Wishing Everyone a Happy & Healthy New Year!
Edition 287 | January 14, 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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Student Loan Forgiveness Programs State and Federal Options |
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Season of Change - Coping During Covid -
A Virtual Town Hall Event -
February 24, 2021 6:00pm-7:30pm
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The Cape Cod COVID-19 Response Task Force and MassSupport Network are partnering for an online Town Hall event looking at the available programs and services available to people living on Cape Cod and the Islands. Season of Change, Coping During COVID will feature presentations on coping and self-care practices. The Town Hall will also allow attendees to ask questions of numerous Cape and Island service and assistance providers.
Discussion during the Town Hall will focus on specific issues facing the
Cape and Islands, including isolation and the impact of seasonal work.
What: Season of Change – Coping During COVID
When: Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Who: A panel of licensed behavioral health providers & local service and support providers.
Where: Zoom Webinar & Facebook Live Broadcast
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Vaccination Rollout Update: Vaccinations for first responders, the third priority group within Phase 1 of the Commonwealth’s vaccine distribution timeline, will begin next week. Details and more info on next tiers and phases at HERE.
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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.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: Watch this video with Dr. Bruce Perry: “Patterns of Stress and Resilience: Neurosequential Network Stress and Trauma Series”
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It's Health Connector Open Enrollment Time - Community Actions Committee of Cape Cod & Islands Has Phone Appointments Available |
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If You are Having Trouble Paying
Your Rent or Mortgage Because of Covid
There’s a lot of confusion about the federal eviction moratorium that’s now in place and what’s expected of tenants. What we know right now, is that for tenants to qualify for protection under the federal government’s moratorium, a tenant must apply for all available financial assistance and complete a declaration notice. Both the financial assistance application form and the federal declaration form are available online at www.haconcapecod.org
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Supporting Your Mental Health While Navigating Change
If you are struggling, you’re not alone and there is help available now:
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An Online Survey to Assess the Needs of Women in Our Region
The mission of CCICSW is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women across Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The Commission stands for fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the full enjoyment of life for all women throughout their lives. The purpose of CCICSW is to advance women toward full equity in all areas of life and promote rights and opportunities for all women.
This survey is a way for CCICSW to hear from women to better understand the needs and concerns of women and families in our region, especially during this time of COVID19 and the movement for racial and social equality. All information collected is anonymous and is used to help CCICSW prioritize our regional legislative advocacy.
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Announcement of FEMA Funding
BARNSTABLE County has received notice from the federal government's Emergency Food and Shelter Program that funds will be available from Phase 38. $134,868 in funding will be distributed among agencies in this county that provide emergency food and shelter to low-income households within the County.
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Two NEW COVID-19 Testing Sites Open for Appointments on Cape Cod |
Appointments for safe and more affordable COVID-19 testing services are now available at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis and the Barnstable County Fairgrounds in Falmouth. An announcement about testing sites on the Lower and Outer Cape is forthcoming; these sites will be made available in partnership with Outer Cape Health Services.
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Testing will be by appointment only. Anyone who arrives without an appointment will be turned away. To book an appointment, call the Community Testing Line at (508) 534-7103.
- Tests for asymptomatic individuals are available for $75, and are offered for free to individuals who confirm their inability to pay when they call to book an appointment. Tests are $110 for those traveling from outside of Massachusetts and receiving this test to comply with state requirements upon return. Insurance will be accepted for symptomatic individuals with a doctor’s order.
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Available Food Resources - Plus 2021 HIP & SNAP Fall & Winter Farmers' Markets & Farms
One place for all your food needs. Information available in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Click below.
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Community Health Center of Cape Cod Offering Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing
Falmouth – Community Health Center of Cape Cod continues to help individuals on the Cape, Islands and beyond by offering asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for anyone in the community.
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Parent Education & Support Opportunities in January
This free, monthly Cape and Islands-wide listing of workshops, meetings, groups and related programs for parents, grandparents, guardians, and primary caregivers of children has been compiled and distributed free for over twelve years.
All meetings, workshops, etc. are free to participants unless otherwise noted.
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Did You Know? Everyone is Welcome During the Pandemic
Everyone is welcome at the Family Pantry during the Pandemic. No documentation is required during the Pandemic. If you, or someone you know, need help with food the process is very simple.
- Visit the Pantry during our open hours and let the volunteer who greets you know that you are new to the Pantry.
- You will be asked to fill out a very short registration form (name, address, email, phone, and number of people in your family).
- You can return to the Pantry every 14 days.
- If transportation is a concern someone can pick up your food for you after you have registered in person.
We encourage you to visit the Pantry. Click on button below for more information.
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Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Officially Come Together
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan announced their organizations have formally combined, effective January 1, 2021, having received all regulatory approvals. The newly combined nonprofit organization will become one of the region’s largest health services organizations, providing high-quality health coverage in every segment of the market.
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Housing First and Supportive Services Reduce Total Health Care Utilization and Costs of Chronically Homeless Individuals Study
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation released a research report today that confirms the effectiveness of supportive housing programs for chronically homeless individuals. The study examined Housing First programs administered by MHSA and analyzed MassHealth claims data of program participants.
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MassSupport Network Provides Free Community Outreach and Support Services to Youth and Adults Statewide
Given all the changes, uncertainty, and loss associated with COVID-19, we know that we as a community are concerned about our children, families and loved ones, and we would like to offer some assistance. MassSupport Network provides free community outreach and support services to youth and adults statewide. Our “Crisis Counseling Program” is a partnership between the MA Department of Health and Riverside Trauma Center and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
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VOLUNTEER / EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES |
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Three Amazing Volunteer Opportunities to Make a Difference
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Main Pantry - Stocking Thursdays 11:30-2:30 PM
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Donation Center - Receiving and sorting Wednesdays and Fridays
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Front Office - Proficient in Word and database entry, Wednesdays and Thursday afternoons
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WE CAN is HIRING!
We are looking for our first ever, Participant Engagement Coordinator. This is a full time position working directly with women who participate in any of WE CAN's many programs and services.
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APDA Virtual Press Program
Saturdays, January 23 - March 13, 2021
APDA PRESS (Parkinson’s Roadmap for Support Services) is a program developed by the Information and Referral Center and designed for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease five or fewer years before the beginning of the program. This 8-week support group is led by Sarah Singer, LICSW and provides information and support for participants.
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BHI Annual Meeting on Zoom
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Behavioral Health Innovators, Inc. on January 25, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm where we will celebrate our accomplishments, honor volunteers and community partners, and share our plans for the future.
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Before you begin registration, you will need:
- Federal Employer Identification Number
- Valid Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue
- Business contact at your organization
- Basic information about your company and your company’s workforce, including the total number of full-time and part-time employees employed in Massachusetts.
Please note: Registration approval can up to two weeks, so the sooner you register, the sooner you can enroll!
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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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Free Community Engagement Division Webinars
- Tuesday, Jan 19th at 10:30 AM - Assistance to Immigrants
- Thursday, Jan 21st at 2:00 PM - Landlord/Tenant's Rights (Spanish)
- Monday, Jan 25th at 10:30 AM - Working Teens Rights
- Thursday, January 28th at 2:00 PM - Civil Rights/ Hate Crime
Please know that the Attorney General’s Office is here to help in whatever way we can. If you or someone you know is having their rights violated and would be interested in learning more please call us at 617-727-8400.
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Applicants Being Accepted for Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Virtual Workshop with 6 Months of Weekly Consultation - CPT WORKSHOP II Begins 1-26-21
Home Base will be offering FREE Cognitive
Processing Therapy (CPT) training
opportunities for licensed mental health
clinicians in Massachusetts.
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Always Here to Help You!
Now that you are a few months into 2021, let’s think about your 2021 Medicare health and prescription plans.
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Be Aware of These COVID-19 Scams
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2021 News from the Social Security Administration |
Please note the SSA is available for virtual seminars or meetings for your clients and organizations. |
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Transgender Social Support Group |
Group is open to trans, non-binary, questioning, or other gender diverse identified people ages 18+. You do not need to be a Fenway Health patient to join, and the group is free to attend.
Group via Zoom (5:30-7:00 pm) meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Contact Ann at aburke@fenwayhealth.org
for more information and Zoom link.
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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: https://www.facebook.com/WeThriveLGBTQCenterCapeCod
Instagram: @cigsya & Twitter: @thriveatcigsya
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COVID-19 NOTICES / RESOURCES |
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This multipart video series from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston delves into the compounding negative health impacts of COVID-19 and systemic racism on Black communities. Through compelling interviews conducted with Black leaders in the greater Boston area, this series highlights how these two pandemics have interacted and caused harm this year. You can watch the series here.
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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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Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment: COVID-19 Updates |
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Provincetown COVID-19 Resource Guide Available Online |
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The Eight Part COVID Survival Kit Ways to Make Your Life Predictable, Moderate, and Controllable (COVID PMC)
In an April 01 2020 edition of Psychology Today Veronika Tait PhD interviewed Bruce Perry MD and together they shared a COVID 19 Pandemic Toolkit for Parents. Although this tool kit is designated for parents and is focused on children we will use this Tool Kit as a guide to review over the fall and winter months to some essential tools to help us deal with stress of COVID 19 pandemic. These tools apply to those of all ages, children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and elders.
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.
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Providing Support for Wellfleet Residents During The Pandemic |
The Wellfleet Well Line (508-514-1633) is officially up and running. As a group of health care professionals, each with lifelong and varied careers, we came together to provide emotional support to the Wellfleet community during this trying time.
We welcome the opportunity to help in any way, which includes the dissemination of updated health and safety information to the community. Having accurate information, gives us the ability to make informed decisions, it relieves anxiety and engenders trust in those in charge.
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COVID-19 Test Site Locator |
CLICK GRAPHIC TO ENTER TEST SITE
This map provides an easy way to locate a COVID-19 test site near you. All of those experiencing symptoms or those who have been in close contact recently with a COVID positive individual should seek testing.
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HUMAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES |
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HUMAN SERVICES PUBLICATIONS-DATA |
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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER |
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NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS / GUIDELINES |
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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.
Please submit your news by clicking image on left.
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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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