2002-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Nw- Water quality was monitored as part of the sum- The Human Services Department provided clmi. - mer bathing beach sampling program. Mashpee had cal counseling to approximately 70 individuals and P two beach closings of public beaches. Semi-public families on an ongoing basis. Several counselipB beaches are also required to be tested. We are hoping groups were provided in the community, at both the to have full participation from the condominium and high school and at the senior center.Two graduate sto. residential associations in the future. dents interned in the Human Service Department and completed their master's degrees in May of 2002,The The smoking regulation was revisited as planned. students were from Lesley University and Wheelock After a public comment period and much discussion, College. d the Board of Health revised the regulation to prohibit P smoking in bars and restaurants. The effective date seta The department responded to 687 requests for s is April 1,2003. services in calendar year 2002.The variety of request for services include help with financial assistance, Three flu clinics were held for town residents by Fuel Assistance, information and referral for Im a cooperative effort between the Board of Health and resources, clinical consultation, and requests for col. the Visiting Nurses Association. We would like to laboration on community initiatives and advisq thank Christ the King Church for their continued sup- boards. port and use of their facility.The VNA vaccinated 700 s residents prior to the flu season. Several community initiatives the HUM Our goals for the upcoming year are to maintain Services coordinator helped organize included the t Upper Cape Domestic Violence Coalition Peau and improve the public health in Mashpee by updating Award and Community Peace Vigil, teen dating vio- existing regulations, providing comprehensive haz- &I lence and suicide prevention programs through the ardour material regulations and food-handler training. Violence Prevention Team at Mashpee High School, Workplace Violence Consultation with four local com- Amidst impending budget cuts, the Board of munities, Affordable Housing Conference in Mashpee Health will strive to continue protecting the health and and A Community forum on the Human Condition welfare of our residents. 2001 at Mashpee Town Hall. In conclusion, on behalf of the entire Board of Contracts with 15 human service agencies were Health, we wish to commend our entire staff for their monitored through the Human Service Department i diligence,hard work and dedication. Human Service Committee members made site visit to each of the agencies and were able to make funding Respectfully submitted, recommendations based on those site visits. The L. Glenn Santos, Chairman Human Services Committee continued to take M Steven R. Ball, Co-chairman active role in budget decisions and policy issues.Mary MaryRose Grady Scanlan,the Human Services Committee Chair and an experienced clinician,provided clinical consultation to the coordinator at no cost to the Town. Report of the The need for human services continues in the Human Services Department Town of Mashpee and the department will continue to address those needs now, and in the future. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Respectfully submitted, and the Citizens of the Town of Mashpee: Louise Patrick Calendar year 2002 was a busy one for the Director Human Services Department, as the economy contin- ued to decline, and budget cuts in human service orga- nizations increased. A poor economy inevitably has a ripple effect on social issues;unemployment,financial difficulties, increased stress leading to domestic vio- lence, substance abuse and depression. 116