spotlight

In honor of the start of the new year, the Barnstable County Human Services’ newsletters have a new look. Check it out in this first RSAC newsletter of 2022! In addition to this new design, you may notice a few other documents, websites, and strategic plans being updated over the new few months. If you have an announcement to make, a new program to highlight, or an event taking place, submit it to be included in this newsletter. As a reminder, please use the submission form link for all submissions. 

local

The Bourne Substance Free Coalition is excited to announce 501c3 approval, establishing the group as a not for profit organization. This designation enables them to partner with other major participants in their effort to educate, assist, and prevent the many negative outcomes associated with substance use. This is a major step forward for BSFC, and is a tribute to the many individuals and organizations who have worked with them to address the impact that substance use has had on our communities. They look forward to expanding their role as they move forward. Congratulations to BSFC!

One Shared Spirit is a recovery community located in Mashpee. "Together" we are able to support each other on our recovery journey. We respect all paths to recovery and all belief systems. We at One Shared spirit, have lived experiences and went on to learn how to support people like us. We realize recovery is a life time commitment and the process is so much easier when you have choices and set goals that are realistic for You. We believe in connection. We support your body, mind and spirit using holistic agendas such as meditation, music, fun, and connecting to nature.

national

NCSACW is excited to share a new three-part series of technical assistance briefs: How States Serve Infants and their Families Affected by Prenatal Substance Exposure. Register Now: You can join us for a three-part Learning Exchange to explore each brief. These interactive sessions feature subject matter experts and professionals that are currently implementing innovative policies and practices that support families affected by prenatal substance exposure.

Check out the resource section of the Drug Policy Alliance’s website for recorded trainings and printed materials on drug policy, substance use prevention, harm reduction, and substance use treatment. 

The “Getting Candid: Framing the Conversation Around Youth Substance Use Prevention” message guide and toolkit equips youth-serving providers and organizations with the tools and resources necessary to support meaningful prevention messaging. In this toolkit you can access messaging on youth substance use prevention, tip sheets, social media graphics and shareables, videos, webinars, interactive worksheets, and an educational course.

events | group meetings

The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod will be hosting a Train the Trainer series on Wednesday, January 12^th from 10:30am-12:00pm. This training prepares individuals to be able to train others in Overdose Prevention, Response, and how to use Narcan. Please share with your networks or anyone else who may benefit from attending. Reach out to Bridget Volk at [email protected] with any questions or if you’d like to RSVP.

Presented by Riverside Trauma Center & MindWise - this year’s virtual conference will discuss practical strategies for what we can be doing in our schools, workplaces, healthcare, and behavioral health settings to directly address and positively influence a safer, more resilient future.

covid notices | resources

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

Asking for help is the first important step and there are resources out there that can support you no matter where you are in your journey with substances. If you want to talk with an Information and Referral Specialist now, call 800-327-5050 or 617-292-5065 or view our Cape Cod Substance Use Resource Guide.

The Cape Cod COVID-19 Response Task Force has collected helpful wellness resources for you during COVID-19. Please check back regularly as we add to these resources. 

Each month we will highlight tools to help manage this crisis and identify for you web videos, articles, discussions, and resources we have found helpful. These tools apply to those of all ages, children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and elders.

COVID-19 can be difficult for all of us but especially for those in recovery. This might be exacerbated by people unable to attend their normal support group meetings or other recovery supports. Please click on resources button to find local and nationwide resources related to substance use disorder and mental health. You can also call the MA Substance Use Helpline anytime at 800-327-5050.

service directory opportunity

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services’ 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. The site provides a vetted medical library, community health indicator data, evidence-based programs, current legislation, and related news. The SERVICE DIRECTORY also contains comprehensive resources on aging and disability; behavioral health; crisis services; disease prevention and treatment; housing and homelessness; public health; substance use; and basic needs. 

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