spotlight

TOWN OF FALMOUTH COMMISSION ON SUBSTANCE USE HOSTS COMMUNITY GATHERING OF REMEMBRANCE IN RECOGNITION OF INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

All are invited to gather on Falmouth’s Village Green, on Saturday, August 31, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM, to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. It is a time to remember those we’ve lost, those struggling, and those in recovery. The sharing of photos and words of remembrance are welcome. Wearing something purple is a symbol of awareness and support. 

Representatives of organizations doing vital work in the realm of substance use disorder (prevention, treatment, harm-reduction and education) will be present. 

This event is sponsored by Falmouth Commission on Substance Use. Participating and supportive organizations include, Wellstrong, AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, Learn to Cope, Brave Hearts, Falmouth Recovery Center, and Falmouth Human Services. 

DETAILS

When: Saturday, August 31, 2024, 6:00PM

Where: Falmouth Village Green (across from St. Barnabas Church and First Congregational Church)

Questions? Contact Suzie.Hauptmann@falmouthma.gov

INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY CANDLELIGHT BEACH MEMORIAL AT SMUGGLERS BEACH

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is held annually on August 31. The 2024 theme is "Together We Can", which emphasizes the power of communities when they stand together. IOAD is the world's biggest annual campaign to end overdoses, remember those who have died without stigma, and recognize the grief of their loved ones.

If your organization would like to have a resource table at this event, please contact Dawn at (508) 737-0086 or email at tdtkber@gmail.com.

DETAILS

When: Saturday, August 31, 2024

Where: Smugglers Beach, 220 South Street, South Yarmouth, MA

harm reduction

SENATE ACTS TO MITIGATE MASSACHUSETTS OPIOID CRISIS

The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation expanding support for residents coping with substance use disorder to stem the toll of an opioid crisis that takes thousands of lives each year. S.2898, An Act relative to accessing harm reduction initiatives, enables cities and towns to establish a wide range of measures proven to reduce the harms of drug use, including needle exchange programs, drug screenings, and overdose prevention facilities. It makes strides in studying sober home oversight and resources to support those in recovery, and widely expands access to overdose reversal drugs like naloxone.

“With the fentanyl crisis and polysubstance epidemic continuing unabated, we cannot count out any evidence-based intervention that has the potential to save lives,” said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), Assistant Majority Whip and Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. “Every year for the last eight years, more than 2,000 of our neighbors and loved ones have died from an overdose. The provisions in this bill—including overdose prevention centers via local approval—are among proven harm reduction tools that we can deploy now to arrest overdose deaths and end the opioid epidemic. I am proud that the Senate took decisive action on this issue, and I am grateful to my colleagues for their endorsement of these lifesaving policies.” 

Read the full release at: https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=129 

recovery

ADDICTION RECOVERY EDUCATION ACCESS SERVICES (A.R.E.A.S)

The Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) has set up A.R.E.A.S., as an educational support system for the recovery community. Join our A.R.E.A.S. Group - Our Recovery Community Education Support Service. We have learned that advocacy and reducing stigma begins with offering support to people who fear speaking up because they may be viewed as "bad" - and feel intimidated by and/or do not know how to get help.

MOAR first created the A.R.E.A.S curriculum over 20 years ago and continues to revise it on a regular basis. The program is peer led and driven by participating members who choose the topic order. It was designed to strengthen participation in recovery and relapse prevention. The curriculum provides information about common practical problems faced by people in recovery and helps to connect people to the appropriate resources.

The goal of A.R.E.A.S. is to give support and leadership development for people to become involved with MOAR in a personal and meaningful way. Currently, we hold A.R.E.A.S. groups in New Bedford, Brockton, Plymouth, Fitchburg, Worcester, and Northampton. Meetings are in a hybrid model, meaning on Zoom and in-person.

DETAILS

Tuesdays, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

View the program flyer for ZOOM Link

Questions? info@moar-recovery.org

FIRST STEPS TOGETHER: A HOME VISTING PROGRAM DEDICATED TO SERVING AND EMPOWERING FAMILIES ON THEIR PARENTING AND RECOVERY JOURNEY

Join a community of people parenting in recovery!

Pregnancy and parenting young children can be a hopeful and exciting time. It can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially while working on your recover.

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, stimulants, or other substances.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, contact us: Christina Russel (774) 722-3305 | crussell@capecodchildrensplace.com.

upcoming community events

ROAR CAPE COD RIDE FOR OPIOID ADDICTION RECOVERY

Join us on a 50-mile ride through several scenic Cape Cod towns!

The ride starts at Falmouth High School (874 Gifford Street) and makes its way through Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, and Brewster. Come line the route and show your support to all riders and the cause!!!

Date: September 8, 2024

The event starts at 8:00 AM. Coffee, donuts, and lunch will be provided. This event is $20/person. For more information visit www.roarcapecod.com.

SAVE THE DATE: REAL TALK

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, October 10th, 6:30 PM, D-Y High School. This event is FREE!

Behavioral Health Innovators (BHI) and The Quell Foundation present "Lift the Mask" documentary and interviews on mental and behavioral health for our Cape Cod youth.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend: students, school staff, parents, grandparents, and everyone interested in our youth. We want to hear your voices!

volunteer opportunities

DISCOVER A PATH OF HEALING AND SUPPORT THROUGH FREE RIVER TRAINING

Discover a path of healing and support through free RIVER Training. If you've known grief and would like to help others in their journey, consider volunteering with Support After a Death by Overdose (SADOD) and The Sun Will Rise.

RIVER Training is for people in Massachusetts bereaved by a death from substance use who want to help other grieving people. Consider volunteering as a Peer Grief Ally to support grievers one-on-one or as a Support Group Facilitator to work with a small circle of grievers. See the application for free RIVER Training and join the community of volunteers who are helping grieving people across Massachusetts.

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.

YMCA SUMMER EATS PROGRAM EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Healthy Lunches for Cape Cod’s Kids

Did you know that one in five children in America doesn’t know where their next meal will come from? Even here on beautiful Cape Cod there are families working hard to make ends meet, but cannot. YMCA Cape Cod can help.

When summer break begins millions of kids across America find themselves without the National School Lunch Program to keep them full. But your child does not have to go hungry. Turn to the YMCA Cape Cod Summer Meals Program so your kids 18 and under can get their fill of food and fun. We are proud to be serving the children in our community!

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.

newsletter sign-up & submit

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.

* 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.