Mental Health & Family Connection

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a reminder that supporting children’s success starts with their well-being. While parents often feel pressure to help their children achieve, one of the most important building blocks is strong mental health. Simple, consistent moments of connection can make a lasting difference. One of the easiest ways to build that connection is through family meals. Whether it’s dinner, breakfast, or even a snack, shared time together helps create routine, encourages healthier habits, and opens the door for meaningful conversations. Involving kids in cooking or setting the table can make it even more impactful. It doesn’t have to be every night—just intentional time to connect. For tips and conversation starters, visit The Family Dinner Project.

Start the Conversation

National Prevention Week (May 10–16, 2026), led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), highlights the power of prevention in building healthy communities. It’s also a great time for families to start, or continue, conversations about substance use. These discussions don’t need to be formal; in fact, ongoing, age-appropriate conversations during everyday moments—like car rides or meals—are often the most effective. Taking time to listen, ask questions, and share your values can help build trust and resilience.

The Power of Local Coalitions

Exciting opportunities are on the horizon! We will soon be posting several nutrition-focused positions as part of our expanding work in food-as-medicine and chronic disease prevention.

These roles will support individualized nutrition education, community programming, and innovative approaches to improving health outcomes. If you or someone you know is passionate about nutrition and community health, be sure to check our postings on the UNE website soon!

In the Community

Safe housing is essential to health. In Biddeford, partners began working together during April’s National Healthy Homes Month to address challenges such as lead exposure, poor indoor air quality, and the maintenance of older housing.

Recent roundtable discussions have brought together residents, property owners, and community partners to identify solutions and build on local strengths. These conversations are helping shape a Safe and Healthy Housing Summit focused on turning ideas into action. Supported by the Maine CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, this work connects housing, health, and education to create lasting impact for families and the community.

Own a Multi-Unit Property in Biddeford?

If you own a multi-unit property in Biddeford—especially one built before 1978—you may be eligible for significant support to improve safety and reduce lead hazards. The City’s Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes Program offers free professional services, including lead inspections, risk assessments, remediation planning, clearance testing, and maintenance guidance—valued at approximately $3,200 per unit. Property owners may also qualify for a 0% interest, 100% forgivable loan of up to $30,000 per unit to complete lead remediation and related safety improvements, including common areas such as hallways and stairways.

Beyond supporting property owners, this work has a direct impact on families—especially young children under age six, who are most at risk for lead exposure. Taking steps to make a property lead-safe helps ensure children can grow up in healthier homes and supports the long-term well-being of tenants and the broader community.

Upcoming Events

Prom & Graduation Season: 
Keep Celebrations Safe

As prom and graduation season approaches, it’s a time for celebration—and a great opportunity for parents to help keep youth safe. Campaigns like Parents Who Host, Lose the Most remind us that providing alcohol to minors, even in your own home, is not only risky—it can also lead to legal consequences. Hosting a safe, substance-free gathering sends a clear message about expectations and helps protect all young people involved.



The good news is that many youth today are making healthy choices, with fewer reporting alcohol and substance use than in past years. Parents still play a powerful role. Setting clear expectations, checking in about plans, and keeping communication open can make a real difference. Research shows that delaying or preventing substance use lowers the risk of future substance use disorders—making these conversations especially important during milestone moments like prom and graduation.

Celebrations don’t need alcohol to be memorable. By working together, families and communities can support safe, fun, and meaningful experiences that help youth step confidently into their next chapter.

Family Meals & Conversations

There is so much to celebrate in May, and as we are encouraging more opportunities for family meals and conversations, we want to share some healthy, easy recipes: Healthy, Thrifty Holiday Menus | SNAP-Ed.

For Mother’s Day, try this Magic Crust Quiche – we did a taste test and gave it high marks! This main dish is magically delicious. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand for this fun recipe.

Ingredients (Makes 6 servings)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
• 2 cups vegetables (can use frozen, fresh or leftovers)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, low-fat (shredded)
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk, 1%
• 3/4 cup baking mix (like Bisquick)

Directions

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Cook onion in oil (or cook with vegetables).
3. Cook vegetables (or use leftovers). Drain well.
4. Grease round pie pan or 8 x 8 inch baking dish.
5. Spread cooked vegetables in pan. Spread cheese on top of vegetables.
6. Mix milk, eggs, and baking mix. Pour over vegetables and cheese.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, until a safe internal temperature has been reached and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Help youth make smart choices before first use with Operation Parent’s upcoming webinar Helping Youth Navigate Influence. On May 5th at 1pm, Stanford REACH Lab will share ways to guide youth through ads, social media, and trends like nicotine pouches. Walk away with tips you can use and the confidence to have these important conversations as a trusted adult.

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition

207-602-3589

chcc@une.edu

Connect with us