VNA of Cape Cod

09/14/2025

Want to learn more about Diabetes from your local experts?

Public Health Nurses from the VNA of Cape Cod and Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment invite you to a FREE Diabetes 101 Presentation and A1C Screening Clinic- designed to help you better understand, manage, and prevent diabetes.

📚 Learn the basics of diabetes
🩸 A1C Screenings available by appointment only
📍 Multiple Cape Cod locations

🗓️ Upcoming Clinics:

Dennis Center for Active Living
📅 Friday, September 15 | 🕘 9 AM – 11 AM
📞 Call (508) 385-5067 to schedule

Sandwich Center for Active Living
📅 Friday, September 15 | 🕐 1 PM – 3 PM
📞 Call (508) 888-4737 to schedule

Eastham Senior Center
📅 Friday, November 21 | 🕐 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
📞 Call (508) 957-7423 to schedule

Harwich Community Center
📅 Monday, December 8 | 🕥 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📞 Call (508) 430-7550 to schedule

Don’t miss this chance to get informed, get screened, and take control of your health!

09/10/2025

Every life matters. On this important day, the VNA of Cape Cod stands in solidarity with our community to raise awareness, offer hope, and connect those in need with lifesaving support. Our team includes trained clinicians certified in Mental Health First Aid, prepared to recognize the signs and guide individuals toward the help they need. Read more about the VNA's mental health efforts here: https://www.capecodhealth.org/cape-cod-health-news/vna-is-finding-more-ways-to-care-for-the-mental-health-needs-of-/

We are proud to participate in the Cape and Islands Su***de Prevention Summit on this Friday, September 12, as part of our ongoing commitment to mental health and su***de prevention.

📞 You Are Not Alone - Help Is Always Available:

Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): Call (866) 488-7386 or text 678-678
MA Behavioral Health Help Line: Call or text (833) 773-2445
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (Urgent Care): Call (508) 693-0410
Fairwinds Nantucket Counseling Center Crisis Line: Call or text (508) 221-3315

***dePreventionDay

09/08/2025

Please join us in welcoming Shivam K. Patel, MD, to Cape Cod Healthcare. Dr. Patel practices anesthesiology at Cape Cod Anesthesiology Associates in Hyannis.

To learn more about Dr. Patel, visit https://bit.ly/4m9wx3V.

09/08/2025

Are you ready to lead the charge in advancing sleep health?

As our Sleep Lab Coordinator, you'll be at the heart of a high-impact healthcare team—driving excellence in patient care and operational efficiency.

Who You Are: A detail-driven leader with a passion for sleep science, patient care, and team collaboration. RPSGT certified? Even better.

What You'll Do:
• Partner with the Medical Director and leadership to orchestrate top-tier inpatient and outpatient sleep services.
• Guide patients through evaluations, education, and sleep study scoring—ensuring every detail meets the highest standards.
• Oversee scheduling, inventory, and staff onboarding to keep the lab running like a dream.
• Shape the future of the program through strategic development, interviewing, and equipment planning.

Why It Matters: Your expertise helps patients reclaim restful nights and healthier lives. This is more than a job—it's a mission.

Apply today! https://bit.ly/4gbdyEy

09/07/2025

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous. BPH can cause frustrating urinary symptoms—and in serious cases, even kidney damage.

Urologist Brian Kowal, MD, explains how treatment options vary from common medications to innovative treatment such as Aquablation® and GreenLight™ laser therapy.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/47nWJUA

Several options, including a new one on Cape Cod, offer relief from the bothersome problems from a large prostate.

09/06/2025

Dehydration can cause serious health issues, such as impaired circulation, decreased brain and heart function, as well as kidney and other organ failure.

Emergency medicine physician Michael J. Rest, MD, explains the signs to watch for and how to stay hydrated.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3JNF3ba

Warning signs for dehydration include sugar cravings and bad breath, Here’s what your body is trying to tell you.

09/05/2025

Staff from the Davenport-Mugar Cancer Center and Clark Cancer Center invite you and a guest to participate in the 11th Annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hyport Conference Center in Hyannis.

This special event includes food, music and raffle prizes, as well as massage and reiki therapists from Cape Wellness Collaborative, a photo booth, journaling activities and pet therapy dogs. Enjoy artwork on display and hear inspiring words from cancer survivors.

Take some time to enjoy an evening of camaraderie and sharing at the annual Cancer Survivors Day—a community celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed or undergoing treatment, and a gathering of support for families.

The event is free of charge and online registration is requested:
capecodhealth.org/cancer-survivors

09/05/2025

— According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls result in more than three million injuries treated in emergency departments annually – with nearly one million of those cases resulting in hospitalization.

Everyone can take steps to reduce their risk of falling. Simple lifestyle adjustments, strength training, stretching and exercises that improve balance can significantly reduce falls, especially among older adults.

Learn more about fall prevention, including how to make your home safer, at https://bit.ly/46l9WfM.

09/04/2025

According to recent analysis from the American Heart Association, deaths from obesity-related heart disease have nearly tripled from 1999-2020.

Cardiologist Elissa Thompson, MD, explains why the numbers are alarming, how new treatments are making an impact and why obesity must be treated as an illness.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4lVB21B

New figures show Americans who died from obesity-related heart disease tripled in the past 20 years.

09/04/2025

Join us for a free virtual event about Prostate Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Recommendations.

Dr. Brian Kowal of Urology Associates of Cape Cod will discuss prostate cancer risk factors, current screening guidelines, and answer your questions.

📅 Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00–6:30 p.m.

Registration is required and can be completed here: www.capecodhealth.org/prostate-education

09/03/2025

We were glad to be a part of last weekend’s annual Amplify POC (People of Color) Summer Festival, a vibrant community event on the Hyannis Village Green that celebrated local POC-owned businesses and non-profits across the Cape.

As part of our ongoing commitment to health equity, our team connected with attendees to share essential educational resources, including information on breast cancer awareness and support services, as well as a survey focused on improving blood pressure health among Black patients. Together, we’re working to reduce health disparities and build a healthier, more informed community.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nciqLZ

Pictured from left: Kumara Sidhartha, M.D., M.P.H., chief health equity and wellness officer; Kate Kane, member of Cape Cod Healthcare’s health equity committee; Ceci Phelan-Stiles, director of diversity, equity and inclusion and interpreter services; and Kathleen Flynn, M.D., hospitalist.

09/03/2025

On 9/3, our VNA Public Health division partnered with the Cape Cod Healthcare Trauma Program at the Wellfleet Farmers Market to share important bike safety tips and provide free helmets to community members.

Pictured from left to right: Erin Nickerson, RN; Mary Mahan, RN; and Molly Ives- they enjoyed meeting neighbors, answering questions, and helping families stay safe on the road.

Thank you to everyone who visited our table and to our partners at Cape Cod Healthcare for working alongside us to keep Cape Cod healthy and safe!

09/02/2025

When you donate blood at a Cape Cod Healthcare drive, you’re helping your friends, family and neighbors.🩸Join us at one of our many September drives! Plus, all donors this month will receive a Wendy’s gift card.

• September 3: 10:40 a.m. – 5 p.m., Harwich Police Department, 183 Sisson Road, Harwich

• September 4: 9:40 a.m. – 4 p.m., Riverview School, 551 Route 6A, Sandwich

• September 8: 9:40 a.m. - 4 p.m., Woods Hole Science Aquarium, 166 Water St., Woods Hole

• September 10:9:40 a.m. – 4 p.m., Orleans/Eastham Elks, 10 McKoy Road, Eastham

• September 11: 8:40 a.m. – 3 p.m., YMCA, 2245 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable

• September 16: 9:40 a.m. – 4 p.m., St. Anthony’s Fatima Hall - part of St. Joseph Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, 167 East Falmouth Highway – East Falmouth

• September 17: 9:40 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wellfleet United Methodist Church, 246 Main St., Wellfleet

• September 18: 9:40 a.m. - 4 p.m., Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay

• September 19: 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m., Eastham Library, 190 Samoset St., Eastham

• September 22: 10:40 a.m. – 5 p.m., Christ the King Church, 3 Jobs Fishing Road, Mashpee

• September 23: 9:40 a.m. – 4 p.m., Orleans Police Department, 99 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans

• September 24: 9:10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., SencorpWhite, 400 Kidd’s Hill Road, Hyannis

• September 26: 9:40 a.m. – 4 p.m., Falmouth Hospital, Burwell Conference Room, 100 Ter Heun Drive, Falmouth

• September 29: 9:40 a.m. - 4 p.m., John Wesley United Methodist Church, 270 Gifford St., Falmouth

To make an appointment for one of the drives listed above, please visit the Blood Donor Portal - https://srt.capecodhealth.org/donorportal/

Donations can also be made at the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Cape Cod Healthcare Blood Center at Cape Cod Hospital. The Donor Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To make an appointment for the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Blood Donor Center, please call us at 508-862-5663.

09/02/2025

Jumpstart your career in GI care!

If you have nursing assistant experience in an acute care setting and want to take your skills to the next level, we’re hiring a GI Aide to join our Gastroenterology team in North Falmouth!

In this role, you will:
• Support daily operations of the GI department
• Care for and maintain flexible endoscopes and medical equipment
• Ensure patient and staff safety by following infection prevention and PPE protocols
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to deliver quality care

To qualify, candidates must either have nursing assistant experience in an acute care setting OR one year of recent experience reprocessing flexible endoscopes.

This is a great opportunity to grow in healthcare, build new skills and make an impact every single day.

Apply today! https://tinyurl.com/jz43p2wf

09/02/2025

Diabetes is a common disease —but myths about diabetes development and management are everywhere.

Endocrinologist Mary Crowell, MD, debunks some of the biggest misconceptions, from whether sugar causes diabetes to what role diet really plays.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/3mky62yk

Learning the facts will help you separate truth from fiction, and can help you manage or prevent the disease.

09/02/2025

🌟 September is Senior Center Month! 🌟

Senior Centers are more than just gathering places- they’re vibrant community hubs offering resources that support wellness, independence, and connection.

At your local Senior Center, you can find:

✅ Health & wellness programs (fitness, nutrition, screenings)
✅ Educational workshops & lifelong learning opportunities
✅ Social activities to stay engaged and connected
✅ Support services like transportation, benefits assistance, and meal programs
✅ Volunteer opportunities and ways to give back

At the VNA of Cape Cod, we know how valuable these resources are for our patients. We partner with Senior Centers to connect individuals with programs that complement the care they receive at home- helping them stay independent, engaged, and living life to the fullest. Senior Centers are often the bridge between healthcare and community, giving our patients a trusted place to continue their wellness journey.

👉 Celebrate by exploring your local Senior Center- you might be surprised at the wealth of opportunities waiting!

08/29/2025

🍁🚶‍♀️Looking to be more active? Step into Fall on the Cape!

Join one of our Fall Walking Programs and enjoy the crisp air, colorful foliage, and health benefits of staying active this season. Whether you’re walking for fitness, fun, or friendship- our walking programs are led by our Public Health team, providing a safe environment to enjoy our beautiful community.

08/26/2025

🌞 No Sun for Babies! 👶🧴

A huge thank you to and their Shared Services partnership for purchasing “No Sun for Babies” kits from

Impact Melanoma is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to reducing the incidence of melanoma and saving lives through education, prevention, and early detection.

Our VNA Maternal Child Health Nurses are proud to provide these kits to new parents- helping promote sun safety and protect babies from harmful UV rays starting at birth 🌈💛

08/22/2025

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Meet Our Public Health & Wellness Nurse- Lauren Forziati BSN RN 🌟

We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our incredible team members at CCHC- a dedicated Public Health and Wellness Nurse with the VNA of Cape Cod.

After starting her journey at Falmouth Hospital back in 2007, she explored new horizons before returning in 2022- and we’re so glad she did! Her dynamic role allows her the autonomy to provide personalized, one-on-one care to our community, a part of the job she truly values.

Outside of work, she’s a proud Fur Momma to a rescue pup, a beach and trail enthusiast, and a die-hard Patriots fan.
Thank you for bringing heart, passion, and dedication to the VNA every day! 💙

08/16/2025

📣 Fall Prevention and Home/Fire Safety Presentation with Sandwich Fire Prevention Officer Andrew Mandel 📣

Join us for an important Fall Prevention, Home Safety & Fire Prevention Presentation in collaboration with the VNA of Cape Cod and the Sandwich Fire Prevention Officer!

Learn simple, life-saving tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe at home. Topics being covered include:

🔥 Fall prevention strategies
🔥 Maintenance tips to help protect yourself and your home
🔥 Fire safety strategies
🔥 What happens if you call Sandwich EMS or Sandwich Fire

Don’t miss this opportunity to take control of your safety! Call the Sandwich Center for Active Living at (508) 888- 4737 to reserve your seat on Tuesday, August 19 at 1pm.

08/15/2025

💙 Handmade with Love 💙

The Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary is a nonprofit volunteer organization with over 200 dedicated members. With branches in Chatham/Harwich and Orleans, they also operate the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop in Hyannis.

We are forever grateful to the Chatham/Harwich branch for sharing a truly personal gift with our patients.

🍼 Handmade Pillowcases – crafted from beautiful fabric, carefully cut, sewn, and packaged with love – are gifted to families with infants and young children served by our VNA Maternal Child Health Nurses.

From start to finish, each stitch is a reminder that our community cares. 💙

08/07/2025

Discover Hidden Gems at the VNA Thriftique!

Located in Yarmouth Crossing (right near Ocean State Job Lot & the RMV), the VNA Thriftique is not your average thrift store! With a team of 23 amazing volunteers and 4 full-time staff, we create a friendly, welcoming space that’s always beautifully decorated for the season.

👗 Shop name-brand treasures like L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, Columbia, Champion, Vineyard Vines, Vera Bradley, and Lilly Pulitzer- many with tags still on!

🛒 With about 20 shoppers in-store at a time, things go fast- if you see something you love, don’t wait!

📦 Donations accepted Tuesday–Friday between 10AM–2PM at the back door

❌ Closed Sundays & Mondays

Every purchase supports the important community programs of the VNA of Cape Cod. Come shop with purpose- and style!

08/04/2025

🤱 National Breastfeeding Week 2025 | August 1–7 💞

“Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents”
This year’s theme celebrates the resilience of breastfeeding families and the importance of community and workplace support. 💼🤱

This week, we celebrate the strength, love, and commitment of breastfeeding parents everywhere. Breastfeeding provides countless benefits for both baby and parent- from nutrition and bonding to lifelong health. Whether you breastfeed for a day, a year, or choose another path, your journey matters.

💬 Need support? Our team is here to help with resources, education, and a listening ear.
📞 Reach out to us at (508) 957-7423

07/31/2025

📢 Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics! 🩺🎒

We’re offering 4 chances to get your child caught up on routine vaccines before school starts!

📍 Sandwich Center for Active Living | 1–4 PM
• Monday, August 4, 2025
• Monday, August 25, 2025
📍 Dennis VNA Office | 9 AM–12 PM
• Monday, August 18, 2025
• Monday, September 15, 2025

📋 Please call (508) 957-7423 to sign up
✅ No insurance needed
📄 We will need a copy of your child’s vaccine record!