Community Health E-Newsletter
Issue 7 | November 2025
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Though the holiday season may be expected to be filled with joy, it can also be a time of vulnerability for many individuals. Learn how to prioritize your mental health this holiday season.
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As I See It: Public Health is not a Passive Endeavor
Director Jay Gardiner on why public health is a shared, active effort.
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Staff News
From new staff to major milestones — celebrating the people who make our department thrive.
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Thanksgiving Dinner Resources
A list of local resources that can assist you in your holiday meal planning.
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Protect Your Home This Winter: Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Gather tips to keep you, your family, and your home safe this holiday season!
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Regional Annual Mobile Food Inspections Wrap Up a Successful Season on Cape Cod
The County’s shared services team celebrates a successful year of regional mobile food inspections.
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Barnstable County Public Health Training Hub Hosts First Certified Soil Evaluator Course on Cape Cod
The Barnstable County Public Health Training Hub hosted its first Certified Soil Evaluator course this September, providing local professionals a long-awaited opportunity to train and certify close to home.
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Organ Donation
Give the gift of life this holiday season and register to be an organ donor.
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Stay Safe This Deer Hunting Season: Health & Safety Tips for the Outdoors
Practical tips to protect yourself from ticks and stay safe throughout deer hunting season on Cape Cod.
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Veterans Day
November 11th marks a day of celebration in which we honor the brave men and women who have served our country.
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Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
November marks pancreatic cancer awareness month. Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors.
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Buried in Treasures Workshops
Free multi-week workshop offering support, practical decluttering strategies, and tools for managing compulsive acquiring and saving.
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Take the First Step: Great American Smokeout
Start your journey to quit smoking today!
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Wicked Wellness
A monthly flyer inspired by health awareness themes!
| |  | Keeping Your Mind Merry: A Guide to Holiday Mental Health | |
Managing Stress and Combating Loneliness During the Holiday Season
The holidays can be an amazing time to connect and celebrate, but they can also bring unwanted stress, fatigue, and the feeling of loneliness. This holiday season, we are reminding you to take care of yourself.
Coping with Holiday Stress
The pace of the holidays can feel overwhelming. Check out our list of strategies to protect your peace.
Staying Connected and Beating Loneliness
It’s easy to feel isolated during the holidays. Try reaching out and engaging locally:
Local Support and Resources
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, help is available:
- Cape Cod 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Line: 833-229-2683
- NAMI Cape Cod & The Islands: Offers peer and family support groups (www.namicapecod.org)
- Mass 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 for free, confidential support
A Gentle Reminder
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Be kind to yourself, connect where you can, and take time to breathe in the beauty of Cape Cod in winter, from quiet beaches to cozy community gatherings.
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As I See It: Public Health is Not a Passive Endeavor
Message from Jay Gardiner, Director of Health and Environment, Barnstable County
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As Director of Health and Environment for Barnstable County, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that come with protecting public health, particularly the need for clear communication and community-wide participation. In a time of ongoing and evolving public health threats, we must remember that public health is not something that happens to a community, it happens with it.
Too often, success in public health is measured quietly—in the absence of crisis, in the stability of daily life. But the truth is, success depends on how well we engage and inform our neighbors. Every individual, family, and organization—public or private—needs a foundation of strong primary, mental, and oral health to truly thrive. Without this, economic and social progress becomes far more difficult, if not impossible.
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Erika Woods: Honoring a Career of Public Health Leadership
As Deputy Director of the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment (BCDHE), Erika Woods has dedicated years of service toward improving the health and safety of Cape Cod residents. As she prepares to retire, we celebrate her remarkable career, leadership, and many contributions to public health and environmental protection across the region.
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Barnstable County’s Katie O’Neill Named to de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2025
Barnstable County proudly congratulates Dr. Katie O’Neill, Shared Services Program Manager in the Department of Health and Environment, on being named to the de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2025.
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Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment Welcomes New Staff Members
The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is pleased to welcome several talented professionals who have recently joined our team. Each brings valuable skills and experience that will strengthen our mission to protect public health, promote environmental safety, and serve Cape Cod’s 15 towns with excellence.
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Staff Credential Achievement: Ryan Lucier
We are pleased to recognize Ryan Lucier, Bacteriologist in the Department’s Water Quality Laboratory, on earning her Massachusetts Registered Sanitarian license and NEHA REHS/RS national credential. Ryan has been with the department since October 2007 and previously served with AmeriCorps Cape Cod in Wellfleet, reflecting her long-standing commitment to environmental health and community service. Her dedication and expertise continue to strengthen our department's work and protect public health across the region. Congratulations, Ryan!
| | | Thanksgiving Dinner Resources Across Cape Cod | | |
Thanksgiving is a time when many local groups come together to support residents in need. Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.
Need help finding food any time of year?
Visit Barnstable County’s Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Food Finder ➡️ www.capecod.gov/foodfinder
You’ll find:
- The Food Resource Guide with pantries, meal sites & community fridges
- Transportation help to get to and from food sites
- SNAP & HIP explainers so you can make the most of your benefits
| | Protect Your Home This Winter: Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips | | |
Preventing Chimney Fires, Using Extension Cords & Space Heaters Safely, and Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Home is where we feel safest, but without the right precautions, it can also be the site of serious hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires result in thousands of injuries and billions in property damage each year. Many of these incidents are preventable. Whether you're heating your home, decorating for the holidays, or just going about daily life, awareness and simple safety practices can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips focused on four common household dangers: chimney fires, extension cord misuse, space heaters, and carbon monoxide.
Learn More
| | Regional Annual Mobile Food Inspections Wrap Up a Successful Season on Cape Cod | | |
As Cape Cod’s busy summer season winds down, the Public Health Shared Services Division at the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is celebrating a milestone year for the Regional Annual Mobile Food Inspection Program.
Read More
| | Barnstable County Public Health Training Hub Hosts First Certified Soil Evaluator Course on Cape Cod | | |
This September, the Barnstable County Public Health Training Hub made history by hosting the first-ever Certified Soil Evaluator (SE) course on Cape Cod, offering local professionals a long-awaited opportunity to complete this essential training without traveling off-Cape.
Read More
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Give the Gift of Life: Become an Organ Donor This Holiday Season
As of October 20, 2025, 107,606 people are waiting for organs (Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network). One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance many more through tissue donation. By registering as an organ donor, you’re offering hope to those waiting for a second chance. It’s a simple act of kindness that can make an extraordinary difference. Learn more and sign up today, your decision could save a life.
To sign up in Massachusetts, click here
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Stay Safe This Deer Hunting Season: Health & Safety Tips for the Outdoors
As open deer hunting season begins December 1 across Massachusetts, thousands of hunters will head into the woods. Hunting is a treasured tradition that supports wildlife management and provides outdoor recreation, but it also comes with some safety risks. One of the most significant here on Cape Cod is the risk of tick bites, which can lead to Lyme disease and other serious tick-borne illnesses.
Learn More
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Honoring our Heroes: Veteran's Day 2025
This Veterans Day, we pause to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Originally established to mark the end of World War I, Veterans Day has grown into a nationwide tribute to all who have worn the uniform in service to our country. Let us take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and express our deepest gratitude for their dedication and courage.
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Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding the Silent Killer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer, often called the silent killer, because it rarely causes symptoms until it has already advanced. 80% of patients are diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Despite medical progress in other cancer types, pancreatic cancer remains alarmingly deadly, with only around a 12% five-year survival rate in the United States.
Learn More
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“Buried in Treasures” Hoarding Workshops in November 2025 | |
Join us for a free, multi-week “Buried in Treasures” Workshop for help with compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding! The course includes:
- A free copy of Buried in Treasures
- Support from others with similar struggles.
- Decluttering strategies for your home.
- Skills to achieve your long-term goals.
Learn More
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Take the First Step: Great American Smokeout
Every November, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout encourages people who smoke to take the first step toward quitting. Held on the third Thursday of November, it’s a powerful reminder that every day without tobacco is a day toward better health. November also marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to support friends, family, and community members in living smoke-free. Whether you quit for a day or for good, the Smokeout is about hope, support, and taking control of your health.
Learn More
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Wicked Wellness
Wicked Wellness is a monthly flyer inspired by relevant health awareness themes. Each edition discusses an important health topic, with helpful exercise tips and simple yet delicious recipes using local, in-season ingredients.
Our November issue focuses on National Diabetes Month, in particular, awareness, recognition, and local resources. Check it out!
Interested in viewing previous issues of Wicked Wellness? Visit our webpage!
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