Barnstable County Regional Substance
Abuse Council E-Newsletter 
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In This Issue
National Prevention Week
Sandwich Substance Abuse Prevention Committee
News from the MA Department of Public Health
No Wrong Door to Recovery Conference
Hidden in Plain Sight
News from WE CAN
Scope of Pain
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Upcoming Trainings
News from Barnstable County Human Services
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Issue: #045
May 12, 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. 
NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK
What is National Prevention Week?
National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of substance abuse and mental health issues. 

This national observance, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), brings individuals, organizations, coalitions, states, and communities together through local events to educate the public about the importance of preventing substance abuse and mental disorders before they occur.

Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council representatives participate in the "I Choose" Project.
What's the theme of National Prevention Week? 

The overall theme for 2016 is "Strong As One. Stronger Together."  This theme highlights the important role that individuals and communities alike have in helping people lead healthy, productive lives.

What is the "I Choose" Project?
The "I Choose" Project, another component of National Prevention Week, is a fun and meaningful way for individuals to get involved in prevention. 

The project invites people to take a photo of themselves, their family, or friends holding a sign with a written statement expressing why they choose prevention. SAMHSA shares the "I Choose" photos in an online photo gallery for others to see.

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.
SANDWICH EVENT
Under Construction: What Every Parent Must Know about your Tween/Teen's Brain Development
Thursday, May 19, 2016 | 6:45-8:30 PM
Forestdale School - Multipurpose Room

There is increasing attention to teen brain development and how it impacts how teens behave and take risks - such as using alcohol and drugs - and what this means for parents of teens.
 
This program will feature Dr. Ruth Potee, recently honored by the Franklin District Medical Society as the 2015 Community Clinician of the Year.

Come learn more about what parents and other interested members of the community can do to keep our teens safer, healthier, and substance-free through the middle and high school years.
 

For more information and to view the event flyer, please click here.
NEWS FROM THE MA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Updated Overdose Data
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has released this week new and updated data on overdose deaths as part of their work to track the progression of the opioid crisis and target services.  

The newly released data includes updated 2015 overdose death data, demographic information, and new Prescription Monitoring Program data for 2016.
 
To view this updated data, please click here.
NO WRONG DOOR TO RECOVERY CONFERENCE
Monday, May 16, 2016 - 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Four Points by Sheraton, Norword, MA

Purpose
No Wrong Door is a recovery conference offering opportunities to learn skills, coping strategies, and resources that support and maintain personal recovery from addiction. Topics addressed will be relevant to the needs of the Recovery Community. 

Target Audience 
This conference is designed by and for individuals and family members embracing the challenge and opportunity of recovery. Although providers may benefit by attending, the conference has been created to offer support & resource information to the Recovery Community. 

Description 
This full day event begins at 8:00 am with registration & continental breakfast. Welcoming remarks will begin at 9:00 am, then a morning keynote address will be 
followed by seven different workshops (please click agenda at the top of the page). Lunch will offer opportunities to network, visit resource tables and the Wellness Room. Recovery stories will be shared and then seven afternoon workshops are offered before a closing ceremony and handing in evaluations with suggestions for the next conference in 2018.

Objectives
As a result of attending this conference, participants will:
  • Gain increased knowledge of treatment options and recovery supports in MA
  • Be inspired to advocate against the stigma of substance use and mental health conditions as well as of medication assisted treatment
  • Gain tools and resources to better navigate individual/family/young peoples' recovery toward successful outcomes
  • Learn strategies on how to improve one's joy and wellness in recovery
For more information or to register for this event, please click here
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
The Bourne Substance Free Coalition, sponsored by the Bourne High School Nye Grant, will be hosting a free program called Hidden in Plain Sight at Upper Cape Tech on Thursday, May 12, 2016, 5:00 - 8:00 PM and again on Friday, May 13, 2016, 1:00 - 4:00 PM.  Upper Cape Tech is located at 220 Sandwich Road in Bourne, MA.
 
Hidden in Plain Sight is an interactive education program for parents/guardians featuring an exhibit where adults are encouraged to explore and interact with a display designed to resemble a teenager's bedroom. 

Throughout the exhibit are items that may indicate that a teenager may be involved in some high-risk behavior such as substance use, underage drinking, and other dangers. 
 
Following an exploration of the mock bedroom exhibit, resources will be provided and there will be an informative presentation by members of the Bourne Substance Free Coalition, which include: the Bourne Police, the Barnstable Sheriff's office, school personnel, therapists, and other members of the community. 
 
There is no charge to attend this program.  Refreshments will be served.

For more information or to RSVP, please click here.
NEWS FROM WE CAN
Legal Workshop: Legal Issues Facing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Monday, May 16, 2016 | 5:00-8:00 PM
Eastham Methodist Church
3200 State Highway, Eastham, MA

This workshop is intended to respond to the legal questions and needs of grandparents raising grandchildren. Please come and have dinner with other attendees and visit the resource tables of other organizations from 5:00 - 6:00. Then attend the session while your grandchildren are cared for in a separate space. We look forward to you joining us!

Childcare provided by Cape Cod Children's Place; Pre-registration required.
 
For more information, please view the event flyer here
SCOPE OF PAIN

Free SCOPE of Pain Trainings offered May 17th and May 18th in Falmouth

What is the SCOPE of Pain?
SCOPE of Pain is a series of continuing medical education/continuing nursing education activities designed to help healthcare professionals safely and competently manage patients with chronic pain, when appropriate, with opioid analgesics.

At the completion of this education activity, attendees will be able to:
  • Employ appropriate assessment, monitoring and documentation strategies to meet best practice standards and medico-legal requirements when treating patients with chronic opioid therapy (COT)
  • Apply a practical framework for decision-making on the initiation, dosage modification, and discontinuation of opioid analgesics in the treatment of chronic painEmploy consistent practice tools to adequately assess risk in patients being considered for COT and to effectively manage COT
  • Confidentially counsel patients and caregivers about the safe use of opioid medications and communicate about the need for close monitoring
  • Effectively communicate with patients whom you suspect may be misusing opioid analgesics
  • Demonstrate increased understanding of general and product-specific information of ER/LA opioid analgesics
SCOPE of Pain is sponsored by Boston University School of Medicine. The Cape Cod meetings are in collaboration with Cape Cod Healthcare, the Falmouth Opioid Community Coalition and the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council. The trainings are free and 3 AMA PRA Category 1 credits will be provided.

Who should attend?
Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and allied healthcare professionals.

Upcoming
 SCOPE of Pain trainings on Cape Cod:

All SCOPE of Pain sessions listed below are offered free of charge. Food will be provided at both sessions.
  • Session I: Tuesday, May 17th, 2016 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM | Coonamessett Inn, Falmouth, MA
  • Session II: Wednesday, May 18th, 2016 | 8:00 - 11:00 AM | Coonamessett Inn, Falmouth, MA
To register:
Please click here to visit the Scope of Pain website and select the session you would like to attend.

HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH
The month of May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States, and May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day. During May, CDC and its public health partners work to shed light on this hidden epidemic by raising awareness of viral hepatitis and encouraging people to get tested.

"Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that plays many roles essential to good health. It processes nutrients, filters the blood, and helps fight infections. When the liver becomes inflamed, its function can be affected. 

Many things can cause hepatitis, including heavy alcohol use, certain toxins, and some medications and medical conditions. However, hepatitis is most often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are  Hepatitis AHepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

The  Hepatitis Risk Assessment tool is designed to determine an individual's risk for viral hepatitis and asks questions based upon CDC's guidelines for testing and vaccination. After completing the assessment, you will get personalized recommendations that you can print and bring to your doctor.
 
For more information, please visit the CDC Viral Hepatitis website here.
UPCOMING TRAININGS
Recovery Coach Academy
Monday, May 23, 2016 - Friday, May 27, 2016
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM | 
Worcester, MA
The Recovery Coach Academy (RCA) is a 5-day training designed for those interested in becoming Recovery Coaches and/or for learning the principles and philosophies of Recovery Coaching. The training will provide a comprehensive overview of the purpose, tasks, and roles of Recovery Coaches.  

Working with LGBTQ Clients in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Thursday, May 26, 2016 | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Hampton Inn Executive Conference Center, Natick, MA
In this training, participants will learn about LGBTQ identities, discuss why forces like homophobia and transphobia exist, and think about how other forms of oppression, like racism, sexism, and ableism impact LGBTQ people. This training spends dedicated time focusing on transgender identities, and finishes with better practices around working with LGBTQ people in substance abuse programs. This training also contains speakers who will share their lived experiences as LGBTQ people accessing social services. 

Chronic Use of Marijuana in Teens & Young Adults
Friday, June 3, 2016 | 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Hotel Northampton, Northampton, MA
This collaborative workshop will support and enhance the skills of those who work with youth and young adults, and help increase their effectiveness in addressing their clients' use of marijuana.
FROM BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES
Second 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 2: Use of a Social Norms Campaign" explores the effectiveness of a 'Social Norms' strategy in messages targeted at substance use prevention among youth.

For more information, read/download the Issue Briefs here:
Issue Brief 1: Use of Scare Tactics in Prevention Messaging
Issue Brief 2: Use of Social Norms Campaigns
Issue Brief 3: Coming Soon!

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Health and Wellness Service Directory Launched

Barnstable County Department of Human Services is pleased to announce the launch of a newly revised and updated local Public Health and Wellness Service Directory containing services providers and organizations serving the health and human services needs of Barnstable County.  

The Public Health and Wellness site's comprehensive database provides search tools to access local resources on aging, disability, mental health, substance use, housing, and many more public health and wellness areas.

As the companion to the Department's  Behavioral Health web platform, the Public Health and Wellness site is a powerful web-based platform that converts analysis of all health data into customized community health indicators.  The tool is especially valuable for assessment and community health planning.  The site also provides data and information about community services, laws, and related news.

Key features of the website include: easy access to vital health information to individuals and families; local, state, and national health data; integrated sets of data, public health model practices and CDC Interventions with each health indicator; and the latest developments via the online learning centers, library, and advocacy tools.
FROM THE REGIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNCIL
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!
BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNCIL
The next meeting of the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council is scheduled for:

Thursday, June 2, 2015 - 4:00 - 5:30 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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E-NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
To submit materials, please contact Samantha Kossow at SAC@barnstablecounty.org and include the following information:
  • Descriptive Title
  • Brief Description of the Content 
  • Relevant attachments, submitted in PDF or text format 
  • Website link if available 
  • Contact information of the person submitting the information the contact person for the event 

Posting of articles submitted for publication in the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council E-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 Callahan at (508) 375-6628 or TDD at (508) 362-5885.