May 2023

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

WE MOVED!

CHCC is now located at 208 Graham Street in Biddeford, formally the DHHS office. We are excited to be in a new space where we are more central to several local schools and other community organizations to better collaborate and support the needs of Northern York County.

Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness each year. During May, many partake in the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Goals include fighting stigma, providing support, educating the public, and advocating for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

You can help spread the word through awareness, support, and advocacy activities, such as sharing these awareness information images and graphics for #MHAM throughout May.

FMI on getting involved and other mental health resources, click here.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

May 18, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm via Zoom

United Way of Southern Maine is partnering with NAMI Maine to provide free Mental Health First Aid training to the public. Mental Health First Aid teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. As rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and overdose deaths increase in our community, these training opportunities are more necessary than ever. Together, we can take action to help more people live longer, better lives.

On average, 11 years pass between when someone first experiences symptoms of mental illness and when they get help. Individuals trained in Mental Health First Aid can shorten that time by identifying and supporting those who may be developing symptoms or experiencing a crisis and referring them to outside help. Attending this training also supports the Thrive2027 goal of helping us all live longer, healthier lives.

If you are interested in attending, please click the image below or reach out to Nina Misra at nmisra@uwsme.org.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

PROJECT ALLIANCE

GUEST SPEAKER: NAMI Maine

Thursday, May 18, 2023

3-4 PM via Zoom

An overview of NAMI Maine's programming, including Mental Health First Aid and Sources of Strength--a program that creates a positive attitude among students related to mental health and help-seeking behavior.

Click Here to Register &View Upcoming Presenters

CHCC NEEDS YOUR INPUT!

CHCC, in partnership with the Maine Resilience Building Network, is excited to announce a “Community Conversations” series locally in the next several months. The conversations will allow community members to be creative and forward-thinking in envisioning a future for our youth – one where they feel valued, supported, heard, and welcomed.

We aim to better understand YOUR community assets and perspective on ways we can come together and support civic engagement or community action to enhance the well-being of our youth. We want to know how we can best make the voice of youth a part of our work, doing with them, not for them.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Cheri Anderson at csullivan29@une.edu.

Click Here to Register & View Upcoming Presenters

3 Towns: 1 Community C.A.R.E.S.

Thursday, May 11 from 6-7 PM

Did you miss our naloxone training and community forum last month at the West Kennebunk Fire Department? No problem, join us in Kennebunkport this month for another opportunity to be trained in and receive naloxone!

FREE Responsible Beverage

Server and Seller Training

Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training was created by the Maine CDC to give the workers who make decisions about IDs, age, sobriety, and their worksite safety (on top of a host of other responsibilities on their shoulders) the best skills and information possible to protect their customers, their staff, and their community.

Servers and sellers play an important role in reducing the effects of overconsumption and underage access to alcohol. Public health data shows that retailers and restaurant servers impact the preservation of local safety. When you and your team are trained in the responsible methods for serving alcohol for safe consumption, your neighbors, families, and community all benefit and experience increased safety and well‐being. RBS training helps you to keep your work environment low-stress and thriving. On top of that, being trained in RBS can help individuals and their establishments to avoid fines and lawsuits.

Registration below. For more information, contact Alissa Wigglesworth at awigglesworth@une.edu.

HOW TOXIC IS LEAD PAINT?

Learn how to prevent and stop potential harm.

Check out this interview with the City of Biddeford’s Lead Program Director Gail Wilkerson as she explains the effects of lead poisoning on young children; cleaning procedures; free testing and relocation to protect children; and funding available to landlords for abatement and healthy home inspections for fire/carbon monoxide safety upgrades.

For questions about Biddeford’s program, call Gail at 207-284-9115 ext. 6 or visit the City of Biddeford’s website linked here.

Click Here for Additional Resources

Free CONNECT Community Fair

May 3, 2023 from 2-4 pm

St. Martha's Church in Kennebunk

Come see CHCC and connect with your community! The Kennebunk/Kenne-bunkport/ Arundel Chamber is hosting a fun all-ages fair including many of the area's nonprofits and community services. Learn about ways to get involved, volunteer, and local events happening this summer.

*BONUS* Touch a Truck for the kids!

Click Here to Learn More