Support Groups :: Education :: Clinics/Screenings :: Special Events :: Late News

 

 (Updated January 1, 2009)

Support Groups

(Abbreviations: CCHC, Cape Cod Healthcare; CCH, Cape Cod Hospital; FH, Falmouth Hospital; RHCI, Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands; COA, Council On Aging; VNA, Visiting Nurse Association; CCCC, Cape Cod Community College)

CAPEWIDE

ADD-Adult Support, 508-760-3808

Adoption Connection, 7 p.m., CCH, 508-896-7332

Adult ADD Treatment Groups, 508-790-1333

AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, HIV Antibody Testing, 1-800-698-6247 (new oral swab/needle testing available); Needle Exchange Program Information, 508-430-7382 or 1-800-905-1170; both services free and anonymous. For more information, visit www.asgcc.org

Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, 712 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601, 508-775-5656 for information

Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Groups:

Buzzards Bay: Cape Cod Nursing & Rehab Center, 3rd Tuesday month, 6:30-8 p.m., 508-759-5752; Centerville: Cape Regency Rehab & Nursing Center (Radius) 3rd Friday, 3 p.m., 508-778-1835; Harbor Point at Centerville, 1st Thursday, 10 a.m., 508-778-2311 (part of educational series); Dennis: Dennis COA, 1st & 3rd  Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m., 508-385-8414; Eagle Pond Rehab & Living Center, 2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., 508-385-6034; Falmouth: Falmouth Jewish Congregation, 4th Thursday, 3:30 p.m., 508-778-5589 (open to all faiths); Harborside Healthcare, (call for schedule) 508-457-9000; JML Care Center, last Thursday, 10 a.m., 508-457-4621; Royal Nursing Center, 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m., 508-548-3800; Harwich: Harwich COA, 3rd Thursday, 10 a.m., 508-430-7550; Mashpee: Christ the King Parish, 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m., 508-477-7700; New Seabury: The Brain Center, 1st Sunday, 508-477-5300 (call to confirm date & time); Orleans: Orleans COA, 4th Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 508-255-6333; Sandwich: Cape Heritage Nursing & Rehab Center, 3rd Thursday, 3 p.m., 508-888-8222; Wareham: The Tremont, 2nd Tuesday, 2 p.m., 508-295-1040;.

General Caregiver Support Groups (including Alzheimer’s Caregivers):

Brewster: Angel Care Support Group, Brewster COA, 3rd Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 508-896-2737; Eastham: Eastham COA, alternate Mondays, 10 a.m., 508-240-2327 (call to confirm date & time); Hyannis: Barnstable COA, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., 508-862-4750 or 508-394-4630, extension 181; Provincetown: Provincetown COA, alternate Mondays, 2:30 p.m., 508-487-7080; Wellfleet: Wellfleet COA, alternate Tuesdays, 10 a.m., 508-349-4630, extension 151 to register.

Early Stage Support Groups (call 508-775-5656 to schedule required interview, individual listed numbers for schedules):

Bourne: Bourne Memorial Building/Senior Center, 508-759-0653; Hyannis: Alzheimer’s Services offices, 508-775-5656; Orleans: Orleans COA, 508-775-5656.

Youth Support Group, The Forget-Me-Nots, 508-888-8601

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), sponsored by Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3rd Wednesday month, 2-4 p.m., Heritage at Falmouth, 508-398-0376 or 508-563-2373

Aphasia Support Group, RHCI, Sandwich, first Tuesday month, 10-11:30 a.m., 508-833-4268

Aneurysm & Mild Brain Injury, third Saturday month, 2-4 p.m., RHCI Sandwich, 508-833-4241

Arthritis Support Groups, 3rd Thursday month, 1 p.m. Call Brewster COA, 508-896-2737; 2nd Friday month, 10-11:30 a.m., Carol Jacobson Senior Center, Mashpee, 508-539-1440. (Call 508-255-6333 if interested in joining similar group at Orleans COA.)

Arthritis & Total Joint Replacement Support Group, 3rd Wednesday month, 10 a.m., Falmouth Hospital, 508-457-4900 or www.drdimond.com for details

Asthma Support Group, 2nd Tuesday month, CCH, 7-10 p.m. Dr. Paul Sklarew, 508-771-6808

Bereaved Parents Support Group, Mondays, 1-2:30 p.m., VNA office in Falmouth, 1-800-978-0838

Bereavement Support (for those widowed two years or less), sponsored by Widowed Persons Service of Cape Cod Inc., "Finding support After the Death of a Loved One," Chatham Ecumenical Health & Wellness Committee; 8 weekly sessions, 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, Chatham; for information & to register call Kathy Budreski, 508-945-0429; Three new 10-session bereavement support groups for parents, adolescents and adults facing the loss of a parent have been established by VNA of Cape Cod Hospice Program, call 1-800-978-0838 for details; “The Circle,” VNA Hospice support group for children 5-13 and the parent/adult, 508-957-7716

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, Southeastern Region: Brilliant Buzzards Support Group, 3rd Friday month, Buzzards Bay Community Center, 6-7:30 p.m., 508-759-2049. (New office in Jordan Professional Plaza, Cranberry Highway, East Wareham

Breastfeeding Support Group, 1st & 3rd Friday month, call WIC at 508-771-7896 or 1 (800) 942-2445

Breastfeeding Moms support group, Tuesdays 10 a.m.-noon, Center for Breastfeeding, 327 Quaker Meeting House Road, Sandwich, 1- 888-890-2229 or 508-888-7794 for information

Cancer support group: “Polly’s Place,” for caregivers, the newly diagnosed and survivors, First Lutheran Church, W. Barnstable, 1st & 3rd Thursdays month, 6 p.m., Karen R.,508-775-1412 for information
Cancer Talk Support and Survival Group for Women, Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., VNA, S. Dennis, 508-432-1452, 508-385-6302

Cape Cod AWAKE: Sleep Apnea Awareness Support Group, meetings at Yarmouth Senior Center, 508-760-1978 for more information

Cape Cod Post-Polio Association, meets monthly, for polio survivors and their families, 508-362-5547

Caregivers Support, call VNA, 508-240-1100 or 1 (800) 696-0303

Caregivers' Support Group, 2nd & 4th Friday month, 1 p.m., Orleans Methodist Church, call 508-896-9382

Caregivers of Older Adults, 7-8 30 p.m., JML Center, Falmouth, 508-457-4621 or 508-548-2669

Cape Resources for Accessing State Health Insurance (adults & children) CAPEWIDE-1 (877) CAPECOD (227-3263); Upper Cape-VNA of Cape Cod 508-457-6194 or 1 (800) 696-4047, ext. 194; Mid Cape-Community Action Committee of Cape Cod and Islands Inc., 508-771-1727 or 1 (800) 845-1999; Lower Cape-Healthy Connections, 508-255-1903

"Clown Around Town," free story telling for children in hospitals, 508-259-3006 or www.clownaroundtown.net

COPD Support Group, 2nd Wednesday month, 2-4 p.m., Orleans COA

Chronic Pain Support and exercise group (Moving On), Mondays, 10:30-noon, COA, Orleans, 508-255-6333, $5 per session

Dare to Be Alive Foundation Inc., dedicated to organ transplants (recipients, families, actual and potential donors), 3rd Tuesday month, 7-9 p.m., Cape Cod Hospital, 508-398-1260 or www.daretobealive.org

Cape Cod Healthcare Diabetes Support Group Meetings-Hyannis, 2nd Friday month, 2-3 p.m., 51 Bay View Street (September through July); Harwich-1st Tuesday month (September through June), 4:30-5:30 p.m., Harwich Community Center; Falmouth/ Mashpee-4th Monday month, 3-4 p.m., Mashpee Senior Center; 508-299-88194

Epilepsy Support Group, 2nd Monday month, 5:30-7 p.m., Cape Cod Independent Living Center, 1-888-576-9996

Faith-Based Cancer Support Group (open to all faiths), St. Elizabeth Seton Church, N. Falmouth, 508-563-7770

Families of Adults Afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome, 1st Tuesday month, 7 p.m., First Lutheran Church, W. Barnstable, 508-775-1412, faaas@faaas.org or www.faaas.org

Food Addicts in Recovery/FA Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Woods Hole Library, 508-540-4421; Saturdays, 8 30-10 a.m., FH Faxon Center, 508-457-5159

FOCUS, 3rd Wednesday month, 4:30-6 p.m., VNA, Rt. 134, S. Dennis, 508-394-2230 or 1-800-631-3900, ext. 274

Fibromyalgia Support Group, 4th Thursday month, 7-8:30 p.m., RHCI, 508-771-4141

Haven for Healing, Fridays, FH, 508-564-6133

HAND, Helping After Neonatal Death, support group for parents suffering a pregnancy loss, 508-420-0762

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other Parents Endure loss of baby), 2nd Wednesday month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., FH, 508-477-7305 or 508-457-4621

Huntington’s disease Cape Cod Family Support Group, 2nd Wednesday month, 6:30-8 p.m., Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, Hyannis, before attending first group or for more information call Susan Fencer-Cote, 508-957-0310, Ext. 246

Let's Face It, for people with facial disfigurement. Call VNA, 508-394-2230

Living Each Day, Cancer Support Group for persons with cancer and those closest to them, 2nd Tuesday month, 10-11:30 a.m., Mashpee Health Center Board Room; 4th Tuesday month, 9-11 a.m. (508-862-5302), CCH. For more information or to register, 508-539-6215.

 Manic Depressive Support Group, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Monday, 7-9 p.m., CCH. Call 508-775-3817

Medicare Counseling by appointment, Orleans Senior Center, Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 508-255-6333

Mended Hearts, Inc., CCH, third Thursday month, 4-5:30 p.m.

Mild Brain Injury Support Group, 2nd Saturday month, 2-4 p.m., RHCI, Sandwich, 508-833-4241

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), 1st Tuesday month, 508-362-9657 for details (Meetings are fragrance-free and held in conjunction with the Massachusetts Association for the Chemically Injured.)

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 3rd Sunday month, 2-4 p.m., RHCI, Sandwich, 508-945-2236

NAMI Cape Cod Support Groups (508-778-4277 for details, including Family-to-Family program): For friends and family of people with mental illness: first Wednesday month, Christ the King Parish Center, Mashpee, 7-9 p.m., 508-778-0650; first Thursday, First Congregation Church, Chatham, 7-9 p.m.; last Friday, Housing Assistance Corporation, Hyannis, 508-778-0650. For people with psychiatric disabilities: first & third Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., 1100 Route 134, Dennis (Lewis Gordon Office Facility), 508-385-5078; last Saturday, Federated Church Orleans, 10-11:30 a.m., 508-255-8521 or 508-240-7163

New Parents Group. Call VNA of Cape Cod, 508-394-2230

Nursing Mother's Support Group, sponsored by FH and Cape Cod WIC, alternate Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m., & alternate Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m., at Women's Health Resource Center, FH; pregnant women welcome; 508-771-7896 or 1 (800) 942-2445 for details

Nu-Voice Club of Cape Cod, 2nd Thursday month, 10:30 a.m., Yarmouth Senior Center, 508-771-6902

Ostomy Association of Cape Cod, 508-394-7385 or 508-255-7329

Overeaters Anonymous, 8 meetings on Cape Cod, 508-428-9848 for information

Parents in Touch, 2nd Friday month, 7 p.m., Life Services Rehabilitation Clinic, Rte. 134, S. Dennis. 508-420-0771 or 508-362-1302

Parents in Touch, 2nd Friday month, 7 p.m., Life Services Rehabilitation Clinic, Rte. 134, S. Dennis. 508-420-0771 or 508-362-1302

Parents of Children with Severe Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties, 7 p.m. Call 508-775-1999

Parents of Diabetic Children, 2nd Wednesday month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sandwich Library; call 508-477-8542 or 508-888-7054

Parents of Murdered Children (P.O.M.C.), for information, 508-540-0383 or 508-362-4014

Parkinson's support, 2nd Monday month (except holidays, then 3rd Monday), 1:30 p.m., 508-240-0276; Care Partners Group, 508-896-9382, Dennis Senior Center

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group, for information, 508-255-3468 or 508-896-7251

Pregnant and Parenting Young Women, 1st & 3rd Thursday month, 7-8 p.m. Call 508-771-1102

Prostate Cancer Support Group for Cape Cod, fourth Tuesday month, 9-11 a.m., (508-862-5302); CCH

REBUILDING: 10-week support group for those ending long-term relationships, 90-minute weekly evening sessions, small groups, $150, 508-771-2872

RESOLVE a support group for people experiencing infertility. 508-564-6684

Safe Place, for family and friends of suicides, sponsored by The Samaritans, 1st & 3rd Thursday month, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Falmouth Chamber of Commerce; 508-548-8900 or 1 (800) 893-9900

Stop Smoking Program, free, CCH & RHCI, call 508-457-3627 for both sites

Straight Spouse Support Group, sponsored by PFLAG, Yarmouthport, 3rd Thursday month, 7 p.m., 958 Long Pond Road, Brewster, call 508-432-8119 or 508-896-9060

Stroke Peer Home Visitation Program, contact RHCI @ 508-833-4043

Stroke Support Group, sponsored by the VNA of Cape Cod, for stroke survivors and families, 3rd Thursday month, 1-2:30 p.m., Dennis Senior Center, 1-877-267-7700

Stroke Support Group, 2nd Monday month, 1:30-3:30 p.m., RHCI, 508-833-4008; Stroke Survivors Support Group, 2nd Wednesday month, RHCI, 508-833-4267

Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Assault or Abuse, Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., Provincetown, 508-487-6333 for information

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., CCH, 508-362-8856; Tuesdays, Yarmouthport Fire Station, 5:30-6:20 p.m., 508-760-2641

Tourette Support Group, meets monthly at CCH, call 508-420-1812 for day and time

Violence Prevention Network, 3rd Wednesday month, CCH, 9-11 a.m., 508-771-1800, ext. 2667

Well-Spouse Support Group, 3rd Tuesday month, 7-8:30 p.m., RHCI, 508-563-5457

Widowed Person Service of Cape Cod, Inc., 508-430-2417

Widowed Person's Support Group, 3rd Wednesday month, Barnstable COA, 11 a.m.-noon

A Woman's Concern, Pregnancy Health Center, 48 Camp Street, Hyannis, 508-790-0584, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, referral network for medical care, housing, other social services.

UPPER CAPE

Al-Anon, Sundays, 9:45 a.m., FH

Alcoholics Anonymous, Saturdays, 8 p.m., FH

Bereavement Support for Adults, Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Hospice of Cape Cod, Falmouth. 1 (800) 642-2423 or 508-362-1103

Support Group for Parents/Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder, Faxon Center Women's Health Resource Center, FH, for details call 508-457-3947

Breast Cancer Support Group for newly diagnosed women, 2nd & 4th Monday month (except legal holidays), 12:30-2 p.m., Mashpee Health Center, 5 Industrial Drive; 1st & 3rd Tuesday month, 1-2:30 p.m., FH; 508-862-5302, 508-457-3730, or 508-457-3669 for information. Water Pals, free certified Aquatic & Floor Exercise Program for Women After Breast Cancer Surgery (sponsored by FH, YWCA of SE Mass & ATRIA-Woodbriar of Falmouth); 2 hours weekly at ATRIA-Woodbriar Assisted Living; for information & to register, 508-457-3669

Compassionate Friends, 3rd Wednesday month, 7:30 p.m., St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Buzzards Bay, 508-888-4977, 508-224-4202, 508-669-5217, 508-813-1386

Parent Information Network (for parents of children with mental/behavioral problems), Falmouth, 3rd Monday month, 6:15-8:15 p.m.; call Joanne Leonard, 508-947-8779, extension 25 for information

Parenting With Cancer, 1st Friday month, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Mashpee Health Center Board Room, for information or registration call FH Oncology Services, 508-539-6210

Parenting Support Group for Mashpee families with children up to 5 years of age; Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Christ the King Parish, call 508-548-0411 for details

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group, Falmouth, monthly, for information, call 508-457-0440

Parkinson's Support, 2nd Thursday month, Noon, JML Care Center, Falmouth. 508-457-5081

Postpartum Support Group, Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Women's Health Resource Center, FH, free, childcare provided. For information call 508-548-0411

PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered), 2nd Monday month, 7 p.m., CIGSYA House, Hyannis, 508-255-5354 (serves Upper and Mid-Cape)

Stroke Support, 2nd Tuesday month, 1:30-3 p.m., FH. 508-540-7641 or 508-450-1531

Sight Loss Services Support Groups Falmouth, 2nd Wednesday month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., John Wesley Methodist Church, Falmouth; Sandwich-Mashpee, 3rd Friday month, 10 a.m.-noon, Sandwich COA; Falmouth-Bourne #2, 3rd Friday month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., John Wesley Methodist Church, Falmouth.

Cancer Support Groups

Breast Cancer Support Group, 1st & 3rd Tuesday month, 1-2:30 p.m., Women's Health Resource Center, FH, 508-548-0411, extension 0738

Falmouth Cancer Support Group, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays month, 1:30-3 p.m., FH, 508-548-3050

Lung Cancer Support Group, 1st Thursday month, 1-2:30 p.m., FH, 508-457-3730

MID/LOWER CAPE

Alcoholics Anonymous, Sundays, 6 p.m., CCH

Alcoholics Anonymous, Saturdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Call PASG, 508-487-9445

Cancer Support Group sponsored by Helping Our Women (HOW), Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Provincetown Senior Center, 508-487-4357

Caregiver Support and Companion Programs: Barnstable Senior Center, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., Beth Gilmore of Elder Services at 508-394-4630, ext. 240 for details; Wellfleet Council on Aging, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays,, 9:30-11 a.m., Cecilie Brown of Elder Services at 508-394-4630, ext 212 for details; also Journey of the Long Good-bye, a no-cost six-session support program (one-hour, twice monthly over three months) is now available, sponsored by Elder Services of Cape Cod and the VNA of Cape Cod Hospice, funds to provide respite service where necessary to allow caregivers to attend may be provided, Nancy Higgins at 1-800-631-3900, ext. 7715 for information

Compassionate Friends, 2nd Wednesday month, 7:30 p.m., Harwich Community Center, 508-430-7568, 508-255-0681

Helping Our Women (HOW) Women from Provincetown to Eastham with chronic and life threatening illness support group, Tuesdays, 12:30-2 p.m., St. Mary of the Harbor, Provincetown; Women with cancer, Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Provincetown Senior Center; Caregivers support group being formed; Call 508-487-4357 weekdays for information on dates, times and sites or visit office, 336 Commercial St, #9, Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lyme Disease Support Group, 3rd Tuesday month, 7-9 p.m., Provincetown COA

NAMI of Cape Cod, first Thursday month, 7-9 p.m., First Congregational Church, Chatham

National Osteoporosis Foundation Lower Cape Support Group, 4th Wednesday month, noon to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Chatham, for information and to register, 508-945-7551, extension 243

Neuropathy Support Group, fourth Wednesday month, 2-4 p.m., Orleans Senior Center, September, October, January-May; 508-255-7679 for information

New Parents Support Group for first-time parents from Dennis, Yarmouth, Brewster & Harwich with infants less than eight months old; free, pre-registration required, 5-week program, call 1 (800) 631-3900, extension 6053 for new dates; babies are welcome; VNA of Cape Cod, 434 Route 134, South Dennis

P.A.S.G. Drop-In Bereavement Group, Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m. Call PASG office, 508-487-9445

Parent Information Network (for parents of children with mental/behavioral problems), Hyannis, 2nd Tuesday month, 6-8 p.m.; Brewster, 4th Tuesday month, 6-8 p.m.; call Joanne Leonard, 508-947-8779, extension 25 for information on both groups

 PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered), 4th Sunday month, 3 p.m., First Parish Brewster, 508-432-8119

Caring & Sharing
Postpartum Depression Support Group, Wednesdays,
5-6:30 p.m., The Cape Cod Children's Place, 508-240-3310

Cancer Support Groups

Lower Cape Cancer Support Group, 1st & 3rd Monday month, 2-4 p.m., Wellfleet Senior Center, 508-349-2800 or 508-349-2437 (Free Reiki Clinic for women with cancer Thursdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m.); Harbor for Healing, Broad Reach Healthcare Campus, Route 28, N. Chatham, 508-432-8102 for appointment); Polly's Place Cancer Support, 1st and 3rd Thursdays month, 6 p.m., First Lutheran Church, W. Barnstable, 508-775-1412

Cancer Talk Support and Survival Group for Women, Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., VNA, S. Dennis, 508-432-1452, 508-385-6302

Sight Loss Services Support Groups

Barnstable, 2nd Tuesday month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Unitarian Church of Barnstable; Brewster, 2nd Wednesday month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Brewster Ladies' Library; Eastham, 2nd Friday month, 10 a.m.-noon, Eastham COA; Dennis-Yarmouth #2, 3rd Tuesday month, 1-3 p.m., Swan Pond Village, S. Yarmouth; Orleans, 3rd Wednesday month, 10 a.m.-noon, Rock Harbor Village; Wellfleet/Truro/Provincetown, 4th Monday month, 10 a.m.-noon, Wellfleet COA; Chatham-Harwich, 4th Tuesday month, 10 a.m.-noon, Chatham Housing; Dennis-Yarmouth #1, 4th Wednesday month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Carleton Hall, Dennis

Wellfleet Senior Center Wednesday Club, 1-4 p.m., adult supportive day care, congregate lunch available noon-1 p.m., 508-349-2800 or 508-349-0313 for information (also available: Acupuncture treatment, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m.; Fleet Feet Walking Group, Mondays & Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., $25 for 10 weeks, non-residents accepted; Caregivers Support Group, 1st & 3rd Tuesday month, 10-11:30 a.m., 508-394-4630 for information and to register; Cancer Support Group, 1st and 3rd Monday month, 2-4 p.m.; NAMI Support Group, 4th Tuesday month, 6-8 p.m.; Sight Loss Support  Group, 4th Monday month,.10 a.m.-noon)

 

Education

(Abbreviations: CCHC, Cape Cod Healthcare; CCH, Cape Cod Hospital; FH, Falmouth Hospital; RHCI, Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands; COA, Council On Aging; VNA, Visiting Nurse Association; CCCC, Cape Cod Community College)

CAPEWIDE

 “Battered Women and Addiction," five-week online course for professionals in the field, for information call 508-752-7313

Birth Defects/Genetic Counseling CCH, 508-771-1800, ext. 2253, appointments required

Better Communication Classes, Tips for the hearing impaired, Fridays, 1 p.m., RHCI, Sandwich, free, pre-registration required, 508-833-4140

Cape Cod Center for Whole Health (Mashpee), Usui Reiki Clinic, 3rd Tuesday month, 10 a.m.-noon; Exploring Meditation, 2nd Tuesday month, 10-11 a.m.; $5 donation requested, 508-539-2885 or cccwh@capecod.net for details

Diabetes Education/Support Dennis Senior Center, 1st Wednesday month, 10-11 a.m., 508-385-5067; Yarmouth Town Hall, 2nd Wednesday month, 10:30 a.m.-noon, 1 (800) 631-3900, extension 6022

Diabetes Exercise Program, RHCI, Sandwich, for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes; three days a week, mornings or afternoons, $120 per six-week series, 1-508-833-4065 for information or to register

Elder Services Cape Cod & Islands, programs for caregivers, for general information, 508-394-4630, extension 181, or 1-800-244-4630; Brewster COA, 508-896-2737; Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD), 508-775-8300; Friends of the Barnstable COA, 508-862-4750; Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 508-862-4750; Chatham & Orleans Councils on Aging, 508-255-6333; Overlook Home Health Inc., 508-548-7200; Yarmouth COA, 508-394-7606; Barnstable County Department of Human Services, 508-375-6628; Wellfleet COA, 508-349-2800

“Family-to-Family, 12-week program for family caregivers sponsored by NAMI Cape Cod, free, 508-778-4277 or 508-778-0650 for information or to register in next session

Holistic Cardiology Learning Center, free seminars, Dr. Kristine L. Soly, Sunflower Marketplace, Yarmouthport; 7 p.m.; reservations required, 508-362-5925

GROUP AQUATIC EXERCISE PROGRAM: YMCA Cape Cod. West Barnstable, 8-week session, developed for former rehabilitation patients, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m., conducted by RHCI therapists, for information or to register: 508-362-6500 or www.ymcacappecod.org

KICK BUTTS: Monthly classes, call CCHC, 1-877-729-7200, for all sites

La Leche League for breastfeeding mothers and expectant mothers, for Upper Cape meetings, call Deb (508-375-0119) or Robin (508-539-3088); or 1-800-LA LECHE; for information elsewhere on Cape, call Carolyn at 508-255-8521, Gabrielle at 508-349-3988, Sara at 508-896-5611 or Cole in season at 508-487-6979

LifeCare Conversations for Family Caregivers Workshops, sponsored by The Center For Life Care, Planning and Support, Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 508-957-0230 or lifecare@hospicecapecod.org for information

American Cancer Society "Look Good...Feel Better" Program, free, 1-800-ACS-2345 for details on sites and dates and to pre-register

Nutrition Free nutritious food for qualified pregnant and post partum women, infants and children under WIC program; eight sites on Cape Cod & Islands; 1 (800) 942-2445 during regular office hours

Osteoporosis prevention & exercise class, Hyannis COA, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 30-11:30 a.m.

Parent Education Program, free, Hyannis & Falmouth, call MSPCC 1 (800) 272-9722

Pulmonary Rehab, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., CCH, must refer through hospital, 508-771-1800, ext. 2223

RED CROSS Courses available on First Aid Basics with Adult CPR ($50); Community CPR ($50), Community First Aid and Safety ($65), Pet First Aid ($35), CPR for the Professional ($80), CPR Review and Challenge ($35 for Community CPR/$40 for CPR/FPR), Babysitter's Training Course ($40), call for dates; Instructor courses in CPR, First Aid, AED's and Babysitting available monthly, call for details; Call Cape Cod Chapter in Hyannis, 508-775-1540 for information on all courses. Visit www.capecodredcross.org

RHCI Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, Cape Cod Apartments, Falmouth, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. and Pocasset Community Building in Bourne, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon; $35 for 8 classes, trial class free, pre-registration required, 508-743-0465

RHCI has created a 4-week structured exercise and education program to help persons with type 2 diabetes more effectively manage their disease. Classes are offered
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12:30-1:45 p.m. A free screening (basic
health and fitness assessment) must be performed by RHCI staff prior to
admission, and a physician's approval is required. The cost of this self-pay
program is $120m, 508-833-4065 for information or to enroll

“Self-Help for Your Health,” hypnosis and EFT, free introductory classes, fee courses on pain control and smoking cessation, 508-240-0024

Stroke Education/Support Group, last Monday month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., free, Dennis Senior Center, 508-385-5067

Supermarket Shopping Tours, registered dietician instructs consumers on how to shop smart, nutritionally, sponsored by CCH Center for Health Education, small fee, 1-877-729-7200

Cape Cod WIC Family Tobacco Education Program, free quit smoking classes, 508-775-2727 to register

VNA of Cape Cod Hospice Volunteer Training, 508-957-7718

"Water Pals," Aquatic Program for Women Recovering from Breast Cancer Surgery, conducted by CCHC Rehabilitation Services, Gold's Gym, Radisson Hotel, Hyannis, 12-week series recommended, $5 per session, 508-771-9600, extension 225, for information or enrollment

Water Wellness Aquatics Program, Broad Reach Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic, N. Chatham, 8-week sessions; call Maria McGrady for information, 508-945-3668

Weight Reduction Series, Mayflower Place Fitness Center, West Yarmouth, $30 for six-part series or $6 per session; 508-790-0200, extension 159, or 1 (800) 245-8389 for information

Women's Wellness Series, Chatham Health Improvement Center, Chatham; monthly series on different issues; 508-945-3555

Young at Heart, Weight Training for Seniors, meets three times a week throughout the Cape; 10-week sessions, minimal fee, doctor's approval required, for information and locations call VNA of Cape Cod, 1-877-267-7700

"Reach the Children" free workshops, 6:30-8:30 p.m., sponsored by Mashpee Community Partnership Program, Special Needs Parents Advisory Council, Young Children First Falmouth Community Partnership Program; for information call Cape Cod Human Services, 508-790-3326

"WOW! Way of Wellness," with Dr. Kevin Lowey, D.C., check your local access cable station for schedule

Young at Heart Exercise Programs, VNA, 1-877-267-7700

MID/LOWER CAPE

Alcohol & drug abuse counseling for seniors, Grace Gouveia Building, Provincetown, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday (detox hospitalization, 508-487-7080 for appointment); Mental Health Counseling, 508-487-7080 for appointment, Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Home Assessment for Nursing and Home Health, 508-487-7080 for appointment, Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Provincetown Ask A Nurse, Mondays, 9-10 a.m., Grace Gouveia Building, 508-487-7083 for information or private appointment

Anti-Aging & Health Improvement Series, Orleans COA, Carol Penfield, RN, MS, MPc, presented by Nauset Community Education, 508-255-6333 for information 

Baby Massage Class for Mother and Child, Thursdays or Saturdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Women's Body Shoppe; 508-771-1600 or 508-362-3543 to register

Barnstable Senior Center Exercise Programs: varied programs, some free, others $20-$40, early evenings, must RSVP, 508-862-4750

Better Breathing Program, new 8-week courses offered by RHCI at the RHCI-Orleans Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, 21 Old Colony Way, 508-240-7203; referral required, fee covered by Medicare and most insurance

Brooks Free Library in Harwich Expanding Horizons Wednesday Lecture series, 1-2:30 p.m., health care programs, 508-430-7562 for details

Childbirth Preparation Classes, 7-8:30 p.m., Mondays, 6-week sessions, Cape Cod Children's Place, N. Eastham, call for dates and registration 1 (800) 871-9535, free (sponsored by the March of Dimes)

Children's Pre-Surgery Tour, CCH, 2nd & 4th Wednesday month, 3:30-4 30 p.m. for child and family. 508-862-7603

Exercise class Cape Heritage Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Sandwich, Tuesdays & Thursdays, noon-2 p.m., $20 per month, 508-747-9365

Family Birthplace at CCH, 2009 Schedule, 508-862-5123 to sign up:

Early Bird Prenatal Workshop, 4th Friday month, 7 p.m., $5 per couple,

Birth & Beyond; a family experience, monthly, 6:30 p.m., 5 classes, CCH, $25 per couple, (Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays)

Labor Express, one-time prenatal class, offered quarterly on a Saturday, $25 per couple,

Breathing & Relaxation, monthly, $10 per couple

VBAC Class (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), 4th Wednesday every other month, 7:30 p.m., $5 per couple

Infant-Child CPR, 4th Monday month, 6 p.m., $15 per person, must register at least one month in advance

Our New Baby, 4th Wednesday month, $3 per child (space limited, early registration suggested)

Mothers Support Group, Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon, free

Portuguese Prenatal, 4th Wednesday every other month, 7:30 .p.m.

Fatherhood Initiative Pizza Party, every other month

 

Infant/Child CPR Certification classes twice yearly (October & May), call for dates and registration, Cape Cod Children's Place, N. Eastham, 1 (800) 871-9535

Sojourner's Bereavement Support Group, eight weekly sessions, St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Chatham, 1-2:30 p.m.; $10 fee requested; pre-registration requested; for dates, call 508-432-9147 or 508-945-4611

Young at Heart Weight Training, 8-week program, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9-10 a.m., physician's written approval required; Provincetown COA; call Maryanne at 508-487-7080 to register. (Co-sponsors CCHC & VNA of Cape Cod). Free to Provincetown residents, Outer Cape seniors welcome for $2 donation.

UPPER CAPE

FH Childbirth Education Classes (to register for any of these courses, 508-457-3632; scholarships available)

FH-Joslin Clinic offering 10-week exercise program for people with diabetes, two mornings per week, for information or to register call 508-457-3525

Preparation For Birth 6-week sessions, $60, 7-9:30 p.m.; call for dates

Infant & Pediatric CPR-two sessions, $25 per person, call for dates

Sibling class, call for dates, 4-5 p.m., one class, free

Breast feeding, 7-9:30 p.m., one class, free, call for dates

Birth refresher classes, call for dates, 7-9:30 p.m., one class, $10

Cape Heritage Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Breakfast Club, 9-10 a.m., free, Route 6A, Sandwich; Call 508-888-8222 for schedule and to register

Optional classes (offered as needed) preconception, adoption, smoking cessation for pregnant women, Cesarean birth (call for private session), private birth classes (available days, evenings & weekends as needed, $25 per hour)

Clinics/Screenings

(Abbreviations: CCHC, Cape Cod Healthcare; CCH, Cape Cod Hospital; FH, Falmouth Hospital; RHCI, Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands; COA, Council On Aging; VNA, Visiting Nurse Association; CCCC, Cape Cod Community College)

CAPEWIDE

FAMILY CONTINUITY PROGRAM, serving the needs of children and families in crisis with services ranging from mental health treatment in our clinic or in the home to supported housing for mentally disabled adults at Larry Doughty House, 508-862-0273, www.familycontinuity.org

:FREE, ANONYMOUS HIV, hepatitis B & C and syphilis testing/counseling from Falmouth to Provincetown offered by AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod and Infectious diseases Clinical Services, free Hep A &B vaccines, 508-274-5428 or 866-990-2437 for details

MEN'S HEALTH PARTNERSHIP: free screenings available for uninsured men 18-64, funded through Mass Department of Public Health and conducted by the VNA of Cape Cod, call 1-888-557-9994 to schedule an appointment or obtain additional details and site information; Times, dates & locations subject to change; call 1-888-557-9994, extension 6506 to confirm; last client will be seen 15 minutes before closing time

January: 5- Sandwich, RHCI, noon-4:30 p.m.; 6-Falmouth Service Center, 10 a.m.-noon, Falmouth Walmart, 1:30-4 p.m.; 7-Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council, 9 a.m.-noon, Mashpee Village, 12:30-3:30  p.m.; 8-Yarmouth Shopping Plaza, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; 9-Plymouth COA, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 12-Hyannis K-Mart Plaza, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 13-Bourne Veteran's Memorial Community Building, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 14-Cape Cod Community College Hyannis Campus, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Portuguese Interpreter Available); 15- Harwich Food Pantry, 9 a.m.-noon & 1:30-3:30 p.m.; 20-Wellfleet First Congregational Church, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 21-Chatham Community Building, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 26-Provincetown Methodist Church, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 27-Brewster Ladies Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 28-Eastham Town Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

February: 2- Sandwich, RHCI, noon-4:30 p.m.; 3-Falmouth Service Center, 10 a.m.-noon, Falmouth Walmart, 1:30-4 p.m.; 4-Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council, 9 a.m.-noon, Mashpee Village, 12:30-3:30  p.m.; 5-Wareham VNA, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 9-Hyannis K-Mart Plaza, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 10-Bourne Veteran's Memorial Community Building, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 11-Cape Cod Community College Hyannis Campus, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Portuguese Interpreter Available); 12-Yarmouth Shopping Plaza, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; 13-Plymouth COA, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 17-Wellfleet First Congregational Church, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 18-Chatham Community Building, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 19- Harwich Food Pantry, 9 a.m.-noon & 1:30-3:30 p.m.; 23-Provincetown Methodist Church, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 24-Brewster Ladies Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 28-Eastham Town Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

March: 2-Sandwich, RHCI, noon-4:30 p.m.; 3-Falmouth Service Center, 10 a.m.-noon, Falmouth Walmart, 1:30-4 p.m.; 4-Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council, 9 a.m.-noon, Mashpee Village, 12:30-3:30  p.m.; 5-Wareham VNA, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 9-Hyannis K-Mart Plaza, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 10-Bourne Veteran's Memorial Community Building, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 11-Cape Cod Community College Hyannis Campus, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Portuguese Interpreter Available); 12-Yarmouth Shopping Plaza, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; 13- Plymouth COA, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 17-Wellfleet First Congregational Church, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 18-Chatham Community Building, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 19- Harwich Food Pantry, 9 a.m.-noon & 1:30-3:30 p.m.; 23-Provincetown Methodist Church, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 24-Brewster Ladies Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 28-Eastham Town Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Women's Health Network, a free screening program for breast & cervical cancer, heart disease and diabetes; for uninsured or under-insured income-eligible women, 40-64; Women under 40 who are symptomatic or have family history also eligible; call VNA of Cape Cod, 1-888-557-9994

Life Line Screenings Three tests for cardiovascular risk, plus bone density; $35-$40 per test, discounts for three or more, registration 24 hours in advance required, 1 (800) 407-4557

Ostomy Clinics, 2nd and 4th Wednesday month, 8 a.m.-noon, VNA of Cape Cod, Dennis, free, doctor’s approval required, 508-957-7476 for appointment

VNA CLINICS AND SUPPORT GROUPS

(listed by town)

(NOTE: These activities generally follow a similar pattern, such as “1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month.” Just call ahead to be certain.)

NOTE: Free Ostomy Clinics 2d & 4th Wednesday month, VNA office in South Dennis, call VNA intake department at 508-957-7476 for appointment, prior approval from doctor required.

BOURNE: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/22, 10 a.m.-noon, Falmouth VNA Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record;  Blood Pressure Clinics, Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., Bourne Senior Center, 508- 759- 0654; Colorectal Screening, 10/15,  (follow-up screening 10/22, both 9:30 – 11 a.m.,  Bourne Senior Center, 508-759-0654l; Diabetes Education Session: 10/7, 14, 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Bourne Senior Center, 508-759- 0654 for information & sign-up; Parkinson’s Support Group: 10/4, 1 p.m., Bourne Senior Center, 508- 759-0654

BREWSTER: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, town residents only, appointments required, 10/20, 9 a.m.-noon, S. Dennis VNA office, 508-759-7423, bring immunization record; Health Counseling/Blood Pressure Check, 10/7, 10/21 (with blood sugar screening), 8-10 a.m., Brewster Council on Aging, 508- 896-2737

CHATHAM: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/20. 9 a.m.-noon, VNA S. Dennis Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record; Blood Pressure Clinics: Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m. Chatham Council on Aging, 508- 945-5190

DENNIS: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/20, 9 a.m.-noon, VNA S. Dennis Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record; TB Clinics, 10/14, 4-5 p.m., return for reading 10/16, 4-5 p.m., VNA S. Dennis Office, $20, appointments required 508-957-7423, also 10/27-10/29 same schedule; Adult Immunization Clinic, 10/29. VNA S. Dennis Office, 3:30-4:30 p.m., appointment required, 508-957-7423; Cholesterol Screening, 10/15, Dennis Council on Aging, 9-11 a.m., appointment required, 508-385-5067, $7.50 fee; Health Counseling and Blood Pressure Check, 10/8,  9:30-10:30 a.m., Dennis Council on Aging, 508-385-5067; Blood Glucose Screening Clinic, 10/8, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Dennis Council on Aging, 508-385-5067; Dennis Stroke Support Group, 10/16,  1 p.m., Dennis Council on Aging, 508-385-5067;

EASTHAM: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/20, 9 a.m.-noon, VNA S. Dennis Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record

FALMOUTH: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/22, 10 a.m.-noon, VNA Falmouth Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record; Adult Immunization Clinic, 10/16,6-7 p.m., VNA Falmouth Office, appointment required, 508-957-7423; TB Clinics, 10/6, 1-3 p.m. & return for reading 10/9. 1-3 p.m., 10/20, 1-3 p.m. & return for reading 10/23. 1-3 p.m.,  $20, Falmouth VNA Office, 508-957-7423 for appointment; Blood Pressure Clinics, Thursdays 1:30-3 p.m., Falmouth Senior Center, 508-540-0196; Blood Glucose Screening, 10/30,  8:30-9:30 a.m., Falmouth Senior Center, 508-540-0196; Blood Pressure Clinic, 10/15,  10:30-11:30 a.m., Harborview Apartments, 508-957-7423 for appointment; Bone Density (Osteoporosis) Screening, 10/20, 1-4 p.m., Falmouth Senior Center, appointment required, 508-540-0196; Breast Cancer Support Groups, 10/1, 10/15, 1-2:30 p.m., Women’s Health Resource Center, Faxon Wing, Falmouth Hospital, 508- 457-3669

HARWICH: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/20. 9 a.m.-noon, VNA S. Dennis Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record

MASHPEE: Blood Pressure Clinic, 10/14, noon-1:30 p.m., Mashpee Senior Center, 508-539-1440; Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/22. 10 a.m.-noon, VNA Falmouth Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record

ORLEANS: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/20. 9 a.m.-noon, VNA S. Dennis Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record; Blood Pressure Clinics, 10/9 1-2 p.m. Tonset Woods, 10/9  2:15-3:15 p.m. Town Hall, 10/16 1-2 p.m., Rock Harbor Village, 10/23 1-2 p.m., Orleans COA, 508- 255-6333

PROVINCETOWN: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/20. 9 a.m.-noon, VNA S. Dennis Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record; Blood Pressure Clinics, 10/1 (with Blood Sugar Screening) & 10/15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Provincetown Office of Public Health, 508- 487-7083

TRURO: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/20. 9 a.m.-noon, VNA S. Dennis Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record;

WAREHAM: Blood Pressure and Health Counseling, Thursdays, 9-10 a.m.

Wareham Senior Center, 508-291-3130

 YARMOUTH: Child and Adolescent Immunization and Lead Screening Clinic, 10/20. 9 a.m.-noon, VNA S. Dennis Office, town residents only, appointments required, 508-957-7423, bring immunization record; Health Counseling, Blood Pressure, and Blood Sugar Screenings, 10/8, 10/22, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Yarmouth Town Hall, 508- 398-2231

Flu clinic: VNA S. Dennis office, Wednesdays by appointment, 1-800-631-3900 or 508-957-7423, 18 or over, Medicare Part B accepted, $35 fee (through December)

UPPER CAPE

Cape Cod Free Clinic in Falmouth, free health care for uninsured adults, 508-540-7075 for appointment information

Glucose screening, 3rd Wednesday month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., CVS Pharmacy, Falmouth Mall; last Thursday month, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Falmouth Senior Center, 1 (800) 631-3900, extension 6022; 3rd Tuesday month, Wareham VNA, 508-760-6514

SANDWICH NURSING DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS (270 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, 508-833-8020 for all program information/appointments Clinics co-sponsored by the Sandwich Health Association) Blood Pressure Clinics-1st Thursday month: Sandwich Public Health Nursing Department, Human Services Building, Quaker Meeting House Road, 11 a.m.-noon, walk-ins, Sandwich residents; Shawme Heights One, 5 Leveridge Lane, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; Sandwich Housing Authority, Hansen Village, 11-11:30 a.m. Adult Immunization Clinics-1st Tuesday month, 8:30-9:30 a.m., appointments required, Sandwich residents. Well Women’s Clinics-508-833-8020 for information and appointment

MID/LOWER CAPE

Diabetes Associates, 1st Monday month, CCH, 7 p.m.; also Thursdays 10 a.m-3 p.m.; must refer through hospital, 508-771-1800, ext. 2559

Diabetic screenings Brewster, 3rd Tuesday 8-10 a.m., Brewster COA, 1673 Main St. Call VNA of Cape Cod at 1 (800) 631-3900, extension 6022; Provincetown, 2nd Tuesday month, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Grace Gouveia Building, free to residents, walk-ins welcome, 508-487-7083; Yarmouth, 1st and 3rd Wednesday month, 11 a.m.-noon, Yarmouth Town Hall, 1 (800) 631-3900, extension 6022; Dennis, 4th Wednesday month, 9-10:30 a.m., Dennis COA, (fasting blood sugar test...do not eat morning of test), signup not required, 508-385-5067

Endocrinology Clinic, CCH, appointments required, 508-771-1800, ext. 2253

Family Planning Hyannis--Free pregnancy testing Tuesdays 1-6 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; family planning clinics daily, call 508-771-8010 for information & appointment

Hearing Clinic, 3rd Thursday month, Barnstable COA

Hepatitis A Immunizations, Monday-Thursday-Friday, 9-11 a.m., Grace Gouveia Building, Provincetown, available at cost, call 508-487-7083 for appointment

OUTER CAPE HEALTH SERVICES: Provincetown, Monday-8 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-9 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday-8 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday-8 a.m.-5 p.m.. Friday-8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday- 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday-closed; 508-487-9365. Wellfleet, Monday-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday-9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday--9 a.m.-3 p.m., 508-349-3131 

(Labor Day: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Whenever possible, please call ahead to schedule and appointment. Limited same day appointments may be available.

Pediatric Neurology Clinic, CCH, appointments required, 508-771-1800, ext. 2253

Prism Home Care Inc. Blood Pressure Screenings

54 Sea St. Ext., Hyannis, 1st & 3rd Tuesday month, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Cromwell Courts, Hyannis, 2nd Thursday month, 2-3 p.m.

Safe Driving Screenings, RHCI-Orleans Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, free, 508-240-7203 for details

Orleans COA offers programs on general fitness, People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE), chronic pain, stress management and Alzheimer's Caregivers support; call 508-255-6333 for information

Reiki Clinic, 3rd Thursday month. Osterville Fitness Center, 7:15 p.m., free, 508-428-1654

Pre-School Immunization Clinics (most include lead screening)

Chatham, 2nd Tuesday month, 1-2 p.m., 1250 Main St., 1 (800) 631-3900, extension 6053

Eastham, Wellfleet & Truro 3rd Thursday month, 1-3 p.m., Eastham Commons, 1 (800) 631-3900, extension 6053 for appointment

Harwich, 2nd Tuesday month, 1-3 p.m., Harwich Town Hall, for appointment call Sheila Griffin at 508-240-1100 or 1 (800) 696-0303

Orleans, 2nd Tuesday month, 3-4 p.m., Orleans Elementary School, includes lead screening, for information call Meredith Hamilton, 508-945-2869 or 1 (800) 987-9784

Provincetown, Public Health Office, 4th Thursday month, 1-3 p.m., 508-487-6110 for appointment

Harwich, 2nd Tuesday month, 1-3 p.m., Harwich Town Hall, call VNA at 1 (800) 696-3900, extension 6053 for appointment

Dennis, Yarmouth, Brewster, 2nd Tuesday month, 9-noon, VNA of Cape Cod, 434 Route 134, S. Dennis, appointment required, 1 (800) 631-3900, extension, 6053

 

Special Events

(Abbreviations: CCHC, Cape Cod Healthcare; CCH, Cape Cod Hospital; FH, Falmouth Hospital; RHCI, Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands; COA, Council On Aging; VNA, Visiting Nurse Association; CCCC, Cape Cod Community College)

MASSACHUSETTS BREAST CANCER COALITION AGAINST THE TIDE, swim, kayak, fitness walk: August 15, 2009, Nickerson State Park, Brewster, 617-376-MBCC or www.mbcc.or for information

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES: Call 1 (800) GIVELIFE (448-3543) to schedule an appointment

F.U.N. Program, 83 Pearl Street, Hyannis, 02601, 508-775-6240, ext. 512 or mwilson@cccdp.org

 

Late News

 

New Inhalers Mandated

From the Cape Cod COPD Support Group comes this reminder to all of those who use inhalers containing the drug albuterol. Be prepared to make a change.

Manufacturers are phasing out one type of this device called the CFC Inhalers and increasing production of another more environmentally friendly version called the HFA Inhaler. As of December 31, albuterol inhalers with CFCs no longer can be made or sold in the United States.

The change was mandated by the federal government in 2005 to comply with a 1987 treaty to protect the earth’s ozone layer. (Technically, chlorofluorocarbons are being replaced by hydrofluoroalkane.)

The new version—already in use—is as effective as the CFC inhaler and produces the same rate of side effects. There are three critical differences to obtain maximum benefit from the new inhalers: the pumping process to prime the device is more important, the HFAs produce a softer (though still effective) spray and they require a slower inhale. They also require regular washing. And they’re more expensive.

Four commercial brands of HFA Inhalers are currently on the market. There are no known generic versions.

 

CCHC Opens Bourne Walk-In Center

Cape Cod Healthcare’ Bourne Clinic has reopened as an expanded “walk-in care center” with hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Previously the center operated as part of the Emergency Department at Falmouth Hospital with clinical staffing provided by emergency department physicians. Under the new model, the center will operate as an outpatient facility, run by Medical Affiliates of Cape Cod (MACC), Cape Cod Healthcare’s employed physician practices subsidiary. This model has been used successfully at CCHC’s Fontaine Medical Center in Harwich.

The center is housed in the Bourne Health Center, at 1 Trowbridge Place.

In addition to MACC primary care physicians, the complex also includes a MACC Internal Medicine practice and a MACC orthopedic practice, C-Lab, physical therapy, imaging services, and a privately-owned pharmacy.

Patients looking for more information about the new center can call 508-743-0322. Specialty co-payments may apply.

Other New Services

Therapeutic Massage Now Available In Orleans

Individuals seeking relief from pain and stress now have access to therapeutic massage at the RHCI-Orleans Outpatient Rehabilitation Center in Orleans. The program previously was available only at RHCI’s facility in Sandwich. Flexible hour and half-hour appointments are available for this self-pay program. For information contact RHCI-Orleans at 508-240-7203 or RHCI-Sandwich at 508-833-4141.

New Home Infusion Location

Home Solutions Infusion Therapy, covering from Delaware to New Hampshire, now has opened a second Massachusetts location in Canton (508-548-4266 or 617-894-5967 for information). Home Solutions previously purchased the Infusion Network of the Cape and Islands in Falmouth May 1.

 

Cape Voters Back Single Pay Concept

According to the Cape Care Coalition website, final results, showed 71 percent of Cape Codders voted in favor of the non-binding resolution calling for a single-payer health care insurance plan for Barnstable C