February 4th is World Cancer Day, an international observance to raise awareness of and encourage cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Did you know alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 10 different types of cancers? 

According to the CDC, when you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down into a chemical which damages your DNA. This damage ultimately prevents your cells’ normal function allowing for them to grow out of control and create a cancer tumor.

To learn more about how alcohol can increase your risk of cancer (and which cancer type), click here.

Thursday, February 1st

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public

Library's Community Room

Join us for an informal community gathering focused on mental health and substance use disorder.



• Discuss: What it means to be "Sober Curious" and the different approaches one can take. Some may have participated in the "Dry January" movement of not consuming alcohol. This month's discussion allows us to explore continuing this healthy choice.

• Learn About: Naloxone (Narcan) - A demonstration and free Naloxone will be available.

• Questions: Call Kennebunkport Public Health Department at 207-967-4401.

1 in 4 kids and teens live in families impacted by parental addiction. They are so often the first hurt and last helped, yet the impact of living in a household with addiction can be lifelong. Children of addiction are desperate for the support and understanding that can bring hope and healing, including caring adults who can help stop their pain and isolation and help them embrace recovery.

Children of Addiction Awareness Week, February 11-17, breaks the silence that engulfs and traps kids and teens living with parental addiction and offers the chance for children at risk to become children of promise. Whether it’s alcohol, opioids, or other substances, the pain and anguish for children living with addiction are the same, and it only takes one caring adult to change the trajectory of a child's life.

Help make a difference in the lives of kids and teens by registering today for the below Speaker Series by renowned experts who will focus on mental health, addiction trauma, resources for help, hope, and healing while inspiring caring adults to help.  

To learn more or register for one session or the full series, click here. 

Project Alliance is a Coalition of community members throughout northern York County who work together to create a more healthy 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. 

Lead dust most commonly comes from:

• Opening and closing old-painted windows
• Peeling or chipping paint
• Repair projects that disturb old paint
• Worn-painted floors and stairs

Simple ways to minimize lead exposure in your home or rental property exist (click "Learn More" button). If you live in Biddeford and want to do more to help increase the availability of safe, lead-free, hazard free housing, contact to contact chcc@une.edu.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Looking for something delicious and healthy for your special Valentine? Check out this simple Razzleberry Shiver Recipe.

This month our SNAP-Educators will taste-test mandarin oranges with their K-3 students to ensure classrooms are still getting some much-needed Vitamin C through the winter.

Mark your calendar! Biddeford’s WinterFest returns the weekend of February 9-11, 2024. Join us for a cabin-fever busting weekend of snow and fun-filled events for the whole family in the center of downtown!

Visit biddefordwinterfest.org for schedule and programming updates, sponsorship information, and more.

Sunday, February 18 from 1-3 PM

Clifford Park, Biddeford

You might want to try out Earthcaching if you are a nature lover. Learn more on this two-mile hike to visit a waterfall Earthcache in Clifford Park. An Earthcache is a type of geocache that involves visiting a geological feature and answering questions related to the geological feature or processes present at the location. Earthcaches provide an opportunity for individuals and families alike to get outside and learn something new while enjoying nature. This is an entry-level program designed for those who want to learn more about Earthcaching. Information to know in advance is available by clicking below.

No School

February 19-23

Winter Break

Free Food Distribution

February 21 from 10 AM - 12 PM

Rotary Park, Biddeford

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition

207-602-3551

chcc@une.edu

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