spotlight

WORLD AIDS DAY

This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” It encourages people to unite globally to eliminate the disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and access to HIV care. First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day is a day to unite to help end HIV and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses.

Looking for information or to get involved with local resources? AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod saves lives through prevention, education and life-sustaining services that address public health crises to build healthy communities across the Cape and Islands. CLICK HERE to learn more.

recovery

JOIN THE METRO WEST RECOVERY COACH LEARNING COMMUNITY

Massachusetts Recovery Coaches are invited to join the Metro West Recovery Coach Learning Community for the first quarterly meeting of 2023. The goal of the Learning Community is to connect recovery coaches around the state to learn from each other, share experiences, and learn how to approach challenges within the work.

This hybrid meeting will take place on:

January 11th at 1:30pm via Zoom OR

in-person at New Way Recovery Center in Quincy, MA 

Click the button below to view the flyer and access the Zoom link:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Seeks Information on the Needs of Women Re-Entering the Community After Incarceration

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is beginning the process of collecting information about the needs of women re-entering the community after incarceration. The Request for Information (RFI) will be posted publicly on COMM-BUYS. The Department is seeking information related to the following:

• Current service needs
• Existing organizations offering re-entry services,
• Promising practices
• Innovative programs that communities would like to see established or expanded in Massachusetts
• Information related to gender-specific needs for both cisgender and transgender women

Please submit responses via email no later than 12/16/22 to:

Anuradha Sahu

Harm Reduction Program Coordinator

Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS)

anuradha.sahu2@mass.gov

DADS IN RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP

Connect with other dads who understand what it is like to raise a child while in recovery, or while working towards recovery. Explore strengths and challenges with parenting while building a support network.

The group meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6pm via Zoom (until in-person meetings can safely be resumed). 

This group is sponsored by the Coalition for Children and Cape Cod Children's Place FIRST Steps Together programs.

SPECTRUM'S VIRTUAL SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP FOR FRIENDS, FAMILIES, AND CAREGIVERS

If you are a loved one, support person, or a caregiver of someone with a substance use disorder, you do not have to struggle alone.

Join us!

Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM for our

Magnolia FAST© Family Support Meeting Series

Each weekly session will be led by a member of Spectrum's addiction treatment team and will include:

• A 15 to 20-minute education component focused on addition
• 60 minutes of sharing, open discussion, and support
• 10-15 minutes of a guided self-care activity

Email magnolia@spectrumhealthsystems.org to request the Zoom link for virtual meetings.

harm reduction

THE AIDS INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES NEW HIV TESTING CAMPAIGN SITE

The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute's HIV Education and Training Programs is happy to announce a new HIV testing webpage that promotes HIV testing using the theme, "Beyond Status". The campaign site discusses U=U and what it means to get "beyond status" and beyond stigma.

There are several components to this new campaign including:

• Applying a status neutral approach to HIV testing
• A page that specifically addresses HIV testing for pregnant people and newborns
• A quiz to test knowledge about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment

"The Beyond Status campaign reminds us, no matter what the result, it is just the beginning of your path to staying healthy."

NEW HARM REDUCTION RESOURCE WEBSITE: BEVEL UP!

Bevel Up was created by people who use drugs for people who use drugs.

This campaign was designed for community-based organizations, grassroots programs, health departments, and other groups running or supporting syringe services programs (SSPs) and other harm reduction services.

The Bevel Up website provides information and tips on safer drug use, overdose prevention, vein care, alternative routes of administration, and other harm reduction topics. Messages and recommendations come from current and former users with experience navigating an unregulated and unpredictable drug supply, as well as health providers and program staff who serve people who use drugs.

Download informational cards and posters, reference educational PDFs, and access customizable social media content for each covered topic area. All materials are peer-reviewed by NASTAD Drug User Health project and CDC subject matter experts.

prevention

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH VAPING CAMPAIGN: FACTS. NOT FILTERS.

Check out this Massachusetts Department of Public Health resource on vaping, which includes:

• What you can do to support a friend.
• How to get support to quit vaping.
• Resources for parents/guardians, schools, and providers.

The site includes videos on the vaping industry, facts on the risk factors of vaping, and various side effects on your brain and body, as well as resources and tips on how to quit for youth and young adults.

VIRTUAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!

BLUNT TALK: REFRAMING THE CONVERSATION WITH YOUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services will host a virtual training on reframing the conversation with youth about marijuana on

December 12th, from 9:30am to 12:30pm

This training provides an overview of marijuana and current trends in use among youth. Trainers will review the following:

• Research to date on marijuana and the teenage brain
• Perceived benefits of marijuana use
• Short-term vs. long-term effects of marijuana use
• Facts about marijuana and addiction/cannabis use disorder
• Ways to engage youth in understanding their patterns of marijuana use and reasons for use.
• How to promote open, positive communication, and healthier life choices
• Treatment resources

treatment

OFFERING BUPRENORPHINE MEDICATION TO PEOPLE WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER IN JAIL MAY REDUCE REARREST AND RECONVICTION

A study conducted in two rural Massachusetts jails found that people with opioid use disorder (OUD) who were incarcerated and received a medication known as buprenorphine, which is approved to treat OUD, were less likely to face rearrest and reconviction after release than those who did not receive the medication.

The study was conducted by the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN), a program to increase high-quality care for people with OUD in justice settings. It was funded by the National Institue on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institute of Health Helping to End Addition (HEAL) Initiative.

Locally the HEAL Initiative took place in the towns of Bourne and Sandwich through June of 2022.

VIRTUAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!

SUICIDE PREVENTION WITH YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS IN SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT

A training on suicide prevention with youth and young adults in substance use treatment will take place on:

December 9th from 9:30am to 12:30pm

This training focuses on understanding the trends in suicidal ideation among youth and young adults, recognizing the warning signs of suicide crisis, and learning how to respond effectively, particularly for young people who may be in substance use treatment.

Providers will learn how to identify and work with youth and young adults at risk of attempting suicide to create an environment of support and understanding. They will also receive hands-on strategies to use within the treatment setting and/or community.

THE YARMOUTH COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT CENTER HAS OPENED A MOBILE UNIT IN WELLFLEET

The Yarmouth Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC) is now open via mobile unit in Wellfleet!

This mobile component complements services provided at brick-and-mortar location in Yarmouth and widens access to much-needed treatment for opioid use disorder on the Outer and Lower Cape. The CTC provides outpatient medication for addiction treatment in combination with counseling to help patients stop using opioids without experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

The Center serves patients in Wellfleet Monday through Sunday, 6am to 9am. For more information, call (877) 272-1498 or visit www.ctcprograms.com/yarmouth.

save the date

VIRTUAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!

REGISTER FOR A VIRTUAL TRAINING ON INTERRUPTING RACISIM

Register for this two-day virtual Interrupting Racism Training, taking place on:

January 11th and January 12th

• Day 1: Lays the foundation for a common understanding of the breadth and depth of racism and its impacts on all aspects of society.
• Day 2: Teaches skills for respectful and equitable interactions to improve employee and client experiences.

The training will provide language for talking about racism, microaggressions, and how to "call-in" those who are intentionally or unintentionally causing harm.

resources

CHECK OUT THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION'S INTERIM STRATEGIC PLAN!

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Interim Strategic Plan has just been released, providing a roadmap to carry out the vision and mission of SAMHSA over the next four years.

In order to achieve its mission, SAMHSA has identified five priority areas to better meet the behavioral health care needs of individuals, communities, and service providers. The five priority areas are as follows:

1. Preventing Overdose
2. Enhancing Access to Suicide Prevention and Crisis Care
3. Promoting Resilience and Emotional Health for Children, Youth, and Families
4. Integrating Behavioral and Physical Health Care
5. Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce

CHECK OUT THE CAREERS OF SUBSTANCE WEBSITE!

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) sponsors the Careers of Substance Website, which aims to support anyone working to address substance use and addiction.

Careers of Substance provides information and resources designed to support a competent, dedicated, and enthusiastic workforce. The website invites ongoing contributions of real-life workforce-related stories, tested resources, and news to develop a rolling dialogue as the field evolves. The site also provides information related to career support, organizational support for substance use programs, training and events, relevant news, and more.

covid notices | resources

Be sure to download our Cape & Islands Food Access Resource Guide! This publication is updated monthly by the Barnstable County Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and contains all the information you need for food accessibility.

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is the most important thing we all can do to protect ourselves from serious illness due to COVID-19. It’s particularly crucial for older adults and people with disabilities. As trusted voices in their communities, many aging and disability organizations across the nation are working this season to educate people about the latest vaccines and help older adults and people with disabilities overcome any logistical challenges they face in getting vaccinated.

• The ACL COVID-19 webpage provides resources and information for older adults and people with disabilities, including resources for people with COVID-related disabilities.
• The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities get information on COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.
• The Eldercare Locator connects older adults and their families to services in the community.

service directory opportunity

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services’ SERVICE DIRECTORY wesite, 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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