Copy of Orange and Pink Minimal Gradient Appreciation Instagram Post _1_.png

1/5/23

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.

spotlight

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE 

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

CLICK HERE for a PSA from Zak Williams, mental health advocate and the son of the late Robin Williams. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES WELCOMES EVA ORMAN, OLDER ADULT SOCIAL SERVICES NAVIGATOR PROGRAM MANAGER

Barnstable County Department of Human Services was pleased to be the recipient of one of four awards from the state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs' Public Health Workforce Expansion Grant. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, federal funds are being used to recruit, hire, and train public health workers to respond to the pandemic and prepare for future public health challenges.


The Older Adult Social Services Navigator Program Manager will provide professional and technical work advising on public health service and support policy; planning and implementing practice and systems changes in Barnstable County specific to the older adult and caregiving populations.

 

Ms. Orman joins the department with advanced degrees in gerontology (Management of Aging Services and Geriatric Case Management) which she utilized leading Outreach and Volunteer Coordination at the Chatham Council on Aging over the past decade. Ms. Orman brings with her extensive experience in team building, cross-sector coalition building and a passion for maximizing the benefits of home and community-based aging services.

 

“We are excited to welcome Eva to the Department of Human Services team,” said Director of Human Services Joseph Pacheco. “Eva comes to us with diverse experiences in both administrative management and public service and will serve as a great resource for the County.”

classes & support groups

HEALTHY EATING COURSE FOR OLDER ADULTS

Healthy Eating for Successful Living is a proven way to make lifestyle changes that will improve our health! Free and open to residents age 60+ of any Cape Cod town.

 

Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. is now enrolling participants in its Healthy Eating for Successful Living course. Participants will:

 

  • Build new behaviors week by week
  • Find motivation by sharing challenges and victories among peers
  • Receive trusted answers to nutrition questions from two registered dietitians
  • Achieve eating and exercise goals
  • Receive a free 100-page manual

 

Yarmouth Senior Center

528 Forest Road, West Yarmouth

Six Wednesdays, 9-11:30am, beginning January 11, 2023

Space is limited!

Pre-register by calling the Yarmouth Senior Center at 508-394-7606 x 1330

SENIOR PLANET OFFERINGS FOR WINTER 2023

CLICK HERE for Elder Services’ Senior Planet offerings for Winter 2023. 


Contact Denise Magnett at 508-394-4630 x366 to reserve a seat for any of these classes. Space for all hands-on courses and workshops is limited and pre-registration is required.

CAPE COD CHILDREN'S PLACE

PLAYGROUPS, PARENTING EDUCATION, SUPPORT & WORKSHOPS

Offered from Provincetown to Barnstable at community venues and virtually. Programs are no cost to all. 

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS

Call Cape Cod Children’s Place at 508-240-3310

CLICK HERE for program calendars in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

OUT OF THE BLUE: PERINATAL MOOD & ANXIETY SUPPORT GROUP

Join us and connect with other parents in a supportive and judgement free environment where you can focus on your well-being, and learn more about these very common disorders. This group is free, there is no commitment, and babies are welcome!

Tuesdays, 1-2 pm

Duffy Health Center,

Moms Do Care Office

900 East-West Dennis Rd, S. Dennis

Thursdays, 10-11am

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

103 Main St, Falmouth

Contact group facilitator Marial Bitter, LCSW at 774-487-7934 for more information.

volunteer opportunities

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY 2023

"GROWING TOGETHER TOWARDS JUSTICE!"

Come celebrate with AmeriCorps on MLK Day 2023! The day will include:


  • Indoor Gardening
  • Healthy Cooking Demonstration at 1:00 PM.
  • Drop-off for Food and Clothing Drive
  • Kids Activities


The first 100groups in 1st session will be able to take home a container garden kit; lunch and refreshments will be provided!

 

January 16, 2023

First Session: 10am-12pm; Second Session: 1-3pm

Hyannis Youth and Community Center

141 Bassett Ln, Hyannis, MA 02601

Flyer

employment opportunities

BCDHS SEEKS FULL-TIME SHINE PROGRAM MANAGER

Barnstable County Department of Human Services is accepting applications for a seasoned human services professional for the full-time position of SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) Program Manager.

Serving Barnstable, Nantucket and Dukes Counties, the successful candidate will provide management of the Regional SHINE program including the work of both paid and unpaid SHINE staff; development and monitoring of the program budget and program reporting; recruitment and training of volunteers; public education; and quality assurance.


Salary Range: $72,499.18 - $79,203.02 with generous benefits and hybrid remote work possibility. CLICK HERE for full job description.

Apply Here

funding opportunities

HRSA SCHOOL-ADMINISTERED LOANS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Health Services and Resources Administration (HRSA) is urging public schools and educational institutions to take advantage of its School-Administered Loans. These programs provide schools with funding to offer low, fixed-rate loans to students pursuing health care careers. 

 

The application process is simple for qualified public schools and educational institutions. HRSA anticipates that students receiving these loans will work in communities where people lack access to basic health care needs.

 

Applications accepted until Tuesday, February 28, 11:59 pm ET 

Apply Here

mental health

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the "winter blues," is a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder that occurs and ends around the same time every year. Seasonal depression typically occurs when the seasons change and most symptoms begin in the fall and continue into the winter months. However, seasonal depression can occur in the summer or spring, although this is less common.

  •  In a given year, about 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences seasonal depression.
  • Four out of five people who have seasonal depression are women.
  • The main age of onset of seasonal depression is between 20 and 30 years of age, however symptoms can appear earlier.
  • The prevalence of seasonal depression is anywhere from 0-10 percent of the population, depending on the geographic region.
  • Typically, the further one is from the equator, the more at risk they are for seasonal depression.

Since seasonal depression has a predictable pattern of recurrence, preventative measures may help to reduce symptoms. Some forms of prevention that can help include beginning light therapy in the early fall before the onset of symptoms, exercising more, increasing the amount of light at home, meditation and other stress management techniques, spending more time outside, and visiting climates that have more sun. 


CLICK HERE for more information on SAD including treatment resources.

winter preparedness

RESOLVE TO BE READY IN 2023

Winter Safety Tips

food resources

Food Access Cape Cod 


Be sure to download our Cape & Islands Food Access Resource Guide! This publication is updated regularly by the Barnstable County Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and contains all the information you need for food accessibility.

Food Resource Guide

covid notices | resources

FREE COVID-19 AT-HOME TESTS AGAIN AVAILABLE ONLINE

The White House has announced a new limited round of free at-home COVID-19 tests for the winter. Shipping is free.




Older adults and people with disabilities who need support ordering the free at-home tests can contact the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) or the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL, 888-677-1199). Staff are available to assist you from 8 AM to 9 PM ET Monday through Friday. They can help you learn more about testing options, including by connecting you to accessible instructions and helping with test administration.

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.

More Information
NOC Service Directory

newsletter sign-up & submit

Sign me up!

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.

Sign Me Up

I want to submit!

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. 

Submission Form
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram