at the Coonamessett Inn.  Purchase tickets and read more details.

July 17: Blues & Bass Fishing Tournament at Mashpee Neck Marina and Raw Bar

August 3: Golf Tournament at New Seabury with dinner & auction on the beach at the Popponesset Inn.

October 31: 5K Road Race & Kids Fun Run

On August 16th you can run in memory of someone you've lost, or almost lost, to suicide. Or run for a friend or family member who is grieving. Regardless of the reason, when you run for the CISPC, everyone wins!

If you are interested in running, contact Kelly at suicideprevention@capecoalition.com or call 508-566-3610. If you aren't a runner, you can still contribute to this great cause by forwarding this email or posting our flyer. Or you can support a runner by making a tax-deductible contributions to their run!