spotlight

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Join the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. We will be offering two types of meditative practices to promote overall well-being and support mental health.  

Sound Bath Session: Meditative practice using resonant sounds like those from singing bowls, gongs, and chimes to promote relaxation, healing and mindfulness.  

Mindfulness Meditation Session: Focus on the present moment and experience a sense of calm, peace and balance to benefit your emotional well-being and overall health.

Details:  

RSVP to capeandislandspc@gmail.com by May 2, and indicate which session you would like to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

aging well & healthy living

INTRODUCING THE CAPE COD LGBTQ+ SENIOR FRIENDS

Announcing Cape Cod LGBTQ+ Senior Friends!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Cape Cod LGBTQ+ Senior Friends, a new non-profit organization*. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our LGBTQ+ seniors as we 

age, end isolation and provide social and emotional support through the challenges of loss 

and change.

We will be offering:

• Bereavement support groups
• Life changes support groups
• Monthly social groups
• Special events; Pride celebrations, holiday party, concerts
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Groups (MBSR)
• Other supportive services and activities

We believe in the power of community and connection, and we are committed to creating a 

safe haven for LGBTQ+ seniors. As a member of our community we invite you to join us on 

this important journey.

We look forward to connecting with you and building a strong, supportive community 

together.

*Cape Cod LGBTQ+ Senior Friends is a 501(c)3 organization.

BREWSTER LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION'S DISCOVERY & ENRICHMENT SERIES: HOW NEW MEDICINES ARE MADE

Ever wonder how new medicines are made? Dr. Lindsay McNair, a physician and research ethicist, will address this topic at the Brewster Ladies’ Library on May 14 at 2:00 PM. She will discuss the complexities behind pharmaceutical development, the process of submitting data to the FDA for review, and the decision making behind drug approvals.

Dr. McNair’s areas of research interest and expertise include the regulatory oversight of drug development clinical trials, and ethical issues related to human participant research and novel study designs. Register via the library calendar.

SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATES RECENTLY ANNOUNCED IDENTITY PROOFING REQUIREMENTS

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans against fraudulent activity. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14, 2025. 

Under the updated policy beginning April 14, 2025, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who cannot use a personal my Social Security account can complete their claim entirely over the telephone without the need to come into an office. 

behavioral health

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH ACTION WEEK CAMPAIGN 2025: MAY 4TH – 10TH

Accept. Advocate. Act. 

Each year, during the first full week of May, the National Federation of Families takes the lead in celebrating the mental health of children and youth. This year Children's Mental Health Action Week (CMHAW) is a call to action. The campaign theme, "That's a WRAP!", focuses on Wellness, Resilience, Action, and Purpose. 

We know awareness is not enough. Each of us must take action to create lasting change. Every action - supporting a friend or loved one, practicing self-care, modeling wellness for others, or reaching out for help - matters. What will you do this May to inspire meaningful positive change for yourself, for your community, and for the children and youth in your life? 

Learn more about the 2025 campaign theme in our infographic below and take ACTION with us this May! 

1. Follow us on social media. During May, each week we will focus on each element of WRAP (wellness, resilience, action, and purpose) on our social media channels. Join us there to learn more and to share with others in your network or community. 

2. We encourage all parents/caregivers and youth/young adults (ages 12–26) who have experience with our mental health system to complete the Lifting Voices surveys. Share your experiences and suggestions to help improve our mental health systems and services. Lift your voice today! 

COVE CLUBHOUSE OPEN HOUSE

May is Mental Health Awareness month and Cove Clubhouse is having our annual Open House on Wednesday, May 14th from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. All are welcome to come check out our program and all that we have to offer. Light refreshments will be provided. We are located at 383 Route 28 Harwichport.

Refreshments will include light snacks and beverages.

Bring your business card for a chance to win a cool door prize!

housing & homelessness

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: CREATING HOMES AND COMMUNITIES FOR AGING WELL

Did you know?

In 2016, some 49 million people were at least 65 years old and by 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 years and older. This trend is expected to continue as this population is projected to grow to 95 million people in 2060. As a result, older adults are expected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history.

The urgency for policy action is clear. In 2021, 11.2 million older adults spent over 30% of their income on housing, while federal housing assistance reached only 36.5% of eligible households. More than 10 million older renters spent more than 30% of their income on housing. With households led by people 80 and older set to double by 2040, the U.S. is overdue to tackle the cost of aging in place.

SHINE

NEW OBSERVATION STATUS APPEAL RESOURCES

Observation status appeals are now in effect. Beneficiaries are seeing information about “a new appeal right” on the Medicare Summary Notices they receive in the mail. This right resulted from the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s class action on behalf of beneficiaries who have harmed by “observation status.” The appeals allow certain hospital patients who are reclassified from inpatient to observation to challenge their status and potentially gain Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility services.

Qualifying individuals can appeal past hospital stays going back to January 2009 via the Medicare retrospective appeals process starting January 1, 2025 until January 2, 2026.

Helpful links:

Observation Status Final Rule: Retrospective Appeals Process

Medicare Expedited Appeals for Changes to Patient Status

HEALTH BENEFITS UNIVERSITY WEBINARS HOSTED BY SHINE

The Massachusetts SHINE program will be hosting a Health Benefits University Webinar. Kathleen Gouveia, the SHINE Training Coordinator, will present on the different parts of Medicare, Medicare eligibility, enrollment periods, coverage options and costs, 2025 Updates, the Medicare Plan Finder, programs that help with the costs of Medicare, and other resources.

Two Opportunities to Attend!

Tuesday, June 3rd, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Register HERE >>>

Thursday, August 7th, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Register HERE >>>

scams & fraud

SCAM OF THE WEEK: A TEXT MESSAGE TRAP

In this week’s scam, you receive a text message that says you have an unpaid invoice, fee, or toll. It seems legitimate because the text message appears to come from a local organization, such as your government’s toll service, tax office, or postal service. It may even contain official logos and branding. The text instructs you to click a link so that you can pay the bill, or you will face a penalty. 

However, the text message is actually a smishing message, a text-based phishing attack sent by scammers. If you click the link in the text message, you’ll be directed to a fake webpage that is designed to steal your personal and financial data. If you enter any information here, the cybercriminals will be able to steal it immediately. You won’t actually pay any bills, but you will pay the scammers! 

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a smishing scam: 

• Always be suspicious of text messages that you weren't expecting, especially if they are instructing you to take action. 

• To check the accuracy of a bill, navigate directly to your account on the organization’s official website or app rather than clicking links in text messages. 

• Remember that legitimate organizations rarely demand immediate action via text message. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to try to trick you into acting impulsively. 

SECURITY HINTS 7 TOPS: DON'T TRUST POP-UPS

Don't Trust Pop-ups 

If you’re known to dabble in a little online browsing, odds are you’ve encountered a pop-up once or twice. There are times when a user may think, “Wow, that’s a great deal!” and click on a pop-up. To those users: put down the mouse. Why? That pop-up could be malicious or dangerous. 

There used to be a time when malicious pop-ups were only on questionable sites, but those days are gone. Hackers are smart and develop ways to inject malicious malware into pop-ups and online advertisements - even on the most trusted sites. 

One of the most common attacks we see occurs when you visit a site and a pop-up appears that says, “Your computer is infected! Download our antivirus now!” If you click on this, a bogus virus scan will start. After the “scan” completes, you’ll be asked to pay for a full-version of the software or to call a helpline to connect with a support representative. 

Spoiler alert: The software is not real and the fake support representative will take control of your computer to try and “fix” the issue but end up causing more damage. 

How to prevent pop-up attacks: 

Although hackers are smart, you can be smarter. Here are some tips to protect yourself from these types of attacks: 

• Avoid clicking on pop-ups. 

• Update your operating system regularly - don’t postpone or snooze updates! 

• Use web-filtering software to warn you before accessing potentially harmful sites. 

Remember, these attacks are only successful if we fall for them. Stay alert and be cautious! 

upcoming community events

COMPUTER ESSENTIALS CLASSES OFFERED BY ELDER SERVICES OF CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This free 5-week course will cover the essentials of how to use the basic functions of a personal computer, how to safely navigate the internet, how to organize electronic files, how to send and receive email, and much more. By the end of the course, you’ll have a foundation for using a computer and the internet to enrich your life!

PRE-REQUISITES: None. This course is designed for people who have never used a 

computer or have very little experience and want a solid introduction. Laptops provided 

for use in class and practice at home. 

Two locations!

Barnstable Adult Community Center

825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis

Mondays and Fridays for 5 weeks beginning May 5, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Mashpee Senior Center

26 Frank Hicks Drive, Mashpee

Tuesdays and Wednesdays for 5 weeks beginning May 13, 2025

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

COMPUTER BASICS BOOT CAMP AT THE HYANNIS PUBLIC LIBRARY

In an increasingly digital world, understanding how to use computers has never been more important.

Yet many of us find computers to be confusing, frustrating and intimidating.

There is no shame in needing some help learning how to use the computer!

On May 15th, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, bring your laptop or come use the library computers as we cover the most important basics of computer use:

How to turn on your computer, how to use a web browser to access the internet, how to create an email address, how to navigate computer settings, and more!

Come with whatever questions you have about computer use, and we will help you figure it all out!

NAUSET PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADULT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION

CLASSES MAY THROUGH JUNE IN ORLEANS AND BREWSTER

Greetings! As you gear up for another busy Cape Cod summer, consider scheduling some time for yourself with a May-June class in Orleans or Brewster. You can still sign up for these courses at https://nausetschools.revtrak.net/rw-adult-and-community-education/: 

• Total Body Fusion – starts Monday, April 28 (Orleans) 

• Tai Chi & Qigong – starts Thursday, May 1 (Orleans) 

• Learn to Play Mahjongg – starts Thursday, May 1 (Brewster) 

• Italian I, Italian II, and Conversational Italian II – start mid-May (Brewster and Orleans) 

Know that we're already planning for the fall with new dance, music, and language classes. New instructors are always welcome! Please submit a proposal through the course proposal link at https://nausetschools.revtrak.net/rw-adult-and-community-education/. If you would like to suggest a class (one you'd like to take, rather than teach), please send your ideas to millerj@nausetschools.org. 

CAMP EDWARDS HOSTING TOURS OF THE TRAINING AREA DURING SPRING AND SUMMER 2025

Camp Edwards, on Joint Base Cape Cod, is hosting tours of the training area during 2025. This is an opportunity for attendees to see and learn firsthand about the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s mission to train Soldiers, its role as stewards of Camp Edwards’ natural resources, and the cleanup of groundwater resources.

Tour dates are:

• Friday, May 9
• Friday, June 13
• Friday, August 15
• Friday, September 5
• Friday, October 17

Each bus tour runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and includes light walking and 15 to 20 minute periods standing outside.

Registration Information 

Each tour is limited to 36 people and spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

To register for a tour, please send an email no later than noon on the Thursday prior to the tour to: 

Emily.d.kelly2.nfg@army.mil with your name and telephone number or call 339-202-9341.

A confirmation email will be sent with further information including directions, meeting location and parking. 

Learn more about Camp Edwards’ training venues and habitat protection at: https://campedwards.ng.mil/

food & community resources

CAPE COD FOSTER CLOSET: HELPING CAREGIVER FAMILIES THRIVE SPRING 2025

Spring is on its way and with it, a whole new season for the Foster Closet. Read this message from our interim Executive Director Sharon Palmer to find out about all of our exciting news! And, if you haven't done so already, please click the 'learn more' button below to vote for us, as we have been nominated for a Martha's Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation Community Choice Grant! Voting ends today at 5:00 PM and the award is $5,000, which would be extremely helpful to us! One vote per email address. Thank you for your support!

CAPE AND ISLANDS VETERAN'S OUTREACH CENTER: CAPE VETERANS CONNECT NEWSLETTER

May promises to be a robust month filled with planned outreach programs! Check them out by reading our newsletter - click the button below!

FAMILIES IN RECOVERY SUPPORT

Join a community of people parenting in recovery! 

Pregnancy and parenting young children can be a hopeful and exciting time. It can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially while working on your recovery.

FIRST Steps Together offers...

Support for your recovery and parenting journeys from someone in recovery who has been there and understands:

• A space to connect with other parents in recovery
• Help with your other services and providers
• Connections to resources and agencies to help with housing, benefits, childcare and other needs Groups, care coordination, and the option of working with a mental health counselor
• Flexible services at home, in the community and/or online

You may qualify if you are expecting a child or are a parent of at least one child up to age 10 (even if they don’t live with you) AND you have ever used opioids or stimulants.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, contact us: Christina Russell (774) 722-3305 crussell@capecodchildrensplace.com Cape Cod Children’s Place (508) 240-3310

CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE

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.