spotlight

INTERNATIONAL SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY

This year, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is Saturday, November 18, 2023. International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. 

Below is a list of national and local resources to use and share during this important awareness month:

988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

If you or someone you know needs support now, please seek help!

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day: Information and Resources

In 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate, leading to the creation of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Also known as Survivor Day, the day was designated by the United States Congress as a day on which those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was determined that Survivor Day would always fall on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors.

Reporting on Suicide: Suicide is a public health issue. Media and online coverage of suicide should be informed by using best practices. Some suicide deaths may be newsworthy. However, the way media cover suicide can influence behavior negatively by contributing to contagion or positively by encouraging help-seeking.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.

Sharing Kindness provides suicide prevention, mental health education, and grief support programs on the Cape & Islands. Our goal as a nonprofit is to inspire courageous conversation – dialogue addressing these often taboo subjects – by providing education and programs for grievers and their support networks. Many who are affected by grief and suicide also struggle with mental health; we want to eliminate the stigma around getting help, so that those who need it can reach out more confidently. 

The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is a nonprofit organization that provides support to people experiencing crises. Our mission is suicide prevention: we are dedicated to helping people contemplating suicide or personally affected by suicide. Our goal is to be a caring and compassionate listener who, through interaction in a safe and anonymous environment, can rekindle people’s lost sense of hope, de-escalate a situation from a crisis level, and provide the pathway that makes day-to-day living manageable.

Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition's mission is to help give Cape Cod and Island communities the necessary information and tools to raise awareness, promote education, and increase action to reduce suicides. View and download our informational flyer HERE>>>.

aging well & healthy living

INCLUSIVE INTAKE: ASKING OLDER ADULTS SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY (SOGI) QUESTIONS

For home health providers, assisted living communities, and other organizations serving older adults, the intake process is a crucial opportunity to get to know clients, patients, and constituents. It sets the tone for the experience they will have with your facility, staff, and even their peers. But many intake forms and conversations are not designed to collect demographic information in an inclusive way that isolates assumptions and helps teams provide true person-directed care.

Learn how to include sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions in your intake interviews that incorporate acceptable language and take an intersectional approach to demographics.

ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING EXPANDS DISABILITY INFORMATION AND ACCESS LINE TO INCLUDE SELF-SERVICE FEATURES

HOLIDAY AND WINTER FIRE SAFETY

Are you truly ready for the colder weather and associated holidays? Have you prepared your residence to eliminate fire and life safety hazards to help ensure worry-free days during the cooler months ahead?

Join the FEMA Region 2 National Preparedness Division and the U.S. Fire Administration for a webinar on holiday and winter fire safety to prepare your in-home resilience. This event will include Live Captioning.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET

Who should attend? The whole community – general public, NGOs, local, state, federal government and private sector.

A NEW ERA: UNDERSTANDING LECANEMAB, DONAMEB, AND EMERGING THERAPIES FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Join us for a FREE interactive webinar with an inter-professional panel of experts to answer questions you have about the newly approved and emerging therapies for Alzheimer's disease (e.g.,Lecanemab, Donanemab)

WHEN: Monday, November 6, 2023 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM ET

behavioral health

CALMER CHOICE PRESENTS A DAY OF MINDFULNESS FOR PARENTS

Spend a day of mindfulness charging your battery and nourishing yourself at our upcoming workshop taking place at the Falmouth Public Library on Saturday, November 4th from 10 AM to 3 PM! You can register for one workshop (half day) or two (whole day).

DETAILS

Morning Workshop: Deep Listening

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Falmouth Public Library, 300 Main Street

Explore the practice of mindful listening and discuss how to employ this skill with our children to really hear what they are telling us.

Afternoon Workshop: Dealing with Strong Emotions

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Falmouth Public Library, 300 Main Street

Using mindfulness to deal with strong emotions while parenting.

Both workshops include guided mindfulness practice and simple techniques to use at home.

These workshops are offered FREE of charge thanks to a generous donation from the Woods Hole Foundation.

housing & homelessness

THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY SHARED REGIONAL HOUSING SERVICES PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IS NOW AVAILABLE!

During the October 25, 2023, meeting of the Board of Regional Commissioners, the Barnstable County Department of Human Services and Barrett Planning Group presented an overview of the Shared Regional Housing Services (SRHS) pilot program, currently funded through FY2025 with county ARPA funds. The Department sought Commissioners’ approval to engage with each town’s Administration throughout this process. These conversations would allow the project team to introduce the SRHS program to communities, solicit feedback throughout the two funded project years, and ultimately to discuss their interest in sustaining the program after June 30, 2025. The Board of Regional Commissioners approved this request and endorsed the project moving forward.

As the Department of Human Services and Barrett Planning Group begin the process of engaging local administration, they will continue to consult with the Barnstable County HOME Consortium Advisory Council, a decision-making body that determines the allocation of the County’s HOME Investment Partnership Program funds and confers on regional housing issues and strategies. Advisory Council members consist of a representative with housing expertise from each of the fifteen towns; two at-large members; and the Affordable Housing Specialist of Cape Cod Commission as ex officio member. Together, the Advisory Council bring their extensive affordable housing knowledge to the development of the SRHS program.

SHINE

ENROLLMENT 2023: WHAT'S NEW FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES?

The Inflation Reduction Act includes several provisions that will reduce out-of-pocket spending for Medicare beneficiaries:

• Caps Medicare beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket spending under the Medicare Part D benefit, first by eliminating coinsurance above the catastrophic threshold in 2024 and then by adding a $2,000 cap on spending in 2025. 
• Limits annual increases in Part D premiums for 2024 to 2030 and makes other changes to the Part D benefit design.
• Expands eligibility for full Part D Low-Income Subsidies (LIS) in 2024 to low-income beneficiaries with incomes up to 150% of poverty and modest assets and repeals the partial LIS benefit currently in place for individuals with incomes between 135% and 150% of poverty.

scams & fraud

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STOP MEDICARE FRAUD?

1. If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. Remember, Medicare will never call you unprompted and ask you for your personal information.
2. Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order (like a COVID-19 over-the-counter test), it may be fraud.
3. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Visit Medicare.gov, the official source for Medicare information, to learn more about preventing Medicare fraud.
4. Watch this video to see how you can shut down Medicare fraud and abuse.

STAY SAFE ONLINE!

The world of cyberspace has rapidly evolved since the internet’s official inception in the 1980s. And while the internet has broadened our minds and increased our access to information, the technology has also increased our exposure and vulnerability to crime— cybercrime and cyberattacks.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported that, “about 1 in 3 homes with computers are infected with malicious software,” and “65% of Americans who went online received at least one online scam offer.” With such statistics it is imperative that all internet users stay safe online and be on guard against cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks were defined as “malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system.” These attacks are created to negatively impact individuals, organizations and communities as they cause financial loss, and the theft of personal and medical information. They can affect a person’s reputation and/or safety. It is therefore necessary to protect yourself and loved ones before, during and after an attack. Some of the ways to protect yourself are as follows:

• Do not share PINs or passwords.
• Be alert for emails and social media users who ask for private information.
• Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.

FRAUD ALERT: SCAM CALLS TARGETING OLDER ADULTS

The Administration for Community Living's Eldercare Locator and Disability Information & Access Line (DIAL) are trusted resources that help connect older adults and people with disabilities with resources in their community. In recent days, Eldercare Locator has noted a significant increase in people reporting they have been targeted by scam phone calls. This includes reports of:

• Callers claiming to be from “Eldercare,” “Eldercare Locator,” “Social Security,” or “Medicare.”
• Callers asking for personal information such as someone's Social Security number, banking information, or Medicare number — or demanding payment, threatening jail time, or fines.
• Harassment, including repeat calls from the same number.

upcoming community events

SAVE THE DATE: TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance Committee invites you to Join us on November 19th to remember the victims of anti-trans violence.

DETAILS

WHERE: Unitarian Church of Barnstable, 3330 Main Street, Barnstable, MA

WHEN: Sunday, November 19th, 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Light snacks will be served starting at 2:00 PM.

JOIN US FOR THE DOCUMENTARY "INTENTIONALLY ERASED"

“Intentionally Erased” is a documentary from the educational organization ‘A Call to Men’ that spotlights four Black trans women in conversation with Black cisgender men. What follows is a series of honest, heart-wrenching interactions that uplift the experiences, challenges, and humanity of Black trans women in the United States.

Following the screening, a Q&A session will take place facilitated by Justice Williams.

DETAILS

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023

TIME: 6:30pm

WHERE: 529 Main St, Hyannis

COST: FREE

RSVP: chrism@indhouse.net

FREE EVENT! FAMILY PLAY DAY - KITCHEN PLAY

Join us at the Cape Cod Toy Library for Family Play Day, featuring Creation Station: Kitchen Creation Play” with Mary Wilson and Chef Pepe’ Puppet, Saturday, November 18th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Come have some fun with indoor kitchen play & learning! We will be mixing, measuring, and decorating with a variety of materials and tools. We will use our imaginations and make pretend culinary concoctions at our pretend restaurant with play dough, natural objects, and more! 

The Toy Library is located at 1663 Main Street (6A) in West Barnstable.

Questions? Email info@capecodtoylibrary.org or visit www.capecodtoylibrary.org.

FREE EVENT! FAMILY PLAY DAY FOR FOSTER, ADOPTIVE & RELATIVE CAREGIVER FAMILIES

Join us for family playtime fun at the Community Play Space on Saturday, November 18th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This event is geared towards foster, adoptive and relative caregiver families.

There will be play materials and play areas appropriate for families with infants to age 12. The Toy Lending Library will also be open to families during this FREE event.

Registration is appreciated, but not required. Drop-in families are welcome.

Questions? Email info@capecodtoylibrary.org or visit www.capecodtoylibrary.org.

VETERAN'S TOWN HALL

"Return the experience of war to our entire nation rather than just leaving it to those who fought" - Sebastian Junger

Join us for a ceremony honoring our Veterans on the Hyannis Village Green from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM on Saturday, November 11, 2023. The event will be immediately followed by the Veteran's Town Hall at 10:30 AM inside Barnstable Town Hall at 367 Main Street in Hyannis. Guess speakers include US Army Ranger & Barnstable Town Councilor, Paul Cusack.

For more information and to RSVP contact Barbara-Anne Foley at bafoley@capeveterans.com.

employment opportunities

JOB OPENINGS FOR YOUTH HOMELESS DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

Homeless Prevention Council is pleased to announce that we are hiring for 3 Youth Homeless Demonstration Project positions, which include 2 full-time Youth Outreach Workers and 1 full-time Host Homes Case Manager. We would greatly appreciate it if you could share these opportunities with anyone who may be interested, and/or any partner agencies who serve youth.

The Youth Outreach Workers will conduct intake assessments, determine eligibility for various programs, and link youth with community-based housing and service resources, to help ensure they exit homelessness as rapidly as possible. These workers will also be present in schools and other outreach locations where young people are present to educate about homelessness and provide information about available resources available.

The Host Homes Program Case Manager will link unaccompanied youth and young adults with community-based host homes, develop individualized case plans, and provide comprehensive case management services in conjunction with community partners.

food & community resources

CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE FALL 2023

FOOD SECURITY FAIR

Do you need assistance accessing nutritious food to feed your family?

Come to our Open House, which will feature cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, and information from service providers from all over Cape Cod. CapeAbilities Farm will be distributing bags of food and Family Table Collaborative will supply spice packets and recipe cards so that you can prepare a recipe at home.

Tufts Health Plan has generously provided a sponsorship for this program, which will bring together all the amazing resources for food and nutrition assistance available to you on Cape Cod, all in one place. There is no cost to attend. We hope to see you there. Please email info@familytablecollaborative.org for more information or if you have any questions.

DETAILS

WHERE: Family Table Collaborative, 1338 Route 28 in South Yarmouth

WHEN: Sunday, November 12

WHAT TIME: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Service Directory Opportunity

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services’ Network of Care 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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