Join Us.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS KEVIN MARSHALL | CHAIR MARGARET H. BLAIR DSC | VICE CHAIR LINA GILLIES | CLERK NEIL MARTTILA | TREASURER NATHAN COE BARBARA ELDER JANICE ELLSWORTH RANDALL LAUFENBERG JOSEPH OLSON
ADVISORY BOARD LORI D’ELIA GLORIA GRIMSHAW WILLIAM F. HUNTER, ESQ.
STAFF FRANCESCA S. IFANTIEDES | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LIBBY J. MAYNES | PROGRAM MANAGER TAYLOR M. KORPITA | MARKETING & SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER KATE AMODIO | PROGRAM MANAGER
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.� ~Margaret Mead
INTRODUCTION: ════════════════════════════════ Since 1989 we have worked to provide compassion and care to our Island’s residents infected or affected by HIV/AIDS by supporting each individual’s journey of being aware and getting connected. We have provided a safe haven for people who were sick and had nowhere else to turn and we continue to provide a trustworthy environment for families with questions and struggles of their own. As we set out on our original mission we did not anticipate how building a foundation around the simple principles of being aware and getting connected would prepare us to take such a great step forward in meeting the needs of a broader population. As we continue to build on the foundation that was laid almost 25 years ago, we remain dedicated to our work in HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C prevention, education and care by offering free testing services, counseling, risk reduction support, community trainings and youth education in Nantucket High School. In addition, with our transformation to access nantucket, we are working toward our vision of having the entire Nantucket community connected to care. access nantucket aims to highlight the amazing care and support available in our community, let those who need help know they are not alone and strengthen the collaborative environment amongst those who provide care. access nantucket supports the health and wellness of our Island community by connecting people to information and critical human services that have the power to transform the quality of their lives… even if they are 30 miles out to sea.
“NAN has a proven track record in knowing how to successfully connect people to the services they need,. We look forward to working together as they develop a system that organizes information on the services being provided by the island’s human service providers and supports people in connecting easily. The Town’s Human Services department will continue to offer services currently in place - oversight of Our Island Home, Saltmarsh Senior Center, Veteran’s Services, Commission on Disability and all services related to these entities.” ~ Pam Meriam, Director of Human Services for the Town of Nantucket.
“I see great value in NAN’s decision to expand their mission in this way. A centralized resource for all human services will not only support those individuals and families in need of services, but also those providing such services, including the hospital.” ~ Dr. Margot Hartmann, CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital
“At the Community Foundation for Nantucket, we are very excited about NAN’s expanded direction. There is clearly a need for a central resource to learn more about the myriad of helpful services available. We applaud NAN for stepping up to handle this important initiative.” ~ Margaretta Andrews, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Nantucket.
MISSION STATEMENT: access nantucket supports the health & wellness of our Island community by connecting people to information and critical human services that have the power to transform the quality of their lives. As the centralized access point for Nantucket’s human services, we will: Provide community outreach, education, and referral to services. Develop and manage a user-friendly website and database in order to provide easy identification and quick access to all the available resources. Capture and organize data to assess the Island’s human service needs and landscape. Create a forum that supports collaboration, teamwork and shared knowledge. Maintain our commitment to HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis C prevention, education, and case management.
CASE MANAGEMENT access nantucket’s case management services help Nantucket residents living with HIV/AIDS and/ or Hepatitis C navigate the complex medical, insurance and other benefit systems that may be available.
WELLNESS SUPPORT access nantucket recognizes that living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C presents complex challenges to an individual’s overall health and resources. We offer assistance with the following: Prescription Medications Transportation for medical, dental, mental health & social service appointments Alternative Therapies Medical, dental and mental health bills that are not covered by insurance
“I care because I have had Hepatitis C for 50 years and it is very likely there are a couple hundred other people on Nantucket that have it as well. I care because I want them to get checked so they don’t have to go through what I went through.” David Goodman/ access nantucket
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE access nantucket offers emergency temporary assistance for those living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C who are financially unable to meet their basic obligations for the necessities of life (i.e., food, shelter, heat, non-prescriptive medications, etc.).
TESTING & COUNSELING
“I care because of the fourteen individuals who are intravenous drugs users, all under the age of 25, that I have worked with in the past four months to reduce their risks of HIV and Hepatitis C.” Libby Maynes/ access nantucket
The following services include pre- and post-test counseling which includes education on transmission risks, risk assessments, risk reduction planning and supported referrals for follow-up care or other service needs, as identified by the client. *Must be 13 years or older to receive these services. Available at the access nantucket office or other location as requested; walk-in Tuesday & Thursday, 9am—4pm or by appt. Rapid HIV Testing Rapid Hepatitis C Testing Screening for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia & Syphilis Counseling and risk reduction strategies for high risk individuals
HUMAN SERVICE INFORMATION & REFERRAL access nantucket’s information & referral system allows community member to identify and connect with the services they or their clients need through an online database, by calling 508.228.3955, or stopping by our office at 35 old south road @ keypost corner.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH The following services include a variety of approaches to provide all members of the Nantucket community with accurate information and tools for maximum health & wellness. Peers Promoting Action & Awarenes (PPAA): a Nantucket High School club focused on peer leadership and education in healthy decision making Community Trainings/Education Free condoms, risk reduction tools & information Individual risk assessments & supported referrals Mass in Motion Coordination: promoting opportunities for healthy eating and active living in Nantucket
“I care because as a member of the senior community on Nantucket I realize the special needs that this group has. They need to be loved, cared for, and receive special attention.” Phil Read/ Elder Safety Committee
*All services are free and available in both English & Spanish.
“I care because my brother has autism and I feel that when we are in Nantucket we can be ourselves more than when we are anywhere else.” Mary Biggs & Family/Autism Speaks Resource Center
35 OLD SOUTH ROAD @ KEYPOST CORNER | NANTUCKET, MA 02554 | P: 508.228.3955 | F: 508.325.7178 | ACCESSNANTUCKET.ORG