2022-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Meeting with Evan Lehrer in June, 2022, to the stigma around substance use and mental health discuss updating the Human Services Portion of the we have a long way to go. I want to recognize the Town Comprehensive Plan, the original submitted in individual that calls my office and reaches out for help 1998, the Committee did revise the Human Services and support when it can be difficult to take the first portion of the plan in 2012 but it was never formally step.Anyone who contacts the Human Services office adopted. Questions were submitted by Town Planner, will receive support and guidance in a non-judgmental Evan Lehrer and he initially met with me to discuss a and caring environment. history of this Department and then with members of the Human Services Committee to receive feedback. I would like to recognize members of the Human Services Committee and thank all of the dedicated The Task Force continued to make obtaining members past and present of their Committee for their Narcan a priority, Narcan is a life-saving medication guidance and support. I want to welcome our new that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. members in 2022, Christine Willander took the place Glen Harrington,Board of Health Director was able to of Glen Harrington,Heidi McCLaughlin took the place secure a license from the state for the town to purchase of Lynne Waterman who retired, Sam Mac Donald a Narcan. More work will be done to develop a protocol Mashpee resident who works for the Latham Schools for the town on how to train and distribute the Narcan. joined us and David Weeden, Chair of the Select Board, served a short time in taking the place of John Advocacy for the Disabled continues to be an Cahalane as a voting member. important focus for this Department, As an advocate for those who are disabled, I believe it is important to I want to recognize Frank Fantasia who retired connect those in need to the services in an expeditious from the Committee in 2022,thank you for all of your manner. Residents in need of services are connected wisdom and guidance.I also want to recognize Ebony to needed supports including, Sight Loss Services, Steele who left the Committee to thank her for her CORD, (Cape Organization for the Rights of the important insight and contribution to the Committee. Disabled) and South Coastal Legal Services. CORD has developed their program to provide additional I value all of the important collaborations Within the town who work together to help residents. services to those who are disabled. St.Vincent De Paul at Christ the King Church continues with their "drive I value the collaboration with the Mashpee Schools, up" food pantry helps many residents each week. A Mashpee Senior Center, Mashpee Housing Authority newer program run by Andrea Marczely,Food Access and Mashpee Police Department. I want to thank all the members of the IT Department especially Clay Coordinator at the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, provides food delivery to the homebound Nicholson for helping me regularly update information for residents on both the Human Services webpage and Regionally,as a member of the Barnstable County on the Mashpee Substance Use Task Force webpage. Regional Substance Use Coalition and the Prevention In particular, I appreciate the support of the citizens Subcommittee. The County has always been a part at Town Meeting in recognizing the needs of the of the Mashpee Substance Use Task Force and their Department. collaboration has been significant in identifying funding for the Task Force and participating in As we look ahead, the Department will continue initiatives spearheaded by the Task Force. Conversely, to connect Mashpee residents to help in times of this Department has always supported and participated need. The Department continues to be proactive in in initiatives conducted by Barnstable County Human identifying and responding to the human services Services. needs of the community and empowering residents by ensuring accessibility to resources. For more The Human Services Department wishes to information about the services of the Human Services acknowledge the continued support shown by the Town Department and or to make an appointment please Manager,the Assistant Town Manager,the Selectman, contact Gail Wilson at 508-539-1411. the Human Services Committee, and all the Town Departments who provide services and support to the Respectfully submitted, Human Services Department.I would like to recognize all the members of the Substance Use Task Force who Gail Wilson,M.Ed.,LMHC, tirelessly devote their time to make a difference in Director, Mashpee Human Services the lives of someone struggling with Substance Use Disorder. While we have made inroads in combatting 142