2019-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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substance use. The Mashpee Schools continue to provide refreshments for the night and Cape Cod Coffee is the official coffee sponsor for the night. Thank you to Gus Stickley with Mashpee Schools and Jan Aggerbeck with Cape Cod Coffee for their continuous support. The Task Force continued to make obtaining Narcan a priority, Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Glen Harrington, Board of Health Director was able to secure a license from the state for the town to purchase Narcan. More work will be done to develop and formalize a voucher program to make Narcan more available to residents. Towards the end of 2019, I wrote a grant on behalf of the Substance Use Task Force for two new initiatives. The First is the Clay Soper Story, "If They Had Known" a 35 minute documentary about a young man in the fall of 2015, a young man who had not had a history of substance use mixed a prescription drug with alcohol and it was fatal, he lost his life. His family made a documentary to educate parents and kids about the dangers of mixing prescription drugs with alcohol. Many students are prescribed ADHD medication and antidepressants but the message about adding alcohol is often lost. The goal is to show this film to middle and high school students to educate them about this danger. The second new initiative is Reading towards Recovery, to be able to purchase books for children and teens about substance use disorder and bring an author to speak about one of these books. Mental Health -There was an increase in call this year particularly around individuals who found themselves on long waiting lists for counseling and an absence of psychiatrists, in particular, child psychiatrists. Homelessness -Housing continues to be at a crisis level on Cape Cod. Individuals struggling financially had a difficult time with paying the rent or mortgage. St. Vincent De Paul was wonderful in assisting residents who were struggling financially. Also, Liz Belcher with the Housing Assistance Corporation presented to the Human Services Committee about the various housing programs that they offer. Starting in July, 2019 I have become the Town Liaison with the Mashpee Housing Authority, Housing Assistance Program. Advocacy for the Disabled -Continues to be an important part of this Department, as an advocate for those who are disabled it important to be able to connect those in need to the services. Residents in need of services are connected to Sight Loss Services and CORD, Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled. Supporting Regional Initiatives -As a member of the Barnstable County Regional Substance Use Coalition and the Prevention Subcommittee, this Department participates in and supports the County My Choice Matters" campaign. All the town coalitions will begin to regularly promote Drug Take Back Day, with the slogan, "Every Day is Take Back Day." Also, coalitions would support the Sticker Shock Campaign which remind parents not to purchase alcohol for minors. As the Town Representative to the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission for eleven years, in May, the Commission was changed to the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Board and the town representatives' position were eliminated. I am grateful to be one of the longest serving members on this Commission. In May, 2019, 1 was honored to accept the Distinguished Service Award from the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce for recognizing my work in the field of Human Services and with the Substance Use Task Force. My work here wouldn't be possible without the collaboration of others. The Human Services Department wishes to acknowledge the continued support shown by the Town Manager, the Assistant Town Manager, the Selectman, the Human Services Committee, and all the Town Departments who provide services and support to the Human Services Department. I would like to recognize all the members of the Substance Use Task Force who tirelessly devote their time to make a difference in the lives of someone struggling with substance use disorder. It may be an Article that is found that is posted on the webpage or setting up the tables for Drop -In Night it all matters. While we have made inroads in combatting the stigma around substance use and mental health we have a long way to go. I want to recognize those who call or go to Drop -In Night seeking information and are not afraid to ask for help. 141