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July 2025
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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Navigating Uncertainty:
Resources for Support
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There has been considerable discussion at the federal level about potential changes to funding for essential programs, such as Medicaid—which helps many families access health care—and SNAP—which helps people afford nutritious food. This uncertainty can feel overwhelming, especially for parents trying to care for their children or for individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes, substance use disorder, or cancer.
The good news is: support is available—and reaching out before you're in crisis can make a big difference. Get connected to resources early to help you plan ahead and avoid more serious challenges down the road.
| | | 📞 Need Support?
Start Here:
In Maine, 211 is a free and confidential service that connects you to local resources. You can call anytime to get help with things like:
- Food assistance
- Health insurance and medical care
- Mental health and substance use services
- Housing, utilities, and more
Just dial 211 or visit 211maine.org. | 🧠 Feeling Overwhelmed
or Stressed?
It’s okay to not feel okay. If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org, to talk to a trained counselor who can help with:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health or substance use crises
- Any kind of emotional distress
Support is free and confidential—for you or someone you’re worried about. | | | |
Your Voice Matters
Sharing your experiences with federal lawmakers can help them better under-
stand what Maine families need. If you rely on Medicaid for your health care or SNAP to help feed your family, let them know what these programs mean to you.
Here’s how to reach Maine’s federal delegation:
- Senator Susan Collins – (202) 224‑2523
- Senator Angus King – (202) 224‑5344
- Rep. Chellie Pingree (District 1) – (202) 225‑6116
- Rep. Jared Golden (District 2) – (202) 225‑6306
You don’t need to be an expert—just speak from the heart. Even a short message can make a big impact. Together, we can make sure that health care, food access, and mental health remain top priorities for our families and communities.
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National Hemp Month
What Families Should Know About Hemp & CBD
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Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years and is used in a wide range of products—including textiles, rope, paper, building materials, and body care items. In recent years, it’s also become known for producing CBD (cannabidiol), a non-intoxicating compound found in many wellness products. The public's perception of CBD remains mixed, despite its popularity in forms such as oils, gummies, and topical creams. How Americans view CBD today—who’s using it, why they’re interested, and what questions still remain is explored in this recent Forbes Health survey.
It can be easy for young people—and adults—to be confused about what’s safe, what’s legal, and what’s appropriate. Here is what you need to know:
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You must be 21 or older to legally purchase CBD products in Maine, whether online or in stores.
- CBD products are not FDA-approved medications (except for one prescription drug for epilepsy), and many are unregulated—meaning labels can be misleading or inaccurate.
Why It Matters for Prevention
- Hemp ≠ marijuana, but both come from the cannabis plant.
- Some CBD products may contain hidden THC or other ingredients not listed on the label.
- Young people may assume “natural” or “legal” means “safe.” But using substances too early can increase the risk of future use and dependency.
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Talk with Kids & Teens
- Ask what they’ve seen or heard about CBD, hemp, or cannabis.
- Share facts and express your values—honest, open conversations go a long way.
- Explain that hemp has many responsible uses, but that doesn’t mean every product made from hemp is safe for youth.
- If they’re using CBD to relax or manage stress, help them explore healthier ways to cope—like talking to a trusted adult or accessing mental health support.
- Remind them: “Wanting to feel better is normal. You deserve real support that works and keeps you safe.”
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JOIN OUR TEAM
THIS SUMMER
Project Coordinator for
Community Health Initiative
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Temporary/Summer-Focused Project Coordinator for Project Alliance
CHCC is seeking a Project Coordinator to support our Project Alliance Coalition as part of the final phase of our 10-year Drug Free Communities grant. This short-term, high-impact opportunity is ideal for educators with summers off, recent graduates, or community-minded individuals looking to make a difference in youth substance use prevention and build experience in public health / community organizing efforts.
This is a grant-funded, temporary position through September 29, 2025. It offers a unique chance to create a lasting impact during a critical period of our work.
As part of the University of New England, you’ll enjoy a supportive environment and access to a competitive benefits package. For more info or if interested, email Cheri Anderson, Director of CHCC, at canderson51@une.edu, or Apply Today.
| | Could Your Job or Hobby Be Putting Your Family at Risk for Lead Poisoning? | | |
Even if your home is free from lead hazards, certain jobs and hobbies may still expose your family—especially young children and pregnant women—to dangerous lead dust. Activities like remodeling older buildings, working at firing ranges, soldering pipes, or creating stained glass can all bring lead into your environment without you realizing it.
Lead dust can cling to clothing, tools, and even hair or skin, making it easy to unknowingly track it into your car or home.
Protecting your loved ones starts with awareness and simple safety steps. Read the full article below and access a free lead dust test kit to protect your family and prevent lead poisoning—because it’s 100% preventable.
To learn more about how the City of Biddeford is working to reduce lead-based paint hazards, click here.
| | A Day in the Life of a SNAP Educator | | |
To give everyone a glimpse into the work we do, here’s a snapshot of a day in the life of a SNAP-Ed Educator—highlighting one particularly full and rewarding day in May.
SNAP-Ed Educators Lex Abbatello and Hannah Lynch began their morning at Old Orchard Beach Alternative Pathways, where they led a nutrition education class called 10 Tips for Teens for high school students. Along with engaging in meaningful discussions about healthy eating, the students also rolled up their sleeves and cooked pumpkin pancakes, chocolate hummus, and quesadillas. For many participants, it was their first time trying culinary skills like cracking eggs, flipping pancakes, and preparing nutritious meals from scratch—a proud and exciting moment for everyone involved!
After a busy and fulfilling morning, the day continued into the evening at the Biddeford/Saco Rising Event, hosted at Biddeford Middle School. There, we reconnected with former students, met their families, and led interactive nutrition activities for the children in attendance. It was a joy to see familiar faces, build new connections, and share in the community spirit.
A day in the life of a SNAP-Ed Educator is often fast-paced and full of variety—from teaching nutrition lessons and cooking with students to engaging with communities at local events. No two days are ever quite the same—but each one is an opportunity to make a lasting impact!
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| Refreshing Recipes for Summer Heat | | The 10 Tips Cookbook: Eating Healthy on a Budget | Maine SNAP-Ed has packaged 24 recipes from the 10 Tips curriculum into a cookbook for you. The recipes in this cookbook use a variety of foods from MyPlate and reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, providing you with a tool you can trust. | |  | Help your family eat healthy. Live healthy. Be healthy. | Sign up to get text messages from Maine SNAP-Ed and we will help you and your family shop, cook and eat healthy on a budget. From tips on healthy eating and low-cost recipes to grocery shopping ideas and how to get your family to drink more water, we can help! | | | ICYMI: Creating a Recovery-Friendly Workplace — A Webinar for Employers | | |
On June 25th, CHCC hosted an insightful webinar featuring Brittany Reichmann of Recovery Friendly Workplace Maine and the Pinetree Institute. She guided employers through what it means to earn a Recovery-Friendly Workplace designation and the steps to obtain it.
Brittany also shared examples of current designees and highlighted how these businesses actively support recovery for their employees and the broader community. This session offered valuable strategies for creating a supportive environment that fosters wellbeing and recovery at work.
Interested businesses looking to get involved can connect with Mia Taranko at mtaranko@une.edu or reach out to Recovery Friendly Workplace Maine directly by filling out a Letter of Interest. To learn more, be sure to check out the comprehensive Employer Brochure and stay tuned for upcoming sessions and resources to help your workplace become recovery-friendly!
| | Did you know that just a few minutes of unprotected sun exposure each day can add up to serious health risks over time? Every July, UV Safety Month shines a spotlight on the hidden dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and why sun protection matters more than you might think. Backed by leading organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this nationwide public health campaign provides essential tips to help you safeguard your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Don’t miss the full article for practical ways to stay safe in the sun all summer long. | | Stay Cool at the New Saco Splash Pad | | |
Free & Open Daily from 10AM–7PM
Looking for a fun and free way to stay cool this summer? Saco has just the spot! A brand-new splash pad is now open beside the Saco Community Center at 75 Franklin Street, offering a playful escape from the heat for children and adults alike. With water jets that spray, mist, and pour, it’s a great place to cool down and enjoy some outdoor fun. This new addition to the community was made possible thanks to a partnership between the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club, the Saco Parks & Recreation Department, and local sponsors.
| | Kids Eat FREE this Summer | | Many children face hunger during the summer when they lose access to school meals. This year, several ways are available to combat summer hunger, including Summer EBT SUN Bucks ($120 per school-aged child), open meal sites for those 18 and younger, free food distributions through YouthFull Maine, and delivery meal service for those in rural areas. | | |
Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition
207-602-3551
chcc@une.edu
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