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