Newsletter to the Community - JULY 2026

Simple Summer Tips

for a Healthy & Safe Season

Summer is a great time to enjoy Maine's parks, beaches, community events, and outdoor activities. Whether you're spending time with family, working on home projects, or simply enjoying the longer days, small actions can help keep your family healthy and safe all season long.

Quick Tips

Safe Storage Matters.
Store alcohol, cannabis products, and medications securely out of reach of children and teens. Safe storage helps prevent accidental poisoning and opportunities for misuse.
Eat the Colors of Summer.
Fresh fruits and vegetables like berries, tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens provide important nutrients that support healthy growth and development.
Practice water safety.
Wear a life jacket when boating or kayaking and always supervise children.

Lead Testing Matters.
Lead poisoning often has no obvious symptoms. Children can look healthy and still have an elevated blood lead level. Maine recommends lead testing at ages 1 and 2.
Stay hydrated.
Pack a reusable water bottle.
Protect your skin.
Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade during the day.
Keep bugs away.
Use bug spray and check for ticks after being outdoors.

Pool Safety Education

July 16th from 9-11 AM at The Nonantum Resort

Help keep guests, families, and children safe this summer! Owners and operators of hotels, motels, and resorts with swimming pools are encouraged to attend and learn practical strategies to help prevent drowning incidents. The program is also open to the public, so anyone interested in water safety is welcome to participate. For more information, call 207-967-8614.

Guidelines for Healthy & Safe Swimming

What's Up with All the Recent Fires?

It seems like we've been hearing about more fires lately—inside apartments, in homes, and even outdoors. While every situation is different, these incidents are a good reminder that fire safety starts at home.

Fire Safety Tips

✔ Test smoke alarms monthly

✔ Never disconnect, remove, or disable a smoke alarm

✔ If a smoke alarm sounds while cooking, use the hush/silence button if available rather than removing the battery

✔ Keep exits, hallways, and stairways clear

✔ Keep grills and fire pits away from buildings and dry vegetation

Smoke alarms provide an early warning, giving you precious minutes to escape. Take a few minutes today to test your alarms—it could save a life.

Investing in Safe,
Healthy Housing in Biddeford

The City of Biddeford is working to increase the availability of safe, healthy housing through its Lead Hazard Control Program.

Owners of eligible older properties may qualify for free lead inspections, technical assistance, and financial resources to complete needed improvements. These investments help protect children, support tenants, preserve older buildings, and strengthen our community's housing supply.

Contact the City of Biddeford Lead Hazard Control Program to learn more about available resources.

Get a Free Lead Test Kit for your Home

Learn about Lead-Safe Renovations & Funding

Can I Live Safely in an Older Home?

Yes! Many families throughout York County live safely in homes built before 1978. While older homes may have some unique health and safety concerns, many risks can be reduced through routine maintenance and a few simple habits.

Common concerns include:

Lead-based paint and dust
Mold and moisture
Indoor air quality
Falls and injuries
Fire and carbon monoxide hazards

Simple Steps for a Healthier Home

✔ Wet-clean floors and windowsills regularly

✔ Wash hands before meals and after outdoor play

✔ Address leaks and moisture problems promptly

✔ Keep stairs and hallways clear of clutter

✔ Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly

✔ Have children tested for lead at ages 1 and 2

Older doesn't mean unsafe. With regular maintenance and healthy habits, older homes can be safe, healthy places for families to live and thrive.

Refrigerator magnets with healthy reminders are available! Contact chccme@une.edu or Stop by McArthur Library's Children’s Room.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Click Here to Learn More & Apply

Small Moments Matter

You don't have to plan expensive activities or have hours of free time to make a difference in a child's life. Research shows that young people who feel connected to caring adults are more likely to make healthy choices and less likely to use alcohol or other drugs.

Recipe Corner:

Summer Berry Yogurt Parfaits

Looking for a healthy summer snack or breakfast?

Layer the following in a cup or mason jar:

• ½ cup low-fat vanilla or plain yogurt

• Fresh Maine strawberries or blueberries

• Whole-grain granola

• A sprinkle of chopped nuts (optional)

Repeat layers and enjoy!

Why it's healthy: Dairy foods provide calcium, berries are rich in vitamin C, and together support healthy growth and development.

Check Out a Local Farmers' Market

Summer Produce Guide & Recipes

Chamber Champions Recovery Friendly Workplaces

Congratulations to the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry for taking a leadership role in promoting healthier, more supportive recovery friendly workplaces. Through its partnership with the Pine Tree Institute, the Chamber is helping connect local employers with this free statewide program that reduces stigma, supports employee well-being, and strengthens Maine's workforce. We applaud the Chamber for encouraging businesses across our region to learn more and become certified.

Learn more: Recovery Friendly Workplace Maine

Bookmark CHCC's Website for All Upcoming Events

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition

207-602-3589

chcc@une.edu

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