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
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Increased food access and nutritional wellness
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Increased participation and access to physical wellness classes
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Increased aging in place supports
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Decreased social isolation
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Increased access to mental health services
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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
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Increased awareness of alcohol and substance use and misuse
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Reduced risky behaviors in youth and young adults
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Increased awareness of substance use prevention
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Increased access to pain management
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Greater access to mental health supports for young people
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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.