ARTICLE
The fifth annual Cape Cod and Islands Behavioral Health Summit: The Social Determinants of Behavioral Health: Awareness, Understanding and Action will be held on Friday, October 6, 2017, at The Resort and Conference Center on Route 132 in Hyannis. The event, which will start at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., is organized by the Behavioral Health Provider Coalition of Cape Cod and the Islands. The Coalition is comprised of 30 organizations, agencies, primary care providers and others serving the mental health needs of residents of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. This year’s program will review new evidence, examine and discuss the social determinants of behavioral health, as well as introduce resources that are available to address these factors on Cape Cod. “This is a day where we offer a platform for the community providers of Cape Cod to learn, network and enjoy the day,” said Diane Ofria, co-chair of the Coalition. The Summit is sponsored by Cape Cod Healthcare, Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Trust, Duffy Health Center, Gosnold on Cape Cod, and Vinfen Cape Cod. It is designed for those who provide care or support services across the entirety of the behavioral health spectrum including physicians, psychologists, social workers, counselors, administrators, peer advocates, first responders, teachers, and others. The full-day conference will feature keynote speaker Kumara Sidhartha, MD, MPH, medical director of Emerald Physicians and chair of the Wellness Advisory Board. The subject of his talk will be, “Social Determinants of Health: Challenges and Opportunities for Physical and Mental Health Care.” He will discuss successful evidence-based interventions in addressing social determinants of health. Afternoon speaker will be Dan Millman, author of “A Peaceful Warrior’s Approach to Behavioral Health,” and former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor and college professor. Examples of several of the day’s breakout sessions include Housing and Homelessness, Food Access and Nutrition, and Community Responses to Violence. Also included in the day-long conference is presentation of the Excellence in Behavioral Health Service Award. Registration for the event will be held from 8 to 8:30 a.m. in the ballroom foyer, with welcome and introductions from 8:30 to 9 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom Registration fee for the Summit is $60, with lunch included. Nursing, physician, LICSW, LMHC, and EMS CEUs are available. To register or for more information, visit http://www.bhpccapecod.org/. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 5,300 employees and 790 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org. Cape Cod Healthcare. Visit our health news site www.capecodhealthnews.com for the latest in relevant and credible healthcare news.