spotlights

JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH

As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s essential to recognize the significant contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the fields of harm reduction and recovery support. The origins of harm reduction—practical strategies aimed at reducing negative health consequences—can be traced back to the courageous LGBTQ+ advocates who responded to the AIDS crisis. Their activism not only brought harm reduction into public discourse but also laid the groundwork for peer-to-peer support systems. 

Addiction & Mental Health Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community 

The LGBTQ+ community remains an invaluable resource, offering strategies that the media and public can learn from to promote resilience and improve health outcomes. 

harm reduction

NATIONAL HARM REDUCTION COALITION: LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING COLLECTIVE

The Lighthouse Learning Collective offers space for strategy, support, and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming people (LGB/TGNC+) who use drugs. Bringing together harm reduction groups and organizations that serve the LGB/TGNC+ community, we hope to reimagine what safety and care can look like for queer and trans folks who use drugs.

We leverage the strengths of multiple movements, communities, and organizations to develop resources that can help transform systems of care. Creating this space allows us to work dynamically as a community, thinking about how our lives intersect with accessibility, sex work, immigration, incarceration, and houselessness.

prevention

AMERICANS' USE OF ILLICIT OPIOIDS IS HIGHER THAN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED

More Americans use illicit opioids such as fentanyl than previously estimated, highlighting the need for better methods to understand the depths of the opioid crisis, according to a new study. Researchers from RAND and the University of Southern California surveyed 1,515 American adults during June 2024 using a large, representative online panel of Americans. Participants were asked about use of nonprescription opioids within the past 12 months, with heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl given as examples.

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE PREVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS

The growing number of older adults with alcohol and substance use disorders necessitates efforts to increase awareness and prevention. Physical changes, medical conditions, and life transitions interact with alcohol and substance use behavior and outcomes as we age. Despite the need for specialized substance use disorders treatment for older adults, many providers and older adults find that there are limited resources and referrals available.

Primary prevention efforts can make a large impact, however, substance use prevention in older adults has not been widely implemented. Education, public health, and harm reduction initiatives have been effective in the larger population and are needed in the context of aging. In this issue of the E4 Center’s Hot Topics Newsletter, we highlight the latest research focused on alcohol and substance use in older adults, particularly research assessing or informing substance use prevention efforts in older adults. 

OVERDOSE RESPONSE STRATEGY (ORS) IS HOSTING BIMONTHLY WEBINARS

Trends, Analysis & Threats webinar being hosted by the Overdose Response Strategy (ORS). This webinar will be held bimonthly and provide briefings on current and emerging drug trends. Our next webinar is on Wednesday, July 2 at 2:00PM Eastern.

July Presenters:

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• University of North Carolina (UNC)
• The Colombo Plan

recovery

SUPPORT AFTER A DEATH BY OVERDOSE (SADO.D.): PEER GRIEF SUPPORT VOICES JUNE 2025

In this Issue:

Recovery Community Embraces Peer Grief Support  

Kristen Esson is Program Director of Wey of Life Peer Recovery Center in Weymouth.

She offers insight into the growing popularity of peer grief support, and the positive effect it is having on the recovery community. 

Community Leader Navigates Recovery and Grief

Tyshaun Perryman is a Community Engagement Liaison for BSAS (Bureau of Substance Addiction Services). In his work, Perryman frequently encounters people who are struggling with substance use. 

SafeSpot Operator Helps Struggling Callers 

Kimber King is a voice operator for SafeSpot, aka the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline. 

King’s story is unique, because before she found recovery and started working for SafeSpot, she was a helpline caller – a precautionary measure that saved her life.

Couple Walks Side by Side Through Grief - Part Two 

On February 24, 2021, Gregory Mark Shea II died of a fentanyl overdose.

In honor of their son, Alyson and Greg Sr. founded the 143 Gregory Foundation. Through community outreach, the Sheas have found a way to channel their grief while leaning on one another when the pain is too great to carry alone.

Peer Grief Specialist Recounts Recovery Journey - Part Two

Meagan Fisher is a Peer Grief Support Specialist who recently joined the SADO.D. team.

Her lived experience of substance use, treatment, and recovery informs her work as she helps those who have lost a loved one to substance-use-related issues.

treatment

SERVICES HARBOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER OFFERS TO PATIENTS

Find kind and supportive healthcare services at Harbor Health.

Our Services:

• Medications for Addiction Treatment — Suboxone, Vivitrol, Naltrexone
• Office-based Addiction Treatment — from caring, experienced providers
• Medical Care — primary care, access to other specialties
• Dental Care — coordinated with treatment
• Behavioral Health Services — mental health support during recovery
• Psychiatry Services — medication management during recovery
• Resources — help with food, housing, transportation, and more

FIND CARE THAT TAKES CARE OF YOU.

Harbor Health accepts MassHealth and most insurance plans. We can also help you apply for insurance.

HARBOR’S CARING AND EXPERIENCED PROVIDERS ARE READY TO HELP YOU!

Ready to get started? Call Harbor’s recovery services program at (508) 778-5420

Anyone seeking help with substance use is encouraged to call!

Harbor Community Health Center – Hyannis

735 Attucks Lane, Hyannis

BRIGHTVIEW OFFERING "HOW TO NAVIGATE ADDICTION TREATMENT" WEBINAR

Healthy Families: How to Navigate Addiction Treatment 

Wednesday, June 18, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST 

The impact of addiction reaches beyond someone with a drug or alcohol use disorder. It also impacts their family. The importance of the family in a patient’s recovery can’t be understated but are we sure everyone gets the help they need? 

Join Rhonda Roper, BrightView’s Vice President of Quality Operations, as she dives into this important discussion. 

Attendees will learn: 

• How the family dynamic is impacted by addiction 

• How to use their presence to foster positive treatment outcomes 

• The difference between enabling and loving a family member with a SUD 

• How family members should communicate with their loved ones during a relapse 

• How to help family members implement self-care and compassion 

Attending this FREE event is worth one continuing education credit (CEC) from the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). Please check with your state board to confirm CEC eligibility. 

For more information about this event, please contact: info@brightviewhealth.com 

upcoming community events

CALLING ALL VENDORS: EASTHAM FARMERS MARKET

Join us at the Eastham Farmers Market every Friday from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, starting June 20th until August 29th! Our market is a vibrant gathering place where farmers, artisans, and the community come together to celebrate fresh, local food and handcrafted goods.

employment opportunity

CAPE ABILITIES: DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Cape Abilities is seeking a Director of Development (DOD) to join our team!

As a key partner to the VP of Development, the DOD will help drive fundraising strategies, lead a passionate team, steward donor relationships, and manage impactful campaigns and events.

We’re looking for someone who is curious, proactive, professional, and a strategic thinker—ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities across Cape Cod.

volunteer opportunity

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT PLAYSPACE PROGRAM, HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN

The mission of Horizons for Homeless Children is to improve the lives of young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts, and help their families succeed by providing high quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. 

A new Playspace is being opened in Dennis later this month! Playspaces are created and operated by Horizons within homeless shelters, enriched with books, toys, and arts and crafts materials. Playspaces are dependent on volunteers, called PALs (Playspace Activity Leaders) to play with the children and create meaningful connections. PALs commit to volunteering at the same time and same shelter location for two hours each week. 

Questions? Contact Megan Nally, Volunteer Recruitment & Outreach Specialist at mnally@horizonschildren.org. 

food resources

YMCA IS OFFERING FREE MEALS FOR KIDS AT 15 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE UPPER CAPE THIS SUMMER!

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!

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.

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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