Raising Awareness for Hoarding as a Mental Health Condition
Hoarding disorder affects the Cape community in a number ways.  According to the Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force, people who hoard have difficulty discarding items, have problems with too much clutter, and/or have a problem with acquiring too much. Their living spaces are often so cluttered that they can no longer use rooms, and residents face threats to housing stability, health from falls, lack of egress in emergencies and refuse.  The American Psychiatric Association now includes Hoarding Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Through training and panel discussions, the Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force is raising awareness of hoarding, how it affects individuals, first responders, and their community, and how to help. Consider attending an event to learn more.
Training and Events
Hoarder Homes: Piles of Hazards for EMS
Managing patient care and access in a hoarding environment
June 7, 2017, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Barnstable County Fire Rescue Training Academy, 155 South Flint Rock Rd, Hyannis.
Sponsored by the Barnstable County Fire Rescue Training Academy. More info and register here.
Hoarding: On to Recovery
June 10, 2017, 10:00 -11:30 AM
Veterans Memorial Community Center, Off Winslow St., Provincetown.
Free and open to the public.
For more information contact the Community Resource Navigator at navigator@outercape.org or 774-722-5704.
Hoarding Intervention Training Institute Certificate Program
June 19-21, 2017, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
MBHP Offices, 125 Lincoln St., Boston, MA
Three-day certificate program for professionals across diverse disciplines. Cost $425.
Learn more
Panel Discussion on Hoarding
June 21, 2017, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Orleans Council on Aging, 150 Rock Harbor Rd., Orleans, MA
For more information, contact Erika Woods at 508-375-6620 or info@hoardingcapecod.org
Ongoing Support Groups
Buried in Treasures Workshops
A series of 15 sessions spread over 20 weeks are available on a rolling basis throughout the Cape.
Registration is required for the series.
For more information, visit website or contact Erika Woods at 508-375-6620 or info@hoardingcapecod.org
Clutterers Anonymous Support Group
A self-help 12-step recovery program for clutterers and hoarders.
Wednesdays 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street, Harwich, MA
Contact Maryanne at 508-243-8721 or visit Clutterers Anonymous
Barnstable County Department of Human Services serves on the Executive Committee of the Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force in that behavioral health is a major health and human service focus area for the Department.
