spotlight

SAGECARE TRAINING SERIES: CHALLENGES FACING OLDER LGBTQ+ ADULTS

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:

• Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults, January 23, 2024, 9:30 AM –10:30 AM
• Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults, February 15, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 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.

aging well & healthy living

ARE YOU WINTER READY?

Know Your Risk for Winter Storms



Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. For more information regarding emergency alerts in Massachusetts, visit Be Informed and Receive Emergency Alerts | Mass.gov.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. For more information regarding winter weather preparedness, visit Winter Storm Safety Tips | Mass.gov and Winter Weather | Ready.gov.

Need Help with Heating Costs, Weatherization or Energy-Related Home Repairs?

Contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for assistance.

In Case of Emergency

Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.

GET FOUR FREE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS

COVID-19 AT HOME TESTING DIGITAL TOOLKIT

The COVID-19 At Home Testing Digital Toolkit contains messages you can share in your newsletter or on your social media channels to encourage people to order free tests. Copy our text directly or customize a post to reach your specific audience. Then, choose and download the image(s) you would like to share. Images are sized for each social media platform.

SECOND ROUND OF ELLUME COVID-19 TESTS AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION

People who are blind or who have low vision can order Ellume COVID Home Tests, which are more accessible than other options. Supplies of the more accessible tests are limited, so people are asked to order them only if they do not have a way to use the other types of tests, such as assistive technology or a trusted family member or friend who can assist (in person or via video call).

CAPE COD HEALTHCARE'S NEW HEALTH EQUITY PATIENT DATA COLLECTION CAMPAIGN

Cape Cod Healthcare, in its mission to provide access to the highest quality healthcare services for the community, will roll out an initiative to increase the response rate of patients providing complete socio-demographic data for their health records.

This initiative is a key foundational step in addressing health care disparities as a component of the MassHealth 1115 Waiver’s goal to advance health equity by expanding coverage and addressing members’ health-related social needs and to improve CMS quality measures. The 1115 Waiver renewed on April 1, 2023, and renews again in five years. The state’s 5-year goal is an 80% compliance rate for patient socio-demographic data collection for all healthcare systems in Massachusetts.

IT AIN'T FOR THE FAINT OF HEART: LGBTQ+ ELDERS SHARE OUR STORIES

In a youth obsessed culture, issues specific to the changing needs and experiences of elders are often overlooked. This is equally true in the LGBTQ+ community.

So what do social workers, clinicians, physicians, and other care providers need to know to provide the best quality of care? This webinar from the Innovations Institute's Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity offers you a great opportunity to find out. Participants will leave with resources and concrete ideas that they can implement both personally and professionally. 

The webinar will begin with an overview of the current national climate, an exploration of the Minority Stress Model with a focus on proximal and distal stress specific to older LGBTQ+ folks, and a review of primary risk and protective factors. This introduction will be followed by a presentation from a diverse panel of LGBTQ+ elders. The panel members will share their stories and experiences with an emphasis on their changing health and mental health care needs.

Date & Time: Thursday, January 18, 2:00-3:30pm ET 

SAFE PLACE GROUP FOR SUICIDE LOSS SURVIVORS

Join us for a 4-week Series of Yoga classes specially designed to focus on restoring your body and mind! These gentle classes take a holistic approach to stretch and strengthen the body gradually, empowering you both physically and mentally.

Poses will be done standing, seated and lying down on a yoga mat. A chair will be available to aid you in getting up off of the floor if needed.

DETAILS:

Tuesdays, 2:30PM–3:30PM, January 9th–30th, February 6th–27th

Investment: $40 per 4-week series

CHAIR YOGA

Chair Yoga has returned to the Brewster Council on Aging! Our six-week Chair Yoga Series will take place January 18–February 22, 2024. The cost is $50 for the series. Pre-registration is required. For more information, and to sign up, please call Marty at (508) 326-4224 or martyzurn@comcast.net.

Chair Yoga is an adaptive yoga practice that allows you to stay seated while practicing yoga focused poses. It can be practiced by anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of yoga, and may (or may not) have mobility limitations.

WHY GO PLANT BASED?

Join us at the Brewster Council on Aging, 1673 Main Street, Brewster on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 9:30AM for a presentation on whole food plant-based living.

What is the evidence that plant-based eating patterns are healthy? In this eye-opening presentation, you'll learn about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Whole plant-based foods contain plenty of fiber, zero dietary cholesterol, and low amounts of saturated fats—a winning combination for heart health. Learn about the amazing benefits to your health and how you can take charge and control your health destiny.

To register for this free presentation, please call (508) 896-2737.

behavioral health

WELLNESS TRAINING PROGRAMS AT CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition has partnered with Cape Cod Community College to offer QPR, safeTALK, Mental Health First Aid, Sudden Death Postvention, and ASIST training programs that provide our communities with the necessary information and tools to raise awareness, educate, and increase action to reduce suicides.

Reduce Suicide Risk and Promote Healing: Sudden Death Postvention Training

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.

Date: Thursday, April 11th, 9:00AM–1:00PM at 4Cs

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

ASIST is a 2-day program where participants learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.

Dates: Thursday, January 18th and Friday, January 19th from 9:30AM–5:00PM at Cape Cod Community College Hyannis Center, 540 Main Street, Hyannis.

Adult Mental Health First Aid Training

A skills-based training course that helps people identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use issues.

Date: Friday, February 2nd, 9:00AM–4:30PM at 4Cs

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12–18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

Date: TBD on Martha's Vineyard

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)

People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

Date: Monday, February 12th, 3:00PM–4:30PM, Live via Zoom

Date: Wednesday, May 22nd, 3:30PM–5:00PM, Hybrid (in-person at 4Cs/Live via Zoom)

safeTALK Training

A training in suicide alertness skills to help people ask about suicide directly, connect others to life-saving resources and keep them safe until those resources take over.

Date: TBD at 4Cs

Date: TBD on Nantucket

Professional Development Programs for Medical, Behavioral Health and Community Care

In addition to our wellness training course options listed above, we offer training on topics such as, but not limited to: Developing Today’s Health and Human Service Leaders, Enhancing Personal and Professional Wellbeing, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, and DEISJ. All programs offer or are eligible for continuing education credits and/or industry recognized credentials. Visit www.capecod.edu/ccape/wellness.

For More Information

Contact Tammi Jacobsen, Director of Workforce Development and Training at Cape Cod Community College: Tel: (508) 375-5011 or Email: tjacobsen@capecod.edu.

4MS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: BUILDING AGE-FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS

Please mark your calendars for the first Wednesday of each month as we present E4 Center Learning Community!

The 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) framework has improved care in health systems for older adults across the country and around the world. Mental health and substance use clinicians can apply all 4Ms in their work with a uniquely tailored version of the framework.

This workshop will present the 4Ms-Behavioral Health (BH) framework, useful tools, and our experience of piloting a training program with three community mental health centers. We will share lessons learned about teaching and implementing the 4Ms-BH, as well as sustainability of practice in clinic settings, and future training opportunities.  

housing & homelessness

POINT-IN-TIME COUNT

The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that Continuums of Care (CoCs) conduct an annual count of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens on a single night.

CoCs also must conduct a count of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness every other year (odd numbered years). Each count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally. Traditionally, volunteers from dozens of agencies across the Cape and Islands assist in collecting information during the PIT count. As with the 2022 count, in 2023 HUD encouraged COVID measures to ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and homeless persons.

The 2024 Cape and Islands PIT count will take place on January 23, 2024.

2023 Annual Point in Time Results: The 2023 PIT count took place on January 24, 2023 on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.  

• To view the results of the 2023 Point in Time Count, open 2023 Annual Point in Time Count Results
• To view the 2023 Trend Report, open 2023 Point in Time Trend Report
• To view DETAILED results for the year 2023, open 2023 Point in Time Detail Report

SHINE

IT'S A NEW YEAR AND A NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY IS WAITING FOR YOU! BECOME A SHINE VOLUNTEER!

You know your community best. That’s why we want your help to support your friends and neighbors as they enroll in Medicare for the first time, review plan options, or troubleshoot problems. 

SHINE team members are highly trained and certified to assist people in obtaining coverage through options such as Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap). 

The Barnstable County SHINE program is seeking volunteers for 2024!

We screen, train, and certify all volunteers as Medicare experts, so you don’t need a background in health insurance to get involved. Whether it’s conducting one-on-one counseling, speaking to groups, or providing office support, SHINE can find a role that’s just right for you. All you need is integrity, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help others. 

Please call the Barnstable County SHINE Program Manager, Kristina Whiton-O’Brien 

at (508) 375-6762 and choose option #2 to sign up!

SAVE ON YOUR MEDICARE DRUG COSTS WITH EXTRA HELP

The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Part D costs. Medicare Part D provides drug coverage. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D.

scams & fraud

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STOP MEDICARE FRAUD?

The landscape of online scams has transformed dramatically. Gone are the days when scammers sent poorly written emails promising wealth from foreign princes. Modern scam artists have leveled up their craft, consistently targeting and exploiting vulnerable victims, particularly the elderly.

NATIONAL POLL ON HEALTHY AGING EXAMINES EXPERIENCES WITH SCAMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Three out of every four older adults say they have experienced a fraud attempt by phone, text, email, mail or online in the last two years, according to new data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging from the University of Michigan and NORC at the University of Chicago.

upcoming community events

RESILIENCE: THE BIOLOGY OF STRESS & THE SCIENCE OF HOPE

Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous biological syndrome caused by abuse and neglect during childhood. As the new documentary Resilience reveals, toxic stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death. While the broader impacts of poverty worsen the risk, no segment of society is immune. Resilience, however, also chronicles the dawn of a movement that is determined to fight back.

Trailblazers in pediatrics, education, and social welfare are using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the insidious effects of toxic stress—and the dark legacy of a childhood that no child would choose.

When: Thursday, January 11, 2024

Time: 6PM-8PM

Where: Virtually, Zoom link will follow after registering

KEEPING KIDS SAFE FROM EXPLOITATION AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Discovery & Enrichment Series: Keeping Kids Safe from Exploitation and Human Trafficking

Understanding youth risk factors can help parents and the community keep our youth safe. In this presentation by Cape Cod PATH (People Against Trafficking Humans), you will hear from a panel of professionals who work with at-risk youth as well as a survivor. They will discuss human trafficking risk factors, indicators, youth vulnerabilities, safety measures, and resources. 

The Panelists:

Rev. Catherine Boyle

The Reverend Catherine Boyle and her husband, Rev. Matt Boyle, are international pastors at Mid-Cape Worship Center in Dennis Port helping J-1 and H2-B visa holders. As a child, Catherine was trafficked by her father. She desires to bring hope and healing to those who have been trafficked.

Alexandra Foley

Alexandra Foley, M.A., is the Child Exploitation Program Coordinator at Children’s Cove, where she manages cases and supports survivors. Having been a Service Coordinator at the Justice Resource Institute, she worked closely with the My Life, My Choice survivor mentor program where she received her training. Alex is dedicated to educating the community about human trafficking and exploitation and ensuring survivors know where to go for help. 

Barnstable Police Department Representative

A representative from the Barnstable Police Department who is a specialist in Domestic Abuse and Human Trafficking will also be on hand. 

Deborah Swiss, Moderator 

Historian Deborah Swiss is the author of the award-winning book The Tin Ticket: The Heroic Journey of Australia’s Convict Women, a true story about 25,000 desperately poor women who were labor trafficked in the 19th century and later became the founding mothers of modern Australia. She has been a member of Cape Cod PATH since 2016. 

DETAILS

When: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 6:30PM—8:00PM

Where: Brewster Ladies' Library Auditorium | 1822 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631

To register, please go to the calendar at https://www.brewsterladieslibrary.org/. This program will be offered in person and via Zoom. For more information, contact BLLAEvents@BrewsterLadiesLibrary.org

employment opportunities

THE CHILDREN'S CENTER IN HARWICH IS HIRING A LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER

The Children’s Center in Harwich is looking for a Lead Preschool Teacher who will be responsible for creating and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children. In this position, you will be expected to supervise and lead assistant teachers, communicate with parents, and maintain a safe and nurturing learning environment for the children in your care. This position requires strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as a passion for working with young children. The position is 35-40 hours per week, year-round, in a safe, happy and exciting learning environment.

food & community resources

HELP TO HEAT YOUR HOME THIS WINTER - LEARN ABOUT LIHEAP

As the weather gets colder, the heating bills go up. There is a program to help people pay their bills. A lot of seniors qualify for the program but may not realize it.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides help to people with low, moderate, and fixed incomes to pay their utility bills. LIHEAP benefits target households with low incomes, particularly those that have a high home energy burden (percentage of income that goes to heating and cooling bills) and/or have members who are elderly, disabled, and/or a young child.

CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE FALL 2023

Service Directory Opportunity

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.

Newsletter Sign-up & Submit

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.

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.