PROMOTING HEALTH

Every individual should have the resources to become strong and resilient.

2019-2020 Partners

Strategy 1:

Promote healthy aging

What this means:

We are taking a holistic approach to address the physical, nutritional, and mental health of residents who want to age in place on the Cape and Islands.

Desired Community Outcomes

Increased food access and nutritional wellness
Increased participation and access to physical wellness classes
Increased aging in place supports
Decreased social isolation
Increased access to mental health services
Increased staff trained in best practices/evidence-based programming

Strategy 2:

Support prevention and recovery services

What this means:

We support early opportunities that can prevent later substance/alcohol use in youth and young adults. We also encourage recovery support services that encourage long-term sobriety and stop the cycle of addiction.

Desired Community Outcomes

Increased awareness of alcohol and substance use and misuse
Reduced risky behaviors in youth and young adults
Increased awareness of substance use prevention
Increased access to pain management
Greater access to mental health supports for young people
Increased staff trained in best practices/evidence-based programming

On Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, residents ages 65 and over collectively make up 21% of the region’s population.

American Community Survey, 2017

22.2% of Massachusetts' budget goes towards substance use. Only 1¢ of every dollar pays for prevention and treatment; the other 99¢ pays for the consequences.

Center on Addiction, 2018

1 in 7 local residents struggle with addiction. Rates of teen substance use for alcohol and heroin exceed the state average.

Community Health Needs Assessment Report and Implementation Plan, 2014-2016

Alcohol consumption remains prevalent throughout Massachusetts; binge drinking is higher than the average rate for individuals 18 - 64.