Yarmouth Substance Awareness Committee (YSAC)
Addressing substance use, addiction, and prevention in the Yarmouth community — resources, education, and advocacy for those affected
Committee Members
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Chair | Presides over meetings, coordinates with town administration |
| Vice Chair | Supports chair and leads subcommittees |
| Members (several) | Community volunteers, often with lived experience, healthcare, education, or law enforcement backgrounds |
| Liaisons | Representatives from Yarmouth Police, Board of Health, Council on Aging, and/or Cape Cod Healthcare |
What YSAC Does
🎓 Prevention & Education
Coordinates substance use prevention education programs in Yarmouth schools and the broader community. Works with the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District and community organizations on youth-focused programs addressing alcohol, opioids, marijuana, and other substances.
🏥 Resource Navigation
Connects residents and families affected by substance use disorders to local, regional, and state treatment and recovery resources. Provides information about Cape Cod’s healthcare network, SAMHSA hotlines, peer recovery coaches, and naloxone availability.
🤝 Community Advocacy
Advocates for evidence-based policies and programs to address substance use disorders. Advises the Select Board on local policy matters such as pharmaceutical disposal programs, sober housing, and community-based recovery support services.
📣 Awareness Events
Organizes and participates in community awareness events, including drug take-back days, recovery month activities, and community forums. Partners with the Yarmouth Police Department, Council on Aging, and regional coalitions to maximize reach and impact.
Active Issues & Current Focus
Barnstable County has consistently had one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in Massachusetts. YSAC coordinates with the Cape Cod Opiate Council and state initiatives to expand naloxone distribution, reduce stigma, and increase access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Yarmouth.
Working with DY Regional School District on prevention programming for middle and high school students. Addressing rising concerns about vaping, marijuana edibles, and alcohol use among Yarmouth youth, particularly post-pandemic.
Expanding naloxone (Narcan) availability and training for residents, families, and community organizations. Working with the Board of Health and pharmacy partners to ensure residents can access and use this life-saving medication without barriers.
Advocating for adequate sober and recovery housing options in Yarmouth and on Cape Cod. Cape Cod’s housing crisis has made recovery housing scarce, creating barriers for people leaving treatment who need stable housing to sustain recovery.
Meetings & Resources
YSAC meets monthly at Yarmouth Town Hall. Meetings are open to the public. Anyone seeking substance use resources, treatment referrals, or wanting to get involved in prevention work is welcome to attend or contact the committee through the town’s official channels.
💜 If You Need Help Now
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7) — treatment referrals and information for substance use disorders.
Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: 1-800-327-5050 — connects callers to local treatment providers.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis counseling.
Cape Cod Healthcare: capecodhealth.org — local treatment and behavioral health services.
Recovery is possible. You are not alone.
Narcan (naloxone), the opioid reversal medication, is available free at Yarmouth Town Hall.