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Barnstable County Regional Substance Addiction Council (RSAC) monthly E-newsletter is a tether of communication across towns, providers, organizations, and individuals on Cape Cod providing information on substance use across the continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. | |
BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND TOBACCO HISTORY | | |
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February is Black History Month and as we honor Black achievements, let’s pause to examine the tobacco industry practice of targeting African American communities over the years, and the resulting serious toll tobacco has taken on the community.
Tobacco use is a major contributor to the three leading causes of death among African Americans—heart disease, cancer and stroke. Although African American adult smoking rates are nearly the same as that of whites and African Americans usually smoke fewer cigarettes and start smoking cigarettes at an older age compared to whites, they are more likely to die from smoking-related diseases than whites.
Historically, the tobacco industry has targeted the African American community, placing larger amounts of advertising in African American publications and exposing African Americans to more cigarette ads than whites. Studies have shown that there are up to ten times more tobacco ads in neighborhoods with a high percentage of Black households than in neighborhoods with a high percentage of white residents.
In addition, the industry deceptively built relationships with Black communities by supporting cultural events and making contributions to historically Black colleges, elected officials, civic and community organizations, and scholarship programs that support the Black community.
As an example, tobacco companies have spent decades marketing and promoting menthol cigarettes toward African Americans through tailored messaging and positive imagery.
According to many studies, menthol makes cigarettes easier to smoke and harder to quit; menthol has an anesthetic quality that numbs the smoker’s throat while it suppresses the need to cough, making it easier to inhale harsh tobacco smoke.
Beyond the insidious marketing and practices of the tobacco industry, there are also racial inequities within the US healthcare system that give rise to greater numbers of Black people dying from tobacco-related diseases. This is a result of structural racism and bias for whites.
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RHODE ISLAND SOON TO BE HOME OF THE FIRST U.S. STATE-SANCTIONED OVERDOSE PREVENTION SITE | |
Last month, Project Weber/RENEW held a ribbon cutting for the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center (OPC). The new facility is made possible by a 2021 Rhode Island law that allows the establishment of OPCs. The project is funded by settlements from opioid distributors. OPCs prevent overdose death by offering a clean, controlled environment overseen by medical professionals for people using drugs.
In a recent Newsweek piece, Colleen Daley Ndoye of Project Weber/RENEW said that the "new overdose prevention center is dedicated to saving lives through evidence-based practices and compassionate care. We are deeply grateful for the collaboration with our state government partners, which enables us to deliver this critical, lifesaving support to Rhode Islanders."
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ADVANCING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS HARM REDUCTION AND RECOVERY: RESOURCES, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND A REPORT FOR THE FIELD | |
This toolkit that offers critical analysis across harm reduction and recovery, recommends facts and guidance for advancing partnerships between harm reduction and recovery providers, and helps to inform policies that may impact local, state, and federal funding for harm reduction and recovery. | |
HARM REDUCTION IN RURAL AREAS: A WORKBOOK FOR HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM STAFF | |
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The Harm Reduction in Rural Communities workbook is designed to help rural areas implement harm reduction strategies, including Housing First principles. It addresses the unique challenges communities may face if they have not yet adopted harm reduction methods or have struggled to acquire the capacity and knowledge to do so. This workbook focuses on the practical implementation of these principles to encourage readers to think about how they can best adopt harm reduction and Housing First strategies in their communities. The following pages contain facts, implementation strategies, reflection questions, and links to more information.
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YARMOUTH NARCAN LEAVE BEHIND KIT INITIATIVE | |
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The Yarmouth Substance Awareness Committee has launched a new initiative to support its residents' health and promote SUD recovery in the town.
Starting on February 1st, when the Yarmouth Fire Department responds to an overdose or a home they believe is high risk, a Leave Behind Kit will be left with family members. The kit contains 2 doses of Narcan, informational resources from YSAC, the Aids Support Group of Cape Cod and the Yarmouth Comprehensive Treatment Center.
The Yarmouth Police Department will continue its Post Overdose Outreach visits with plain-clothed officers and a Duffy Health Center Recovery Support Navigator.
For information and questions please email ysac@yarmouth.ma.us.
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SAMHSA AND HRSA ENCOURAGE GRANTEE COLLABORATION TO ADDRESS HIV AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS | |
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SAMHSA and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a joint letter to Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grant recipients and Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Single State Authority Directors underscoring the importance of collaboration to address the dual challenges of HIV and substance use disorders (SUDs).
This joint letter reflects the shared mission of HRSA and SAMHSA to promote accessible, high-quality care for individuals with HIV and co-occurring SUDs. We encourage all recipients to explore partnerships, engage communities and adopt innovative care models to provide comprehensive, client-centered care for people with HIV and substance use disorders.
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CREATIVE CARE AT THE CORDIAL EYE | |
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The Cordial Eye is pleased to announce Creative Care: a new program that uses the transformative power of the arts to support community health and well-being. Designed in partnership with art therapist and art educator, Charity O’Neill, Creative Care uses arts-based mentorship to cultivate the skills and resources associated with resilience. Resilience is the ability of an individual to bounce back from life’s challenges and has an important impact on mental health. Research shows that resiliency can be built and strengthened by creating connections, fostering a sense of well-being, and finding a purpose. Creative Care is focused on developing community connections, compassion, and social support while developing competence and confidence in art making. Classes will also reinforce using artmaking as a healthy coping skill. Led by trained Teaching Artists, Creative Care will provide an experience of high-quality arts education, peer connection, and supportive mentorship.
The pilot of Creative Care will provide three gender-based mentorship groups for children between the ages of 9 and 13: “Creating Men” for boys, “Empower Her” for girls, and “Boundless Creators” for gender-nonconforming youth. Groups will meet for one hour per week, in 6-week sessions. The first session will begin the week of February 24th. Participation in Creative Care is offered at no cost to participants. Enrollment is limited to 12 students per group; spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis at TheCordialEye.org.
Creative Care is made possible by the generous partnership of the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation and the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation.
Men in the Making
In this mentor-based group for boys, students will explore their sense of identity, develop healthy communication skills, build self-confidence, and strengthen their relationships through art making.
Teaching Artists: Filipe Borges and Craig Florence
Mondays 5:00 PM–6:00 PM, 2/24–3/31
Ages 9–13
Boundless Creators
In this mentor-based group for trans and nonbinary youth, students will explore the expanse of the gender spectrum, build confidence in who they are, and uplift each other while stretching the boundaries of art materials and making.
Teaching Artist: Kai Barrows
Tuesday 5:00 PM–6:00 PM, 2/25–4/1
Ages 9–13
Empower Her
In this mentor-based group for girls, students use the artistic process to build confidence, strengthen their voice, build strong relationships and uplift each other.
Teaching Artists: Karla DeStefano and Annie Lupton
Wednesday 5:00 PM–6:00 PM, 2/26–4/2
Ages 9–13
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This is a supportive movement and therapeutic group for teens ages 13 to 16. We understand that managing emotions like anger and frustration can be tough, and we're here to help. Our safe space encourages teens to explore their feelings, build connections, and cope with trauma. Through activities such as movement, breathwork, and stress reduction techniques, we aim to foster collective healing and a sense of belonging. Remember, you're not alone; we're here for you.
New dates! Starts February 11, 2025, every Tuesday 3:30 PM–4:30 PM.
Registration Required! Call (508) 815-5100.
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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.
Questions?
Contact Christina Russell: Phone (774) 722-3305 | Email crussell@capecodchildrensplace.com
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SAMHSA RELEASES PUBLICATIONS SUPPORTING RECOVERY | |
DEA AND HHS ISSUE FINAL TELEMEDICINE RULE FOR BUPRENORPHINE ACCESS | |
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), together with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), finalized telemedicine flexibility regulations for the prescribing of medications for opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine.
This final rule makes permanent the buprenorphine-related telemedicine flexibilities that DEA and HHS had extended through the end of 2025.
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BLACK AMERICANS IN RECOVERY: ADDRESSING RACIAL CHALLENGES IN ADDICTION TREATMENT | |
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February 19th, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
The impact of substance use disorders on Black Americans is a complex issue. Understanding it requires an examination of racial inequity, inequality, and racism.
Research shows long-held stereotypes about race and addiction are impacting access to treatment and patient outcomes. It is critical for the behavioral health community to discuss these differences.
Join James George, a BrightView Health Director of Operations, as he leads a discussion that identifies the key components of this issue to improve recovery outcomes for all patients.
For more information about this event, please contact: info@brightviewhealth.com
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upcoming community events | |
COMMUNITY PANEL AND OPEN FORUM DISCUSSION ABOUT CAPE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE | |
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Our children are in crisis—now more than ever. Due to circumstances beyond their control, Cape Cod’s youth are facing unprecedented mental health and substance use challenges. These aren’t just kids—they are the future of our community, our workforce, and our families. If we don’t act now, we risk losing an entire generation to struggles they should never have to face alone.
Join us on March 20th at Wequassett Resort from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a community panel and open forum discussion to learn how we can turn the tide—together. Change must happen, and it must happen now. We look forward to seeing you there!
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BARNSTABLE RECREATION: CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY | |
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Support the Barnstable Youth Commission and 7th Graders at the Annual Youth Summit Vendor Fair!
Event: Annual Barnstable 7th Grade Youth Summit
When: Wednesday, March 12th, 1:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: Cape Cod Community College Cafeteria
- Interact with 7th graders as they learn about peer pressure and how to make good choices going into high school.
- Network with other youth services in the community.
- Share what your agency has to offer youth.
Please RSVP by March 1st! Contact: George Noonan, George.Noonan@town.barnstable.ma.us | (508) 790-6345 X127
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HEALTH IMPERATIVES IS HIRING A HARM REDUCTION SPECIALIST FOR THE HYANNIS LOCATION | |
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TITLE: Harm Reduction Specialist- Hyannis
PROGRAM: Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
HOURS: Fulltime Monday through Friday including some evenings
SALARY: $29.20
DUTIES: The Sexual and Reproductive Health Harm Reduction Specialist will work within a team and support clinical and overdose prevention services by using a harm reduction approach to:
- Provide patient-centered sexual and reproductive health education and counseling on topics including contraception, sexually transmitted infections, HIV, Hepatitis, PrEP, nPEP, gender affirming hormone therapy, pregnancy and pregnancy prevention, overdose education and narcan distribution, and syringe services
- Provide opioid overdose education and NARCAN training
- Provide STI testing at community partner organizations including phlebotomy and preparing specimens for transport
- Support the provision of clinical services as needed
- Provide short-term health navigation and client linkages to services including substance misuse treatment, mental health counseling, primary care, housing, crisis intervention, and other social and medical services as appropriate
- Support clients in accessing SRH services and provide HIV PrEP/nPEP drug assistance and adherence, HCV treatment adherence, medication assisted treatment adherence, referrals to syringe services, referrals to mental health, referrals to primary care, referrals to housing, and referrals to other social service providers as indicated
- Provide outreach activities and offsite services to promote sexual and reproductive health, HI programs, OEND and SSP programs emphasizing program/service integration
- Collect drug samples from community members and provide drug checking services
- Complete accurate and timely documentation in the EMR and report system per protocols and guidelines
- Other duties as assigned
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EASTHAM COMMUNITY REFRIGERATOR | |
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The Eastham Department of Health is excited to announce the Eastham Community Refrigerator! We have healthy food available to anyone who needs it.
Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. We are located in the Health & Conservation Department next to Town Hall at 2500 State Highway, Eastham. Call to see what's in stock! (508) 240-5900 Ext. 3230
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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.
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ARE YOU REPRESENTED ON OUR NETWORK OF CARE SERVICE DIRECTORY WEBSITE? | |
The Barnstable County Department of Human Services’ Network of Care (NOC) 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.
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newsletter sign-up & submit | |
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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.
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* 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.
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