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May 2024

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, this national month of awareness and action has been recognized since 1949, as mental health activists and practitioners across the country work to spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about. 


While it’s important to celebrate and take care of mental health every single day, it’s helpful to have somewhere to start. Check out this guide on how to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this year: 29 Ways To Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month (2023) (goodgoodgood.co). You can also visit https://988lifeline.org/, call or text 988 at any time to talk about mental health, substance use disorder, or if you're feeling suicidal.

Another Successful UNE Brain Fair!

CHCC sponsored and attended the UNE Brain, Body, and Wellness Fair on April 5th. We participated in the community tabling section of the fair and shared information about our programs with the attendees.


The fair promoted interest in STEM disciplines, neuroscience in particular. Students, professional staff, and faculty developed neuroscience-related hands-on activities and experiments for the general public, resulting in a science museum-like experience for the local community. The fair returned after a 5-year hiatus, so if you were not able to attend, then look for it next year!

Eyes Open: Education on Drug Misuse

Safety and education start at home. Talking with your kids is the first step to opioid misuse prevention, and it is important not to wait. Start talking about healthy decision-making as soon as preschool. When kids are young, it is important for them to know that what they put in their bodies has a big impact on their future. 


Educating yourself by knowing how to spot the warning signs of stimulant and opioid misuse (physical, emotional, and social) could change – and potentially save – a life. 

Learn More About the Warning Signs

Responsible Beverage Service Training

Wednesday, May 29th from 11AM-3PM

The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport

FREE - Click on Image to Register

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 avoid fines and lawsuits. 


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

Spring Community Meeting

Thursday, May 16th from 8:30AM-10:30AM

The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport

FREE - Click on Image to Register



The Maine Prevention Network (MPN) of York County Team will be hosting a county-wide event to officially introduce ourselves as a prevention team to all of our communities. This event will be an excellent opportunity to connect with the experts, stay informed of the latest data and prevention initiatives, and discover how you can support our efforts. And enjoy a delicious breakfast on us! 

Join the Project Alliance Coalition

Project Alliance is a Coalition of community members throughout northern York County who work together to create a healthier and thriving community. We are currently seeking more individuals to get involved and seeking the voices of teachers, parents, and other community leaders. 


If you would like to join or get more information, contact Project Alliance Coordinator Ethan Pollard at projectalliance@une.edu

Biddeford’s Lead Program

Click Here to Access Lead Prevention Resources & Funding

Maine Snap-ED Update



CHCC's SNAP-Educators wrapped up a handful of their monthly taste test classes with K-3 students around York County in April. Students were able to try tropical fruits like mangoes, kiwi, and pineapple while playing a fun game of BINGO.


The school year will wrap up this month with their taste test lessons focusing on pod vegetables.

Upcoming Community Events

Biddeford Community Garden’s

Third Annual Pollinator Celebration

Saturday, May 18th from 12PM-4PM

Rotary Park, Biddeford


As a major component of Biddeford’s commitment to the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors' Monarch Pledge, this FREE family-friendly event is a fun afternoon filled with connecting ages and cultures with diverse music, food, art, artisan-led ‘maker’ activities, and educational experiences. Festival goers will also be invited to tour the largest of Biddeford’s four communal gardens and are encouraged to join Biddeford Community Garden’s growing team of volunteer gardeners.


If you would like more information or to volunteer during this event, contact: Holly Culloton holly.mhcg@gmail.com

Pride in the Park


Saturday, June 1st from 10 AM-2 PM

(Rain Date: June 2nd)

Foss Road Fields, Saco


Join Saco Main Street for the First Annual Pride in the Park - a long overdue celebration of our surrounding LGBTQIA2S+ community! The main attraction will be a colorful powder run around the perimeter of Foss Fields, with six color stations ready to shower you with all the brightness. Tickets will be available soon!


Music by DJ Ben Spalding will keep the day going, as well as vendor booths from organizations like Out Maine, the TA Sage Club, and more support and awareness partners. There'll also be food and drinks from vendors - including the ever-popular Kona Ice!

Click Here for More Information

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

Open House

May 1 from 4 PM - 7 PM

45 Granite Street, Biddeford

Free Food Distribution

May 15 from 10 AM - 12 PM

Rotary Park, Biddeford

Bookmark CHCC's Website for All Upcoming Events

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition

207-602-3551

chcc@une.edu

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