One of the ways in which we carry out our mission of community advocacy and communicating the importance of shopping local is to foster connection among organizations in order to improve the overall health of our region. Evidence shows that good economic health of a community is key to maintaining an individual’s physical and mental health, which is paramount to maintaining the vitality of a community. This is why it is so important for us to connect with organizations like Duffy Health Center that provides medical care, behavioral health services, treatment for substance use disorders and case management for the most vulnerable and at-risk Cape Codders.
© Christine Hochkeppel
As an agency Duffy cares for homeless individuals, as well as those at-risk for homelessness under “normal” circumstances. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, their team had to work tirelessly to identify and fill the gaps in services needed by those most vulnerable in our community during this crisis adapting their service model and incorporating some new systems to address the needs that arose as a result of the crisis. They moved as many of their appointments to a telehealth system as possible in order to keep their patients and staff safe, and it has been met with positive results. They also secured COVID-19 testing for the at-risk population, provide daily breakfasts (and an opportunity for connection) for many of their clients, and have distributed masks, hand sanitizer, toiletries and other necessities.
Duffy’s commitment to help Cape Cod’s most vulnerable population through the immediate critical needs presented by the virus was unwavering, and they will remain dedicated as the anticipated demand for their services rises during the economic slowdown and its resulting loss of housing, incomes and health insurance.
Through all of this Duffy has also maintained their outreach activities to the broader Cape Cod community hosting a podcast that introduces their audience to other community organizations and their work (our CEO, Amanda Converse, was a guest last month), and reimagining their inaugural Zero Proof sober/sober curious event meant to connect local restaurants with local consumers.
