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Barnstable County Department of Human Services monthly E-newsletter is the 'clearinghouse' for human services on Cape Cod providing news to human service organizations, elected officials and residents on training, funding opportunities, events and more. Visit our website for information on all BCDHS initiatives. | |
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON | |
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While the holidays can be a time of celebration and joy for many, they also can be a period of stress, sadness, and loneliness for others—and sometimes can be particularly difficult for people living with mental health and substance use conditions.
As we approach the holiday season, it is important to remember that it is very common to feel added stress. However, there are coping mechanisms to help alleviate the stress or condition and improve your mental health.
Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) website for strategies to help you find moments of joy amidst the hustle and bustle this holiday season.
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aging well & healthy living | |
SAGECARE TRAINING SERIES: CHALLENGES FACING OLDER LGBTQ+ ADULTS | |
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The Barnstable County Department of Human Services has partnered with SAGECare to offer three FREE virtual trainings to address the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ adults in our communities.
While the target audience is providers and stakeholders, anyone is invited to register for these learning sessions, where participant engagement is warmly encouraged.
Each session has a registrant capacity of 60 participants. The first two sessions are the same and cover the topic of supporting LGBTQ+ older adults, while the third session will specifically address Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias in LGBTQ+ adults.
Sessions will be held via ZOOM on the following dates and times:
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Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults, January 23, 2024, 9:30 AM –10:30 AM
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Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults, February 15, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, March 19, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration is required! Spaces are limited. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mandi Speakman at mandi.speakman@capecod.gov.
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COLD WEATHER IS COMING - HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY! | |
If you happen to live in areas that experience colder weather, it’s starting to get chilly and you may be turning your heat on. Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country and the American Red Cross urges families to take steps to heat their home safely. | |
FREE FALL RISK ASSESSMENT CLINICS | |
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One-on-one with participants using the CDC's STEADI program to help decrease fall risk and injury in older adults.
Wellfleet Adult Community Center | Monday, January 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brewster Senior Center Monday | Monday, January 8, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Provincetown Veterans Memorial Community Center | Monday, January 29, 2024,10:30 AM –12:30 PM
Eastham Senior Center Monday | Monday, January 29, 2024, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Anyone interested can call VNA Public Health at (508) 957–7423 to register.
No paperwork or insurance is required and again, this is FREE to participants so please feel free to share!
Click your preferred location above to download the full program flyer!
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NAVIGATING HIV AND AIDS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES | |
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In the diverse landscape of health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, HIV and AIDS play a pivotal role. This blog post seeks to unravel the intricate dynamics surrounding prevention, treatment, and support, offering valuable insights for everyone, regardless of their medical background.
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FREE COMPUTER COURSES FOR OLDER ADULTS | |
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In this 10-week, PC-based course teaches participants how to use email, search the internet for reliable information, access sources of entertainment, and connect to people, organizations and interests. It imparts a clear understanding of hardware and common software and the confidence to keep learning more.
The class will be held at the Dennis Center for Active Living on Mondays and Wednesdays for 10 weeks beginning January 8, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
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SAFE PLACE GROUP FOR SUICIDE LOSS SURVIVORS | |
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Our six-week Safe Place support group is a space for suicide loss survivors to share their experiences and hear from others suffering from the same type of loss. Participants can share as much or as little during a meeting as they would like. There is no “right” time to start attending; the only thing that matters is what feels right to each loss survivor.
Each six-week group is unique, as our Safe Place facilitators design each session to meet the specific needs and interests of the registered group members.
Join us for our next Safe Place sessions, beginning soon:
Date: Tuesday evenings from December 7, 2023 – January 11, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Hyannis, MA (exact location will be provided upon registration)
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CAPE AND ISLANDS SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING | |
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The mission of the Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition is to help give Cape Cod & Island communities the necessary information and tools to raise awareness, promote education, and increase action to reduce suicides.
General Membership Meetings are held in person at Cape Cod Community College or on Zoom.
All are welcome.
The next meeting will take place Thursday, December 14th, at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
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REDUCE SUICIDE RISK AND PROMOTE HEALING: SUDDEN DEATH POSTVENTION | |
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Using National Best Practice protocols, participants learn how to reduce the risk of contagion and create a comprehensive response plan in the event of a traumatic death.
Class Format: 4.00 hours (in person)
Next Available Session Start: Dec 14, 2023, at 9:30 AM
Location: Cape Cod Community College, Wilkens Library Building, Library Conference Room, 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668.
Questions? Contact Tammi Jacobsen, Director of Workforce Development and Training, at (508) 375-5011 or email tjacobsen@capecod.edu.
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OPEN ENROLLMENT IS NOW CLOSED - OPTIONS THROUGH MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN | |
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Missed Medicare Open Enrollment?
You have options if you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan!
When: January 1st to March 31st
What can you do:
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage.
- Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and go back to Original Medicare.
- Join a Medicare drug plan.
Call SHINE with any questions: (508) 375-6762
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Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay for some to most of the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Starting January 1, 2024, eligibility for full Extra Help is expanding. Medicare beneficiaries with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and assets within the partial Extra Help limits can receive the full Extra Help benefit (note that the 2024 FPL is not yet available).
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MEDICARE LIMITED INCOME NET (LI NET) PROGRAM | |
Have you recently lost MassHealth coverage for your prescriptions and need immediate, temporary assistance? LINET is a Medicare program that provides immediate prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help and have no prescription drug coverage. | |
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STOP MEDICARE FRAUD? | |
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Financial scams often go unreported or can be tough to prosecute, so they’re viewed as a “low risk” crime. However, they're devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a vulnerable position, with limited ability to recover their losses.
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upcoming community events | |
SAVE THE DATE: 23RD ANNUAL MASSACHUSETTS SUICIDE PREVENTION CONFERENCE | |
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Save the Date for the 23rd Annual Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Conference! This year's conference will be held at the Four Points Sheraton located at 1125 Boston Providence Turnpike, in Norwood, MA.
The Conference is sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, with co-sponsorship from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and the AdCare Educational Institute, Inc.
Click the image above to download the full program flyer!
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FROM THE MA SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES | |
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health DPH Bureau of Community Health and Prevention Suicide Prevention Program (SPP) is issuing this Request for Responses (RFR) to invite proposals for trauma informed, culturally responsive, and accessible suicide prevention services across the lifespan. The framework for this procurement is the socio ecological model that recognizes suicide prevention requires action at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. | |
food & community resources | |
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FROM THE MA SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES | |
CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE FALL 2023 | |
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Check out this updated guide to Cape Cod Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, Elder Services, and Meal Sites!
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Service Directory Opportunity | |
Are You Represented on our Network of Care (NOC) Service Directory? | |
The Barnstable County Department of Human Services’ Network of Care SERVICE DIRECTORY website, is a robust local health and human services directory with resources for individuals, families, and agencies on Cape Cod with public health questions and concerns.
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Newsletter Sign-up & Submit | |
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Yes! I'd like to received the Human Services e-newsletter. When you click 'sign me up!' you will have a choice to receive both the Human Services and/or RSAC e-news delivered directly to your inbox.
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Submissions will only be accepted using our online submission form. Attachments must be in .PDF FORMAT ONLY please. Posting of articles submitted for this publication is at the discretion of the Department.
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