| |  | 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. | | JULY IS BEBE MOORE CAMPBELL NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH | | Each July, we honor the legacy of author, advocate, and trailblazer Bebe Moore Campbell by recognizing Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as BIPOC Mental Health Month). Moore Campbell’s ability to tell impactful stories highlighting themes of racism, mental health, and family left a lasting mark on this world and is a foundation for much of the work that continues in support of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) mental health. | | SERVICES AVAILABLE AT HEALTH IMPERATIVES | | Health Imperatives offers a wide range of compassionate and confidential sexual and reproductive health services to meet your needs. Whether you’re seeking birth control options, STI testing, pregnancy counseling, or gender affirming care, our expert staff are here to provide supportive, non-judgmental care. We are committed to helping you make informed choices and access the services that empower you to take charge of your health. No matter your background, our services are designed to ensure everyone has access to the care they deserve. | |
SUPPORT FOR USE OF NALOXONE AND OTHER OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL MEDICATIONS TO PREVENT OVERDOSE DEATHS | Monitoring the distribution and impact of opioid overdose reversal medications such as naloxone is essential to optimizing overdose prevention strategies and improving public health outcomes. This Statistical Data Profile, the first to use performance data from two SAMHSA grant programs, examines the distribution of FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal medications, including naloxone/Narcan. The Data Profile also presents the training of first responders, community organization staff and other individuals to administer the reversal medications and provide other support services. | | INTRODUCING URGENT CARE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE | |
The Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) and the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Centers (BHUCs) are open throughout Massachusetts and can see patients for Urgent Mental Health Services.
Services include:
- Same- or next-day evaluations
- Individual & group therapy
- Psychiatric consults and addiction medications
- 24/7 in-person crisis support
- Short-term overnight crisis care
- CBHC clinics are open 8 AM–8 PM on weekdays and 9 AM–5 PM on weekends. BHUC hours vary by location.
Find a center: www.MassHelpLine.com/Urgent 📞 Call anytime: 1-833-773-2445 (24/7/365)
| | |
Y12SR "connects the dots" between the ancient wisdom of yoga, the practical tools of 12-step programs, and the latest research on trauma healing and neurobiology.
No membership required! All are welcome to participate.
| | FREE ACUPUNCTURE/MEDITATION FOR WOMEN – REGISTRATION REQUIRED! | | |
Helping Our Women (HOW) is offering a free, evidence-based, outer-ear acupuncture treatment called Acudetox, known to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, and support recovery from substance use. It provides a calming effect and promotes mental wellness in a supportive group setting. Offered by licensed practitioner Heather Louks, this treatment will leave you at ease and relaxed!
How to register:
Email pam@helpingourwomen.org or call (508) 487-4357
| |
REACHING OUT WITH VAL WALKER | |
DETAILS: Tuesday, July 22nd, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
In uncertain times, such as when we are grieving, many of us are asking: "How do I make new connections?" We can build connections by being active in our local community: by volunteering, taking classes, joining events at senior centers or faith-based communities, or meeting in support groups, and so much more. Author, bereaved person, rehabilitation consultant, and Psychology Today blogger, Val Walker, will lead a discussion where we will share ideas and real-life stories of how we can expand and enrich our social life.
This workshop is free for Massachusetts residents thanks to funding from MA-BSAS (use promo code MASS at registration). A $10 fee applies to attendees outside of MA.
If cost is a barrier, please reach out to Laura@sadod.org—we're here to help.
| | FINDTREATMENT.GOV: ANONYMOUS RESOURCE FOR PERSONS SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MENTAL AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS IN THE UNITED STATES AND ITS TERRITORIES | | |
FindTreatment.gov is a confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories. Hyannis
735 Attucks Lane, Hyannis
| |
upcoming community events | INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY CANDLELIGHT BEACH MEMORIAL | |
Sunday, August 31, 2025, 5:00 PM
Join us for a Candlelight Beach Memorial on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 5 PM at Smugglers Beach in South Yarmouth to honor and remember those lost to substance use. Held on International Overdose Awareness Day, this event aims to end stigma, raise awareness, and support those grieving. The memorial will feature community resources, personal stories, a candlelight sunset prayer, and tributes to loved ones. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beach chair and a photo of their loved one.
Contact Dawn with questions: (508) 737-0086 or tdtkber@gmail.com
| | |
August 6, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Mashpee Public Safety Complex
This family-friendly event features vehicle displays, K9 demonstrations, free food, giveaways, and fun activities for all ages. Come meet local public safety teams including the Mashpee Police and Fire Departments, Natural Resources, Massachusetts State Police, SWAT, and more.
| | SUICIDE PREVENTION SUMMIT AT CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE | | Save the Date! September 12, 2025 | | |
Cape Cod Community College and the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition will host a Suicide Prevention Summit on Friday, September 12, 2025. This in-person event will be held at Cape Cod Community College and feature presentations that address the issue of suicide in our community and how we can create hope through action through college, school, and community partnerships.
Join our email list to ensure you receive up-to-date information! capeandislandspc@gmail.com
| | CAPE COD FOUNDATION: STUDENT EMERGENCY FINANCIAL RELIEF PROGRAM | | |
PURPOSE
To provide emergency financial assistance to students from Barnstable County who are enrolled in a postsecondary education program working toward a certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree, or advanced degree.
BACKGROUND
The Cape Cod Foundation launched this pilot program in partnership with the Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund in 2025 to provide additional resources to students in the community beyond scholarship dollars. The fund provides emergency financial assistance to students from Barnstable County who are enrolled in a postsecondary education program who encounter urgent, unanticipated financial hardship, and need financial assistance for immediate needs—from food and housing to medical bills and transportation assistance. Students who are eligible for this program can also apply for scholarships and grants through The Cape Cod Foundation.
ELIGIBILITY
Individuals eligible to receive a grant from this fund must:
- Be a resident of Barnstable County
- Be enrolled in an accredited postsecondary education program working toward a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degree
- Have a demonstrated urgent or unanticipated financial hardship
GRANT AMOUNT
The average award amount is $500.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Cape Cod Time Neighbors Fund.
TO APPLY
To access the application, please contact the Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund at (508) 778-5661 or email executivedirector@neighborsfund.org.
QUESTIONS?
For questions or assistance with the application, please contact the Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund at (508) 778-5661.
| | BARNSTABLE COUNTY SHERIFF: CHIEF OF INMATE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS | | |
Position Summary
The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a compassionate, organized, and community-focused Coordinator to lead operations at The Bridge Center, a newly launched reentry and family support hub located at 3195 Main Street in Barnstable Village.
The ideal candidate would bring a mix of operational and clinical experience to our Bridge Center which serves at-risk, and justice-involved individuals and their families as they transition back into the community following incarceration. The coordinator will oversee daily operations, manage partnerships with community providers, supervise staff, volunteers, and peer mentors, and ensure that all participants are connected to the services they need for long-term success.
This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of reentry services in Barnstable County and promote public safety through proactive support, dignity, and hope.
| |
FOOD 4 KIDS SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM | |
Food 4 Kids works to alleviate childhood hunger and promote literacy on the Lower and Outer Cape by bringing together The Church of the Holy Spirit (Episcopal) and local communities to provide free meals and free books for children and teens in the summer when schools are out.
Food 4 Kids (F4K) operates as part of the Massachusetts Summer EATS program, our state’s branding for the federally funded USDA Summer Food Service Program. The USDA provides 47% of our funding, the remainder comes from grants, business sponsorships, individual donations, and fundraising events.
Each summer weekday that school is out, 49 days over 10 weeks, we serve free meals and give away free books to 450 – 700 local Cape kids ages 3.5–18. Meals are served where the kids are — local recreation and community programs, libraries, parks/public spaces. All meals and books are provided free to the programs and all the children. Children do not have to be enrolled in a program to receive a free meal. Families are welcome to bring their children to any of our locations for a free meal and a chance to win a book.
For weekly menu and more information visit: https://www.food4kidscapecod.org/
| YMCA CAPE COD SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM: FREE MEALS FOR KIDS & TEENS | |
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.
Your child does not have to go hungry. Turn to YMCA Cape Cod’s 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!
Program contact: mreilly@ymcacapecod.org
| | BUY FRESH BUY LOCAL 2025 FARMERS MARKET CALENDAR | | Nutrition educators have assisted in coordination of Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod with the mission of connecting people and businesses on the Cape with locally grown farm and sea products. Through Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod, resources are created to assist individuals and families in purchasing, cooking, and storing fresh foods. Below are collections of cooking videos, recipes, cookbooks, and other resources to help families and communities better understand Cape Cod’s local food system and access to fresh, local food. | |
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.
| | | 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.
| |
| 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.
| |
| | | |
