| |  | 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. | | SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH | | |
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is observed every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible.
SAMHSA aims to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. In the years since Recovery Month launched, SAMHSA has timed announcements of initiatives and grant funding during Recovery Month, while collaborating with private and public entities to celebrate individuals during their long-term recoveries.
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CELEBRATE RECOVERY MONTH WITH WELLSTRONG! | |
Join us for a FREE community event in honor of Recovery Month — fun for kids of all ages!
- Delicious treats
- Creative expression
- Info on local recovery services
September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of those in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges.
This event is open to everyone! Bring your friends, family, and kids to join in the celebration. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply want to show your support, we welcome you with open arms!
Let’s come together as a community to reduce stigma, celebrate recovery, and offer HOPE!
DETAILS
“Strength in Unity, Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”
Saturday, September 27th
Gus Canty REC Center, 790 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540
12 PM – 4 PM
Event Schedule
- 12 PM – 1 PM: Food & Refreshments
- 1 PM – 2 PM: Fun Activities – Face Painting, Fitness, Crafts
- 2 PM – 3 PM: Inspirational Speakers
- 3 PM – 4 PM: Fellowship & Community Connection
To reserve a table, please contact:
alicia@wellstrong.org
scrowl@gandaracenter.org
awilsey@gandaracenter.org
| SOURCES AVAILABLE AT HEALTH IMPERATIVES | NEW DRUG FOUND IN SUPPLY: MEDETOMIDINE | |
Medetomidine is a sedative that is being mixed with fentanyl. It was first found in the Philadelphia area in April 2024. Since summer 2024, it has also been found in Massachusetts. By June 2025, medetomidine showed up in drug samples from every county in the state. Central and Western Massachusetts have the highest levels of it in tested drugs.
It is important to know if drugs contain medetomidine so you can prepare and stay safe.
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Are you a Massachusetts resident who cares about how substance use impacts you and your community? The MA Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) invites you to join its
Living Expertise Advisory Pool (LEAP).
Situated within the MA Department of Public Health (DPH), the BSAS oversees the statewide system of prevention, intervention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use.
LEAP serves as a statewide advisory pool of Massachusetts residents wishing to share their experiences and perspectives in different ways, to shape BSAS initiatives across the Commonwealth. Joining LEAP means you will recieve information from BSAS' Office of Community Health & Equity (OCHE) including opportunities to learn about what's happening in BSAS and its programs to get more involved. These learning opportunties will be open to all LEAP members as a way to orient you to our current work.
You may also be invited to participate in specific initiatives based on the information you share, as a way of including community voice in project planning and implementation. If you are asked to contribute to projects you may be compensated for your time, and will receive details about what participation will involve and how much you will be paid. If you then choose to participate, a contract will be put in place and compensation will be received in the form of a check (typically within 3 weeks). We will work to reduce barriers to compensation as much as possible.
Please contact Andi Macone (she/her), Director of BSAS Office of Community Health & Equity, at andrea.macone@mass.gov with questions or accommodation requests.
| JOIN BSAS OFFICE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND EQUITY FOR A SPECIAL EDITION OF COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS | |
In celebration of Recovery Month!
Instead of inviting presenters, we will hold this space for community members to briefly share what recovery means to you and what has been helpful on your journey. This is intended to showcase the infinite pathways to and of recovery and wellness, inclusive of all relationships with substances.
Contact tyshaun.g.perryman@mass.gov with questions/accommodation requests, or to
share your work at an upcoming office hour.
| | SOURCES AVAILABLE AT HEALTH IMPERATIVES | NEW DRUG FOUND IN SUPPLY: MEDETOMIDINE | |
Medetomidine is a sedative that is being mixed with fentanyl. It was first found in the Philadelphia area in April 2024. Since summer 2024, it has also been found in Massachusetts. By June 2025, medetomidine showed up in drug samples from every county in the state. Central and Western Massachusetts have the highest levels of it in tested drugs.
It is important to know if drugs contain medetomidine so you can prepare and stay safe.
| |
Are you a Massachusetts resident who cares about how substance use impacts you and your community? The MA Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) invites you to join its
Living Expertise Advisory Pool (LEAP).
Situated within the MA Department of Public Health (DPH), the BSAS oversees the statewide system of prevention, intervention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use.
LEAP serves as a statewide advisory pool of Massachusetts residents wishing to share their experiences and perspectives in different ways, to shape BSAS initiatives across the Commonwealth. Joining LEAP means you will recieve information from BSAS' Office of Community Health & Equity (OCHE) including opportunities to learn about what's happening in BSAS and its programs to get more involved. These learning opportunties will be open to all LEAP members as a way to orient you to our current work.
You may also be invited to participate in specific initiatives based on the information you share, as a way of including community voice in project planning and implementation. If you are asked to contribute to projects you may be compensated for your time, and will receive details about what participation will involve and how much you will be paid. If you then choose to participate, a contract will be put in place and compensation will be received in the form of a check (typically within 3 weeks). We will work to reduce barriers to compensation as much as possible.
Please contact Andi Macone (she/her), Director of BSAS Office of Community Health & Equity, at andrea.macone@mass.gov with questions or accommodation requests.
| JOIN BSAS OFFICE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND EQUITY FOR A SPECIAL EDITION OF COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS | |
In celebration of Recovery Month!
Instead of inviting presenters, we will hold this space for community members to briefly share what recovery means to you and what has been helpful on your journey. This is intended to showcase the infinite pathways to and of recovery and wellness, inclusive of all relationships with substances.
Contact tyshaun.g.perryman@mass.gov with questions/accommodation requests, or to
share your work at an upcoming office hour.
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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.
| | CHESS HEALTH DIGITAL TOOLS: ESSENTIAL FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT SUCCESS | | Discover how Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment organizations can leverage digital health solutions to expand access, improve outcomes, reduce costs, and meet evolving consumer expectations | | WE CAN COMMUNITY BREAKFAST | | |
Join us for a joyful morning as we celebrate everyone who makes WE CAN so special - our volunteers, partners, supporters, and participants.
We'll gather together at The Sea View in Dennis Port to share a delicious breakfast and a heartfelt program that will leave you feeling inspired, connected, and proud to be part of the WE CAN community.
Be part of this cherished tradition by becoming a sponsor! Your sponsorship helps empower women on Cape Cod to thrive and ensures that participants can attend this inspiring event without financial barriers. It’s also a wonderful way to celebrate the community that makes WE CAN so special (that's you!) while having the opportunity to gain visibility for your business.
| | 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.
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