Newsletter to the Community - AUGUST 2026

Stronger, Healthier Communities - Together
Building connections, promoting health, and
creating opportunities across York County

August is a month of connection. As families prepare for a new school year and neighbors gather at community events, it's a wonderful time to reconnect and discover the many ways we can support one another. In this month's newsletter, we're highlighting opportunities to get involved, introducing new members of our team, and sharing simple ways to help keep our families and communities healthy.

(L-R) Cheri Anderson, Director; Carrie Karchmer, Project Coordinator; Susanna Henry, NourishME Nutrition Educator; and Hannah Viden, Summer Intern.

(Not pictured) Bonnie DeFiore, Senior Nutrition Educator, who is on maternity leave after welcoming baby Collette. We look forward to welcoming her back next month!

Connect with Your Community
at National Night Out

National Night Out is an annual community-building event that brings neighbors, law enforcement, first responders, local organizations, and families together. These gatherings strengthen relationships, promote safety, and remind us that healthy communities are built through trust, connection, and neighbors looking out for one another.

Stop by and say hello!

We'd love to meet you, share information about our programs, and connect you with resources that support healthy families.

Learn more about National Night Out

Welcome to Our Team

We're excited to welcome two new staff members

who will help expand our work throughout York County.

Carrie Karchmer –
Project Coordinator

Hello! My name is Carrie Karchmer, and I'm excited to join CHCC as a Project Coordinator.

I recently graduated from UCLA with a degree in Human Biology and Society and a minor in Anthropology. I look forward to working alongside community members to increase access to substance use prevention and childhood lead poisoning prevention resources while helping create positive public health change throughout York County.

When I'm not working, you'll usually find me skiing, hiking, or spending time with friends and family.

Susanna Henry – Nutrition Educator

Hello! My name is Susanna Henry, and I'm excited to join CHCC as a Nutrition Educator through our new NourishME program.

I earned my Master's in Public Health Nutrition and completed my dietetic internship at Case Western Reserve University with a focus on maternal and child nutrition.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching baseball, hiking with friends, and reading—especially The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Introducing NourishME!

Healthy food is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve health.

NourishME is a new nutrition initiative through the Rural Health Transformation Program, funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Our goal is to improve health and help prevent and manage chronic diseases by making it easier for people living in rural communities to access healthy food and nutrition support.

Working alongside healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and food programs, NourishME will help connect people with nutrition education, food security screenings and referrals, food pantries and food pharmacies, healthy food resources, and youth wellness initiatives.

As we begin rolling out NourishME across York County, you'll be hearing more about nutrition classes, community events, and opportunities to partner with us. We look forward to working together to build healthier communities.

Questions or partnership ideas?
We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at chcc@une.edu.

Check Out a Local Farmers' Market

Summer Produce Guide & Recipes

Get a Free Lead Test Kit for your Home

Learn about Lead-Safe Renovations & Funding

Help Shape a Healthier Future for Youth

Project Alliance is a community coalition working to prevent youth substance misuse in the Biddeford and Saco school communities. Parents, educators, youth leaders, community organizations, healthcare professionals, and other community partners work together to create environments where young people can thrive.

We're growing our coalition and are especially looking for parents, youth leaders, and faith community representatives who want to make a difference. Your experiences, ideas, and voice are valuable, and together we can build healthier, stronger communities for our youth.

To learn more or get involved, contact Project Alliance Coordinator Carrie Karchmer at projectalliance@une.edu.

Learn More About Youth Substance Misuse Prevention

A Healthy Start to the School Year

International Overdose Awareness Day August 31, 2026

International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those we have lost, support individuals and families affected by substance use, and reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.

Overdose can happen in any community. Education, compassion, and preparedness save lives.

If you'd like information about free naloxone, substance use prevention resources, or ways to support someone you care about, Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition is here to help.