August 2024
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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Wednesday, August 21st
9-10:30 AM or 2-3:30 PM
City Theater, 205 Main Street, Biddeford
REGISTER HERE or Scan the QR Code below.
Mark your calendars and join us for our second annual Employee Wellness Summit for a day dedicated to health, well-being, and self-care!
This FREE Event Features:
- Insightful presentations from valuable community resources such as 211 Maine, Maine Crisis Support Services (988), and the Maine QuitLink.
- An opportunity to learn about the essential wellness services and support networks available.
- Light refreshments and free raffle prizes!
If you own a business and are willing to donate a raffle prize to support this event, please get in touch with Alissa Wigglesworth at awigglesworth@une.edu or
207-602-3551. Your contribution will help make the summit a memorable and impactful experience for all participants.
Don't miss this opportunity to promote wellness and connect with resources.
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Keep Your Child Safe Against Lead | |
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Did you know that Biddeford is one of five high-risk areas designated by the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) for having the greatest burden of children with lead poisoning?
In 2021, 295 children under age six in Biddeford were screened. Of those, an estimated 3% or 8 children had a blood level at or above 5 ug/dL. There is no safe level of lead in the blood.
The most common cause of childhood lead poisoning comes from lead paint dust in homes built prior to 1978. Even a tiny amount of lead dust can cause significant harm to young children as their brains are still developing. A lead-poisoned child may experience behavior problems, learning disabilities, hearing damage, speech delays, and lower intelligence.
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NOW HIRING:
Part-Time Project Coordinator
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This part-time Project Coordinator will develop, execute, and assess childhood lead poisoning prevention strategies and oversee their implementation. The position will be responsible for forming a stakeholder coalition, conducting community education and awareness campaigns through training sessions, participating in community events and speaking engagements, and utilizing multimedia channels (e.g., social media, PSAs, etc.).
Located in Biddeford, this role requires reliable transportation to attend activities and flexibility for occasional evening and weekend commitments. Funded entirely through grants, this position provides an opportunity to engage a diverse community in efforts to promote healthier outcomes for children and their families. To learn more, email Director Cheri Anderson directly at csullivan29@une.edu.
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Take a positive step toward addressing stigma by learning practical strategies you can put into practice every day.
Seven Ways to Reduce Stigma
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Know the Facts: Educate yourself about substance use disorders.
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Be Aware: Reflect on your attitudes and behaviors influenced by your upbringing and society.
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Choose Words Carefully: The language we use can shape others' attitudes.
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Educate Others: Share accurate information and challenge stereotypes.
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Focus on Positives: Remember that substance use is just one part of a person’s life.
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Support People: Treat everyone with dignity and respect, offering support and encouragement.
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Include Everyone: Ensure equal access to jobs and services.
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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.
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Our SNAP Educators are hard at work this summer!
Teens in Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach summer programs are working on following a recipe, honing their knife skills, and preparing new snacks. Elementary students in Old Orchard Beach have been learning about all the food groups, listening to new stories, and taste-testing some new fruits and vegetables. Sanford YMCA is hosting a Cooking Matters Families class, and several adult groups throughout York County are learning about eating better on a budget through our 10 Tips for Adults classes.
Farmers’ Markets are full of fresh fruits and vegetables! One of our nutrition educators recently attended Saco Farmers’ to promote the POP (Power of Produce) program!
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The Power of Produce (PoP) Club is a FREE kids program at Farmers' Markets. Each week, children can receive a $2 voucher to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Plus, keep an eye out for special PoP club activities throughout the summer! Visit PoP Clubs at Kennebunk Farmers' Market, Kittery Community Market, Saco Farmers' Market, and Sanford Farmers' Market. | |
RBS Trainer Certification Course | |
Tuesday, August 20 & Thursday, August 22
9 AM - 12:30 PM via Zoom (Must Attend Both Days)
REGISTER HERE or Scan the QR Code below.
Sign up now for the Virtual "Train the Trainer" Responsible Beverage Sales and Service (RBS) certification course below. This training provides those who make decisions about IDs, age, sobriety, and worksite safety with the best skills and information possible to protect their customers, staff, and community. In addition, being trained in RBS can help individuals and their establishments avoid fines and lawsuits.
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Be Responsible with Medications | |
Safe storage is the easiest way to prevent drug misuse. It takes very little time and keeps children, pets, family, and visitors safe. Click the image below to learn simple ways to store your medications safely. | |
August is National
Immunization Awareness Month
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about why vaccines are important for people of all ages and how they can help prevent serious, sometimes deadly, diseases and illnesses. Immunizations play a key role in keeping your family and your community healthy.
Vaccinations protect not only the person receiving them but also help prevent diseases from spreading to others, such as family, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and other members of the community. Immunization helps protect those most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elders, and those with weakened immune systems.
Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. In the United States, vaccines have greatly reduced infectious diseases that once routinely caused severe illness and death. During August, we encourage you to talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional to ensure that you and your family are protected against serious diseases by getting caught up on routine vaccinations.
Although no vaccine is 100% effective, it is the first step in protecting yourself, your family, and others from serious illness.
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Saturday, August 17th
Starting at 11 AM
FREE Family Fun!
From art and music to a petting zoo and fireworks, check out Biddeford’s River Jam alongside the gorgeous Saco River! Be sure to stop by and say hi to CHCC staff as we feature a resource table showcasing our programs, including childhood lead poisoning prevention and the City of Biddeford’s lead program.
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Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition
207-602-3551
chcc@une.edu
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