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December,2018,the Surgeon General issued an advi- follow up to our forum in December,2017. sory describing the use of e-cigarettes by youth as an epidemic. "In 2018,more than 3.6 million U.S.youth, As the Town Representative to the Barnstable including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 mid- County Human Rights Commission, the Department dle school students currently use e-cigarettes." values the original mission and goals and supports the Human Rights Breakfast and Human Rights The Bourne Substance Free Coalition replicated Academy. The Department is one of the longest serv- the business forum the Task Force did in December, ing town representatives, serving since 2008. 2017 and held, Let's Connect: Business Forum in October, 2018 to attract more local business and pro- The Human Services Department wishes to vide resources. We worked with Elizabeth Griffen, acknowledge the continued support shown by the Chair of the Bourne Coalition and Mary Oliva to assist Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, the Board them in making this a success. of Selectman,the Human Services Committee and all of the Town Departments who identify those residents The Mashpee Substance Use Task Force in need of services and refer them to this Department. together with the Mashpee Schools sponsored Drug Story Theater: The Price you pay second changes in I want to especially thank the wonderful mem- August, 2017 put on by teens in the early stages of bers of the Human Services Committee, John recovery from drugs and alcohol. Cahalane, Chair,Lynne Waterman,Veronica Warden, Frank Fantasia, Mary Bradbury, Lynne Barbee and The Department recognizes that Homelessness Ebony Steele. A special thank you to Lynne Barbee continues to be at a crisis level. This department con- who takes every opportunity to post Flyers about tinues to see individuals struggling to find housing or Drop-In Night and to Judy Daigneault our board sec- keep up with current mortgage or rent payments. retary. Collaboration with the Mashpee Housing Authority, the Housing Assistance Corporation, Duffy and St. I value the collaboration with the Mashpee Vincent DePaul all are crucial in accessing vital sup- Schools, the Mashpee Police Department, the port services. Mashpee Senior Center; the Mashpee Chamber; The Boys and Girls Club of Cape Cod and a special thank The Department continues to advocate for those you to Corinne Wickel and Parents Supporting who are disabled to connect them to crucial support Parents. In particular I appreciate the support of the services. The Department is now a member of the citizens at Town Meeting in recognizing the needs of newly reorganized Mashpee Committee on Inclusion the Department. and Diversity, formerly the Affirmative Action Committee. As I look ahead,this Department will continue to be proactive in identifying and responding to human As the Upper Cape representative to the Health services needs in the town. This Department connects & Human Services Advisory Council. The work is to residents to vital support services and sometimes these identify concerning trends or needs on the Upper can be lifesaving. With advocacy and support, resi- Cape. This Department supports the County's goals dents are empowered to access a full continuum of for the coming year especially in regards to the work local resources.Through leadership and collaboration on Healthy Aging Cape Cod and increasing supports we will continue to provide programs that create last- for our seniors. ing change. As the Town representative to the Barnstable For more information about the Human Services County Regional Substance Use Council. The town Department or to make an appointment please contact supports all regional efforts to combat the opioid cri- Gail Wilson at 508-539-1411. sis.As a member of the Prevention Subcommittee,the work focused on educating school age kids about the Respectfully submitted, dangers of Vaping and the legalization of marijuana. Gail Wilson,M.Ed,LMHC As a town we support the My Choice Matters Campaigns and the County Toolkit for Employers as a 131