WELLFLEET — Outer Cape Health Services must reduce its hours and possibly close one of its three clinics at least temporarily because of the financial pressure imposed on the organization […]
Health & Healthcare
HEALTH
An Isolation How-to
Social distancing is hard, but it’s not forever
As cases of COVID-19 begin to be diagnosed in our towns, Cape residents are taking social distancing seriously. “We’ve been really rigorous about it. No play dates. No socializing with […]
DISPATCHES
Postcards From the Pandemic
Personal reports from around the world to the Outer Cape
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have truly become, despite all the fear and barriers, a global family. Near or far, we are facing the same risks and many of the […]
SOCIAL SERVICES
Who to Call if You Need Help
There’s a network of support for those in need
PROVINCETOWN — Both the lives and finances of many on the Outer Cape have been rapidly undone by the coronavirus. With movement restricted and the economy at a halt, new […]
CORONAVIRUS
Truro Native Offers Perspective From China
Fever clinics, not herbs, help a country turn the corner
TRURO — Thomas Garran has left his apartment complex in Beijing only three times in the last two months. Those times he did leave, he had his temperature taken upon […]
THE PANDEMIC
Cape Works to Meet Growing Need for Coronavirus Testing
The supply of tests remains scarce; hospital capacity is limited
Updated at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. PROVINCETOWN — Outer Cape Health Services will test patients for the coronavirus, but they must first call one of the OCHS health clinics […]
COVID-19 Q & A
Answers About the Virus From Medical Experts
The Independent asked some commonly heard questions of medical authorities this week. Here are their answers. Is the severity of the situation being overblown? “No. This is an incredibly serious […]
HEALTH
Navigators Help Police Deal With Crisis Calls
Mental health and substance abuse are most pressing issues
Last year, 600 to 700 calls to the Wellfleet Police Dept. resulted in police reports. Of those, half involved mental health or substance abuse issues. Providing crisis intervention is now […]
HEALTH
Cape Prepares, Though Virus May Not Spread Quickly Here
Take the same preventive measures as for colds and flu
With recent cases in Rhode Island and Washington state, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will eventually reach us. “It’s not a matter of if this comes to Cape Cod, it’s a matter […]
URGENT CARE
Costa Rica Trip Becomes Ordeal for Hopkins
Family, friends mobilize to help stricken Truro farmer
TRURO — John Hopkins went to Costa Rica to do yoga, meditate, and otherwise boost his immune system. He has ended up fighting for his life in a private hospital […]
HEALTH
For Outer Cape Kids, Healthy Teeth Take Extra Effort
Care needs to start early, but awareness and access vary
Tooth decay is preventable but it’s still the most common chronic disease of children and adolescents, according to the Centers for Disease Control. With February being Children’s Dental Health Month, […]
HEALTH
Medical Weed May Not Reach Outer Cape
Lots of marijuana for recreation, but no assurances for patients
PROVINCETOWN — Recreational marijuana stores are coming to the Outer Cape in a big way, but it’s not clear that any of them will provide medical formulations of the drug […]
HEALTH
AIDS Support Group Hires New President
From HIV to heroin, the focus remains helping the marginalized
PROVINCETOWN — The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod board has named Dan Gates as president and CEO. Gates, 47, replaces Joe Carleo, who resigned in late October. Spokeswoman Leslie […]
HEALTH
New Laws Would Help Teens Get PrEP and Abortions
Sen. Cyr and Rep. Peake would allow access without parental consent
Two bills being promoted by the Outer Cape’s representatives in the Massachusetts legislature would expand minors’ access to medical care without the consent or knowledge of their parents. One concerns […]
LIFE & DEATH
Creating a Caring Place to Die
Lily House would offer round-the-clock care so residents won’t have to die alone
PROVINCETOWN — Ever since Dawn Walsh arrived in Provincetown she has been working to take fear and ignorance out of the experience of death. She founded the Day of the […]
