spotlight

BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES MASSCALL3 STRATEGIC PREVENTION PLAN

The Barnstable County Strategic Prevention Plan, developed under the MassCALL3 Part B grant, aims to prevent misuse of substances of first use (e.g., alcohol, nicotine, cannabis) among youth through data-driven strategies tailored to the county’s unique needs. Using local data and community input, the plan identifies key challenges such as high rates of alcohol use among teens, lack of awareness about the link between mental health and substance use, and multigenerational substance misuse. Strategies include mental health and wellness training in the community, interactive web-based resources, and caregiver education workshops. These efforts aim to reduce substance misuse and build healthier, resilient communities across Barnstable County.

GOVERNOR HEALEY SIGNS BILL MAKING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SUPPORT MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE

Governor Maura Healey signed An Act Relative to Treatments and Coverage for Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Coach Licensure, which makes treatment and recovery support more affordable and accessible for residents living with substance use disorder. Notably, the legislation expands access to lifesaving opioid reversal medications like naloxone and ensures that they are covered by health insurance. The bill also makes important updates to promote the well-being of infants with prenatal substance exposure and their caregivers.

Key provisions include:

• Mandates that insurance providers cover opioid reversal drugs and expands access
• Prohibits life insurance limits or refusal based on Emergency Opioid Antagonists (EOA) history
• Updates insurance requirements for non-opioid pain treatment.
• Mandates insurance coverage for recovery coaches.
• Establishes recovery coaching licensure.
• Creates protections for harm reduction measures
• Updates policy for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure.

JANUARY IS SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT MONTH

SAMHSA has released a toolkit for the first Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, to be observed January 2025. Treatment Month raises awareness of the benefits and availability of evidence-based treatments for people with a substance use disorder; addresses barriers to treatment, including stigma; and normalizes seeking help.

The toolkit includes information about weekly themes, social media graphics and messaging, a webinar background, and resources that public health organizations, treatment providers, professional associations, and others can use to spread awareness of Treatment Month.

harm reduction

THE YEAR IN HARM REDUCTION LAW: 2024 WRAP-UP

Despite increasing acceptance of harm reduction as an important and necessary component of the country’s efforts to reduce the overwhelming number of opioid overdose deaths, harm reduction law and policy has seen both ups and downs in the past year. However, there is a movement to support people who use drugs, to improve the public’s health, to save lives, and to impart basic human dignity to all.

prevention

CHILL, CONNECT, AND THRIVE: SUPPORTIVE MOVEMENT FOR TEENS AGES 13–16

Starting February 11, 2025

Every Tuesday from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

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.

Registration Required! Call (508) 815-5100.

recovery

WELLSTRONG JANUARY CLASS SCHEDULE

WellStrong’s mission is to support recovery progress by providing wellness programs, peer support, and transformational opportunities. WellStrong envisions a world where every individual in recovery from substance use disorder has access to a supportive wellness community to empower their lives.

For more information contact: info@wellstrong.org or call (508) 444 -2219.

CENTER FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY SUPPORT

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Office of Recovery, in partnership with One World Recovery Network (OWRN), is excited to announce the launch of the new Center for Addiction Recovery Support (CARS)! CARS is ready to provide essential training and technical assistance (TTA) to help organizations better provide recovery supports to individuals facing substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.

BEYOND BOOZE WITH BFREE WELLNESS

Join us on Wednesdays in January at BFree Wellness (305 Hokum Rock Road) from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM for genuine connections and honest conversations!

treatment

ADDICTION TRAININGS FOR THE WORKFORCE SERVING YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS: BUREAU OF SUBSTANCE ADDICTION SERVICES (BSAS) CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

Navigating treatment and recovery supports for a teen or young adult struggling with substance use can be incredibly challenging. This training provides an in-depth overview of what’s available in Massachusetts to help youth and young adults and their families find their path to recovery. We will focus on the continuum of care for youth and young adults with substance use and co-occurring disorders, licensed and/or funded by BSAS / OYYAS (Bureau of Substance Addiction Services / Office of Youth and Young Adult Services).

This training is intended for professionals (clinicians, social workers, school counselors or nurses, clergy, case managers, etc.), community members, parents, and anyone seeking to support youth and young adults with co-occurring disorders. Prior knowledge is not required.

When: January 29, 2025, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST

Training Fee: $25.00

upcoming community events

WELLNESS TRAINING PROGRAMS AT CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (4CS)

The Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition has partnered with 4Cs offering our communities wellness training programs that provide information and tools to raise awareness, educate, and increase action to reduce suicides. Trainings include:

• Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) – Live, via Zoom
• safeTalk
• Reduce Suicide Risk and Promote Healing: Sudden Death Postvention

Questions? Contact Val Duffy at (508) 375-5018 or vduffy@capecod.edu

FALMOUTH CELEBRATES PRIDE WINTER FESTIVAL

Join us on January 16, 2025, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Gus Canty Community Center at 790 Main Street in Falmouth for an inter-generational Pride winter social! There will be a light supper, socializing, and cheer! RSVPs are not required but appreciated (508) 548-0533.

This event is open to LGBTQIA+/Allies Falmouth residents of all ages. We will be collecing non-perishable donations for the Falmouth Service Center Food Bank.

food resources

EASTHAM COMMUNITY REFRIGERATOR

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

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.

network of care

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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