Barnstable County Regional Substance
Abuse Council E-Newsletter 
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News from Washington, D.C.
News from the State House
Yarmouth Substance Abuse Committee
News from HAC
In the News
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
News from SAMHSA
Lower Cape Prevention Partnership
News from the RSAC
News from Cape Cod Healthcare
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Issue: #042
April 1, 2016

 
Welcome to the e-Newsletter from Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council. This newsletter is designed to provide timely information on substance abuse and other related topics for people living and working in Barnstable County. 
 
This publication will be sent out periodically to our mailing list.  Please forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues who may be interested in this information.  If you are not on our mailing list, you can join by clicking on the button to the left.

 

If you have information you would like included in future e-newsletters, please follow the submission instructions outlined at the bottom of this page. 
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
Obama Administration Announces Additional Actions to Address the Prescription Opioid Abuse and Heroin Epidemic
This week the President announced additional public and private sector actions to escalate the fight against the prescription opioid abuse and heroin epidemic, which is claiming the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year.

Some of the White House's announced initiatives include:
  • expanded access to medication-assisted treatment.
  • providing an additional $11 million to increase access to naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug.
  • establishing a Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Task Force.
  • ensuring that mental health and substance use benefits are offered as medical and surgical benefits are for those enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
  • a $7 million initiative by the Department of Justice toward policing and investigating heroin distribution.
  • guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services for federally funded needle exchange programs.
To read more about these new federal actions, please click here.

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HHS Takes Steps To Increase Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Medication

The United States Department of Health and Human Services is proposing a new rule to allow physicians to prescribe the opioid use disorder treatment medication buprenorphine to an increased number of patients. The proposed change is designed to strike a balance between expanding access to this important treatment, encouraging use of evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and minimizing the risk of drug diversion.

If adopted, the proposal would allow for a qualified and currently waivered physician to prescribe buprenorphine for up to 200 patients. Buprenorphine is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug used as part of MAT, a comprehensive way to address the recovery needs of individuals that combines the use of medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. 

Buprenorphine-because of its lower potential for abuse-is permitted to be prescribed or dispensed in physician offices, significantly increasing its availability to many patients. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is safe and effective.

HHS welcomes public comment on this proposed rule, which will be open for 60 days starting Wednesday, March 30, 2016.  To review and comment on the proposed rule, please click here.
NEWS FROM THE STATE HOUSE
Rep. Hunt Presents Report on Substance Addiction Treatment in Criminal Justice System
In a presentation to state legislators last Wednesday, State Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich) partnered with the Special Commission on Substance Addiction Treatment in the Criminal Justice System to debrief the audience on the Special Commission's final report, which was released on December 31st of last year. 

The presentation was given to a standing room only crowd of state senators, representatives, and staffers at the State House.  Barntsbable County Department of Humans Services publications, data and search directories were included in the press release. Read more ...

YARMOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMMITTEE
Town Hall Forum - "Think Before the Drink"
April 13th, 2016 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Mattacheese Middle School

The Yarmouth Substance Abuse Committee (YSAC), together with a grant from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is holding a Town forum entitled "Think Before the Drink", consisting of exhibits and a panel discussion on the impact of underage drinking on our children, families and community.  

The forum will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2016 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Mattacheese Middle School, 400 Higgins Crowell Road, West Yarmouth.  Doors open at 6:00pm for exhibitor viewing prior to the meeting.

The event is free and open to the public.  Free parking is available and door prizes, including student-only entries will be given away the night of the Forum.   

The panel discussion will focus on the legal, medical and community issues of social hosting and the effects of alcohol use by anyone under the age of 21.

Guest speakers include Attorney Jeff Perry of the Barnstable County Sheriff's Department; Lt. Patrick Carty, Yarmouth Police Department; Dr. James Rodriguez, Cape Cod Hospital Emergency Room; Samantha Pearsall, impacted Community member; Max Mitrokostas, Law Student; Ken Jenks, Principal Dennis-Yarmouth High School Principal; and Billy Terranova, Cape Cod Technical High School Principal.

For more information, please contact Christine Greeley at ysac@yarmouth.ma.us.
FROM HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION
HAC Report Connects Substance Use and Homelessness
Housing Assistance Corporation has published the white paper "Closer to Home: Substance Abuse Treatment Options for the Homeless on the Cape and Islands" The report is the first in an ongoing effort by HAC to develop white papers to help the Cape and Islands make informed decisions about the future of housing for the region's diverse population.

HAC is highlighting substance use disorder in this report because it is an illness that is pervasive among our clients; it's affected about 80 percent of our shelter guests and many of the other people we help with housing issues. Read more ...
IN THE NEWS
Tribe launching substance abuse program - Cape Cod TimesThe Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is about to begin a substance abuse prevention and recovery program that incorporates Native American culture into a wellness program for youth. 

New Law Ends Automatic Driver's License Suspensions For Drug Crimes - WBUROn Wednesday, Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a bill that repeals most of a 1989 tough-on-crime measure that automatically suspends the driver's license of a person convicted of drug crimes.

Tobey Hospital 'pilot' will help in drug-addiction recovery - The Wareham CourierTobey Hospital and South Shore Hospital in Weymouth are introducing an emergency room-based "recovery coaching" pilot to help people access drug addiction treatment and recovery services.

New Boston police opioid unit focuses on treatment, not just arrests - Boston Globe"Our mission is twofold. One is enforcement, and the second - just as important - is the recovery aspect," said Lieutenant Detective Brian J. Larkin, commander of the Boston Police Drug Control Unit. "There's a lot of people who have just struggled for years, and they can't get out."
NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY
On Saturday, April 30th from 10a.m. - 2 p.m., thousands of pounds of prescription drugs will be disposed of safely across Cape Cod during the 11th Annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day thanks to the dedication and hard work of our town's Police Departments.  

We know unused prescription medications in homes create a public health and safety concern because they can be accidentally ingested, stolen, misused, and abused. And with recent water quality studies on Cape Cod finding medications at detectable levels, the Rx Take-Back Day helps divert unwanted medications from being flushed down the toilet where they contaminate our ground and drinking water. 

April 30th provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications and the importance of protecting the Cape's natural environment. So drop off your unwanted or unused medications at any Cape Cod Police Department on Saturday, April 30th. No paperwork to fill out, no questions asked. 

NEWS FROM SAMHSA
New Behavioral Health Publications
SAMHSA has released a new pocket guide for medication-assisted treatment of opioid disorders.  This pocket guide offers guidelines for physicians using medication-assisted treatment for patients with opioid use disorder.  It discusses the various types of approved medications, screening and assessment tools, and best practices for patient care. 

To order or download this free guide, please click here.
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National Prevention Week
National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental and/or substance use disorders.


The overall theme for 2016 is "Strong As One. Stronger Together."  Explore the National Prevention Week website to learn more about how you can get involved, from planning a community event to participating in the "I Choose" Project.

To learn more about National Prevention Week, please click here.

LOWER CAPE PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP
Community Forum and Speaker
Wednesday, May 11th | 6:30-8:00 PM
Monomoy Regional High School - Auditorium

Community forum and speaker event. Kevin Hill, MD, psychiatrist and addictions researcher from McLean Hospital will be talking about underage drinking, teens and marijuana, and opioids.
 
To learn more about the Lower Cape Prevention Partnership, please click here.
FROM THE REGIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNCIL
First RSAC Issue Brief Published
The Barnstable County Department of Human Services is producing a series of issue briefs that will present factual information on an array of topics related to substance use. 

"Issue Brief 1: Use of Scare Tactics in Prevention Messaging" explores the effectiveness of a 'Scare Tactics' strategy in messages targeted at substance use prevention among youth.  

"Research has shown that messages based in fear may actually be counterproductive by appealing to risk-taking members in some members of target audience."  

For more information, read/download the Issue Brief here.

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Substance Use Resource & Information Guide for Cape Cod

Barnstable County's Regional Substance Abuse Council's Substance Use Resource & Information Guide for Cape Cod is now available in PDF form to download and print.

This easy-to-read guide includes emergency hotline numbers, treatment system information, definitions, and information about local treatment options that help individuals and their families dealing with substance use.

Printed versions will be available soon. If you are interested in printed versions of this resource guide, please contact Barnstable County Human Services for more information at SAC@BarnstableCounty.org

For a list of additional publications created by the Department of Human Services, please click here.

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Where We Stand - 
Addiction
on Cape Cod
"Where We Stand - Addiction on Cape Cod" is an information and resource document about the work our community has been doing to address substance use issues on Cape Cod, basic facts about addiction, and links to local resources.

Please share this resource with others who may find it helpful and informative!
NEWS FROM CAPE COD HEALTHCARE
CCHC Pharmacies Now Carry Naloxone

CApe Cod Healthcare
The opioid overdose antidote, naloxone, also known as narcan, is now available without a doctor's prescription at the Stoneman Outpatient Center pharmacy in Sandwich and will be available beginning Monday, March 14, at the new Fontaine Outpatient Center pharmacy in Harwich.
 
"This new policy is saving lives," said Peter Scarafile, pharmacy director at Cape Cod Healthcare. "Given the impact opioid overdoses is having on the Cape, we want to take a leading role in naloxone education, not only those who are addicted to opioids, but their friends, family and the general public. As part of the healthcare system, our pharmacies are very well positioned to dispense this drug."
 
The state last year approved the distribution of naloxone through designated pharmacies without a physician prescription. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the drug. 

For more information, please visit OneCape Health News.
BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNCIL
The next meeting of the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council is scheduled for:

Thursday, April 14, 2015 - 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Harborview Conference Room in the Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main Street, Barnstable Village

These meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are posted publicly on the Barnstable County website, in front of the Barnstable Superior Courthouse, and are available upon request.
E-NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
Did you know that a full archive of the previous editions of this e-Newsletter are available on the Barnstable County Human Services Department website?

View past editions of the Regional Substance Abuse Council e-Newsletter and the Human Services Department e-Newsletter at www.bchumanservices.net and click on "E-Newsletter".
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MUTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS
For a downloadable PDF version of the information listed below, please click here.
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Learn to Cope  

Learn to Cope is a support group for parents, family members, spouses, and caregivers who have a family member who is addicted to opiates, alcohol, or other drugs.

Learn to Cope offers experienced facilitators, resources, informational material, guest speakers (in long term recovery or professionals in the field), overdose education, and Narcan enrollment at all weekly meetings.  

Weekly meetings are held on Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 PM at the Yarmouth Police Station, One Brad Erickson Way. For more information call (508) 738-5148 or visit their website.

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Parents Supporting Parents 
Parents Supporting Parents is a group of people who have come together as parents and family members coping and dealing with children/loved one's addiction.

Their mission is to support, strengthen, and educate one another as they share their lives.  Their goal is to help their loved ones find and live in recovery, and for all members to live a healthy lifestyle.

Weekly meetings are held on Monday 6:30-8:30 PM at 
Mashpee Chamber of Commerce, 
5 Bates Road, 
Mashpee, MA
 02649
. To learn more, view the Parents Supporting Parents Facebook page.
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Mothers Helping Mothers
Mothers Helping Mothers is a support group for women struggling with the emotional difficulties associated with addiction and recovery during the pregnant and postpartum phases of life.

Free childcare is provided during the meetings by The Children's Study Home.  Anyone planning on attending the meeting and needing childcare is asked to call ahead.  All ages are welcome. 

Weekly meetings are held every
Tuesday 7:30-9:00 PM at the John Wesley Methodist Church in Falmouth at 270 Gifford Street and every Monday 5:30-7:00 PM at the 83 Pearl Street in Hyannis

For more information, contact Deborah at (774) 392-0446 or Danielle at (508) 209-7533
.
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Alateen
Alateen is a fellowship of young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking.  
 
For more information, call 508-366-0556 or visit their website at www.capeteens.com.
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Nar-Anon
Nar-Anon Family Groups is a twelve step fellowship that offers a recovery program for those affected by someone's addiction.  The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend.

Nar-Anon is adapted from Narcotics Anonymous and uses Nar-Anon's Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts.  

Weekly meetings are held Friday nights 6:00-7:00 PM at St. David's Episcopal Church in South Yarmouth.  For more information, visit the Nar-Anon website.
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Gosnold Family Support Groups
The Gosnold Reaching Out program is a resource for family members and loved ones affected by addiction. It assists the family at all stages of addiction through education, intervention, and support. 

Information and Education Forums help family members gain a basic understanding of the signs and symptoms of addiction, treatment options, and stages of recovery. An educated and supportive family has a positive impact on treatment outcomes.

Tuesday 6:00-7:30 PM
Gosnold Counseling Center
1185 Falmouth Road
Centerville, MA 02632
Wednesday 6:00-7:30 PM
Gus Canty Community Center
790 Main Street
Falmouth, MA 02540

Sunday 11:00-12:30 PM
Scituate Senior Center
27 Brook Street
Scituate, MA 02066
Sunday 4:00-5:00 PM
(Educational Group)
Falmouth Hospital - Faxon Center
100 Ter Heun Drive
Falmouth, MA 02540
Monday 6:00-7:30 PM
Harwich Police Department
183 Sisson Road
Harwich, MA 02645

Wednesday 6:00-7:30 PM
(Grief and Addiction)
Gosnold Counseling Center
1185 Falmouth Road
Centerville, MA 02632

For more information, contact Mary Fisher, 844-558-4357,  mfisher@gosnold.org.
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Other Resources
Al-Anon - The primary purpose of Al-Anon is to help families and friends of alcoholics. Members of Al-Anon learn to live happily whether the alcoholic continues to drink or not. We learn that alcoholism is a disease and that we are not alone. 

Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.

Narcotics Anonymous - NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.
MASSACHUSETTS SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELPLINE

For tens of thousands of Massachusetts resident struggling with alcohol and other drug related issues, (800) 327-5050 is an important number.   

 

The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline provides free and confidential information and referrals for alcohol and other drug abuse problems and related concerns.  The Helpline is committed to linking consumers with comprehensive, accurate, and current information about treatment and prevention services throughout Massachusetts.  

 

Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Language interpreters are always available. 

 

For online service and more information, click here.

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