Edition 291 | March 11, 2021 |
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Welcome to the Barnstable County Department of Human Services'
E-Newsletter. This bi-weekly newsletter is designed to provide timely information on health and human service topics of interest for
people living and working in Barnstable County.
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Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners Appoint New County Administrator
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For Immediate Release
March 10, 2021
(Barnstable, MA) — The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners voted today to appoint Elizabeth Albert to the Barnstable County Administrator position following the departure of Jack Yunits, Jr.
Ms. Albert has served as Director of the Department of Human Services since 2008. Among her duties as Barnstable County Administrator will be contract negotiations and oversight over all county departments.
“Beth’s work ethic and integrity, along with her leadership ability and governmental experience, make her an ideal fit for the position of County Administrator,” Chairman Ronald Bergstrom said. “I am certain that she’ll do an excellent job for the administration and the residents of Barnstable County.”
As Director of the Department of Human Services, Ms. Albert has been responsible for administering millions of dollars annually in federal and state grant resources to undertake regional planning, coordination, and implementation of health and human service programs and initiatives. She has also served as Chair and Co-Chair to numerous advisory councils and committees having a diverse array of health and social services policy and advocacy issues.
Before her role at the County, she was the Executive Director at the Fair Housing Rights Center of Southeastern Pennsylvania, an organization designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D.) and high-performing federally qualified fair housing rights center serving Southeastern Pennsylvania. During her tenure, the organization secured hundreds of reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities and successfully advocated and obtained relief for victims of housing discrimination.
Ms. Albert earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work (B.S.W.) from James Madison University in Virginia and master’s degree in Policy and Social Administration (M.S.W.) from Temple University in Pennsylvania. She resides with her husband in the town of Dennis.
“I am happy to accept the position of Barnstable County Administrator, “said Albert. “I have devoted my career to tackling complex health and human service issues through collaboration and mobilizing multi-sector responses. I will take this same approach in working on the important regional issues facing Barnstable County. I look forward to working with the County Commissioner’s, the Assembly of Delegates, and all county employees. Thank you to Jack Yunits for his dedication over the past five years and for the support he has offered to ensure a smooth transition. I am committed to doing my best to serve the residents of Barnstable County.”
Press Contact:
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COMMUNITY NEWS / ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Navigating the Massachusetts
COVID-19 Vaccine Registration System PrepMod
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Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment created this video to walk people through the state of Massachusetts online COVID-19 vaccine registration process located at: www.maimmunizations.org
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RAIN or SHINE: The Family Pantry of Cape Cod will be Hosting a Grab & Go Food Pickup at the Monomoy High School - Sunday March 21st, 8:00-10:00AM
Everyone is welcome, there is no registration required. Recipients will be given a large, full bag of nonperishable food items suitable for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a 5lb bag of apples. Each bag also will contain information on the Family Pantry of Cape Cod for families/individuals who might be struggling to put food on the table. Monomoy High School is located at 75 Oak Street in Harwich, MA. This will be a drive through event in the rear of the high school and managed with social distancing to ensure the safety of volunteers and families. For more information call the Family Pantry of Cape Cod at 508-432-6519 or email them at admin@thefamilypantry.com
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Available Food Resources
The Barnstable County Cooperative Extension and Department of Human Services has compiled information on programs and sites in Barnstable County where prepared meals and pre-bagged groceries and supplies are available for pick-up.
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Attention Upper Cape/Falmouth Area Behavioral Health & Human Service Providers
The Town of Falmouth Human Services Department, in partnership with the Human Services Committee, is conducting a brief survey and your input would be appreciated.
Click button below to take the survey, or take a picture of the QR code (on left) with your smart phone to be directed to the survey.
Thank you for your participation! We send our sincere appreciation for all the ways you support the residents of Falmouth - particularly during the challenges of the past year.
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Cape Cod Council of Churches is Hiring Chef/Program Director
Faith-based organization seeks 24 - 30 hr/wk professional Chef/Program Director to lead proven program that provides free nutritious meals to those experiencing food insecurity. Located in the mid-Cape area. Submit cover letter, resume and 3 reference contacts by March 19, 2021 to cccounciloffice@gmail.com.
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Vax Facts: MassSupport Hosts the Experts
This virtual town hall event features doctors and an epidemiologist from Harvard Medical School, Boston University, Boston Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The panel will discuss vaccine efficacy, safety, side effects, virus variants, and implications for an end to the pandemic.
Date: Thursday, March 11
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
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Lost Health Insurance from a Job? Know Your Options & How to Shop for Plans |
The Health Connector is currently in an extended Open Enrollment period through May 23, 2021. During this webinar, we'll explain how uninsured Massachusetts residents can apply by the March 23rd enrollment deadline for affordable health coverage that starts April 1 or May 1, 2021.
This webinar is an opportunity to review the basics about how to apply, enroll and get health insurance coverage through the Health Connector.
When: Tuesday, March 16, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom Webinar and/or Conference Call
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Calmer Choice Mindfulness Course for Resilience & Well-Being
Calmer Choice is now offering mindfulness courses and practice groups online to help the community cope with increased levels of anxiety.
Course Dates:
Tuesday, March 16th to May 4th at 5:00PM - 6:45PM
Course registration cost:
$200.00 Scholarships are available!
Please contact Calmer Choice if you are a community group who would like to partner for customized mindful awareness programs for your constituents. Questions? Email info@calmerchoice.org or call 508-398-0808.
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Dr. Gilbert Hosts: Genetics and PD with Dr. Clemens Scherzer - Wednesday, March 17, 2021 |
In the continuation of the Dr. Gilbert Hosts series, APDA’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Rebecca Gilbert will speak with special guest Dr. Clemens Scherzer for a conversation about Genetics and PD.
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 17, 2021; 12 PM
Location: At home via Zoom
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Virtual Nurturing Families in Recovery - Spring 2021
- Mondays 6:30pm-8pm
- Spring 2021 Dates to be announced
- Must attend all classes
This course is being offered on ZOOM. You will receive the link when you complete registration. Open to any parenting member of a family in recovery. Must register to attend! Application and intake required.
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New Anger Management for Teens!
New Anger Management Support Group for Teens! This is an 8-week group for teens ages 14-16 beginning March 25th. Click below for more information.
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New Courses Available!
Click below for more information.
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You Don't Need to Travel Far to Receive High-Quality Education/Training That Will Position You for Success in the Technical Trades or a Career in an Allied Health Field
Several programs prepare the student for licensure in various industries. In order to meet the needs of students, we also offer several courses online. Here at UCT you will find over 500 exciting career and enrichment courses ranging from health careers, computers, technical trades, business, legal, culinary, wellness and fun courses!
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Thrive! CIGSYA - LGBTQ and Ally Center of Cape Cod Continue Digital Meetings
The LGBTQ+ group Thrive is for folks ages 13 to 22. We have been meeting virtually every Wednesday at 4 pm for fun, support, and more! This group creates space to discuss gender, sexuality, race, and our day to day among other things. If you are interested in joining one of our events, please email kgarcia@wethrive.us or check out our Facebook, Instagram:@cigsya and Twitter: @thriveatcigsya
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Concerned about Medicare Costs? There May be Help!
Here are the newest Public Benefits figures that went into effect March 1, 2021. There were slight increases in income eligibility. Since this is a state wide document, it references MassOptions. Those calls will be diverted to the Regional SHINE Office.
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COVID-19 NOTICES / RESOURCES |
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Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Cape Cod COVID-19 Response Task Force has collected helpful wellness resources for you during COVID-19. Please check back regularly as we add to these resources.
Each month we will highlight tools to help manage this crisis and identify for you web videos, articles, discussions, and resources we have found helpful. These tools apply to those of all ages, children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and elders.
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Barnstable County COVID-19 Recovery Resources
COVID-19 can be difficult for all of us but especially for those in recovery. This might be exacerbated by people unable to attend their normal support group meetings or other recovery supports. Please click on button below to find local and nationwide resources related to substance use disorder and mental health. You can also call the MA Substance Use Helpline anytime at 800-327-5050.
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COVID 19 Survival Kit Series - Sponsored by Nami Cape Cod & The Islands
In early 2020, when COVID 19 hit hard, NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands developed an 8-part Survival Tool Kit Series, based on the research of Bruce Perry, renowned child psychiatrist and neuroscientist. The kit was developed as a guide to review, over the fall and winter months, some essential tools to help us deal with stress of the COVID 19 pandemic. These tools apply to those of all ages--children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elders. Each month highlights a new topic and provides tools to help manage this crisis and identify resources such as web videos, articles, discussions and more we have found helpful. In the month of February we are highlighting part 4 of the series which focuses on “Screen Time”. To access the tool kit click website button below. We want everyone to be safe and healthy during this pandemic.
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HUMAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES |
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HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM |
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REGIONAL NETWORK ON HOMELESSNESS |
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REGIONAL SUBSTANCE USE COUNCIL |
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SHINE-
SERVING HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS FOR EVERYONE
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SUBSTANCE USE
RESOURCE GUIDE
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NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES |
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SUBMISSION FOR NEWSLETTER |
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Submissions will only be accepted using our online submission form.
Submission buttons are located at the bottom of every newsletter and
on the homepage of our website.
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- Content Policy - Attachments must be in .PDF FORMAT ONLY please.
- We are prioritizing timely information on the ever-changing landscape of health and human services events and opportunities.
- Due to the increasing number of submissions to the newsletter, the Department reserves the right to limit the number of times a submission is published.
- Posting of articles submitted for publication in the Barnstable County Department of Human Services E-Newsletter is at the discretion of the Department. To request this newsletter in alternate formats, please call 508-375-6628.
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