Barnstable County Department of Human Services Hires New Substance Use Prevention Program Manager
Position collaborates with regional stakeholders and partners on critical substance use issues impacting Cape Cod
September 13, 2021 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Department of Human Services is pleased to announce the hire of Kate Lena as Program Manager for Substance Use Prevention. Ms. Lena will continue the Department’s work on planning and implementing substance use policy, practice, and systems change within the County. The position is funded by two grants from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction totaling $225,000 per year. With these funds the Human Services Department provides strategic planning, technical assistance, and sub-grants to town coalitions, school districts, and prevention providers across the Cape.
The Substance Use Prevention Program Manager actively participates on the Barnstable County Regional Substance Use Council (RSAC). RSAC provides regular communication across towns, providers, organizations, and individuals on Cape Cod. RSAC, established in 2014, focuses on identifying and addressing gaps and disparities in the region’s service system, and aims to maximize inter-agency collaboration and funding and resource opportunities.
[su_quote]“Kate’s professional experiences and education made her ideally suited for the position,” said Director of Human Services Joseph Pacheco. “Her background will allow her to get to work on behalf of the County on day one.”[/su_quote]
Ms. Lena joins the department, having served in various public health and harm reduction positions throughout her career, including serving as Director of Prevention and Screening for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod; She holds a Master of Public Health degree from Northeastern University.
ABOUT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
The mission of the Department of Human Services is to plan, develop, and implement programs that enhance the overall delivery of human services in Barnstable County and promote the health and social well-being of County residents through regional efforts that improve coordination of services. For more information, visit https://www.bchumanservices.net/
###
