The American Red Cross, Cape Cod and Islands Chapter, is starting a collaboration with the Medical Reserve Corps on the Island in support of local disaster relief efforts.

Jim Thomas of Oak Bluffs, staff relations manager for the Cape Cod and Islands Chapter, American Red Cross said in a statement: “I am really excited to work with these medical volunteers. Every shelter the Red Cross operates needs trained medical personnel and this will be a great step in expanding the volunteers available for local disasters and bigger events.”

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard is sponsoring a forum ­— An Insiders’ Guide to Hospice: What’s Old, What’s New, What’s Up ­— on Tuesday, August 4, at 5 p.m. Featured will be Dr. Donald Schumacher, chief executive of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in Washington, D.C.

The forum is free and open to the public. It will be held at the First Congregational Church in West Tisbury at State Road and Music street. Refreshments will follow.

This weekend Dr. Richard Brown, an associate professor in clinical psychology at Columbia University, will visit the Yoga Barn in West Tisbury, to teach breathing techniques that help allay anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and other maladies.

Dr. Brown’s work draws on the traditions of both ancient and modern mind-body techniques.

Salve Workshop

Holly Bellebuono of Vineyard Herbs returns to the Polly Hill Arboretum on Tuesday, July 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. for her popular salve-making workshop. This fun hands-on workshop starts with a walk to identify and collect medicinal herbs. Afterwards participants make their own oil infusions and beeswax-based ointments. Learn practical knowledge on when and how to use herbal salves, and take home your useful creation. Supplies are included. Cost is $40, $35 for Polly Hill Arboretum members. Please register in advance, call 508-693-9426.

A handwritten sign sat next to the cash register at Craig’s Bicycles: “Health Care Organizing Kickoff . . . Attend a local meeting here!” And so on June 9, a wet Tuesday evening in Vineyard Haven, a small but spirited group of nine people gathered around the spare parts and 12-speeds to debate of the future of health care in America.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard announced this week that it will join forces with a leading Cape Cod hospice organization, a move that will lead to expanded services including those covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance carriers.

The plan calls for Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod to become affiliated with the Vineyard hospice, which will retain its independence. An independent nonprofit based in Hyannis, Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod is the largest hospice organization on the Cape, with a $12 million annual operating budget.