Rates of youth suicide attempts, deaths by suicide, and non-suicidal self-injuries have increased in the last decade. Current research indicates an association between the amount and type of screen time and the prevalence of cyberbullying, with the rise in youth suicide-related behaviors. Understanding the connection between screen time, how youth use digital media, and their mental health is more important than ever.  

Children and Screens’ newest Research-at-a-Glance, “Suicide, Self-Harm, and Digital Media Use,” distills the latest research into a clear, two-page visual summary designed especially for parents, caregivers, and professionals who work with children and adolescents.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

The Nonantum Resort

The Maine Prevention Network (MPN) of York County Team will be hosting its second annual county-wide community meeting focused on Strengthening Youth Mental Health. This event will be an excellent opportunity to connect with the experts, stay informed of the latest data and prevention initiatives, and discover how you can support youth in adopting healthy habits and fostering resilience.

All participants will enjoy a free, delicious breakfast!

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Via Zoom

Our first Parents' Prevention Café is coming up, and you’re invited! This month’s topic is “Talking to Teens About Substance Use: Building Trust Through Conversation.” We know these conversations aren’t always easy, but they’re so important. In this discussion, we’ll share practical tips and explore how to have meaningful, age-appropriate discussions with your child that can make a real impact.

Bring your lunch, bring your questions, and leave with new tools to support your family.

No judgment. Just real talk. Let’s prevent youth substance use together—one conversation at a time. FMI, contact us at ProjectAlliance@une.edu. 

As graduation season approaches, it's a time to celebrate milestones and achievements—but also a time to stay mindful of teen safety. It's a common myth that allowing teens to drink at home with adult supervision is safer than letting them attend unsupervised parties. The truth? There’s no safe way to allow underage drinking.

Research shows that teens who drink, even in supervised settings, are more likely to continue risky alcohol use and experience alcohol-related harm. That’s why campaigns like Parents Who Host Lose the Most, developed by the Prevention Action Alliance, urge parents to avoid hosting or allowing underage drinking at any celebration.

Providing alcohol to minors is not only unsafe—it’s illegal. It can lead to legal consequences for adults and lasting harm for teens. Let’s give our graduates the gift of a safe, substance-free celebration—and send the message that we care too much to take chances.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The Nonantum Resort

95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport

Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training was created by the Maine CDC to give the workers who make decisions about IDs, age, sobriety, and their worksite safety (on top of a host of other responsibilities on their shoulders) the best skills and information possible to protect their customers, their staff, and their community.

Servers and sellers play an important role in reducing the effects of overconsumption and underage access to alcohol. Public health data shows that retailers and restaurant servers impact the preservation of local safety. When you and your team are trained in the responsible methods for serving alcohol for safe consumption, your neighbors, families, and community all benefit and experience increased safety and well‐being. RBS training helps you to keep your work environment low-stress and thriving. On top of that, being trained in RBS can help individuals and their establishments avoid fines and lawsuits.

Thursday, June 6, 2025

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Via Zoom

Join us for a dynamic and informative session designed for employers interested in supporting recovery in the workplace. We’ll be joined by a representative from the Pinetree Institute, who will provide an introduction to the Recovery-Friendly Workplace initiative. This training counts as one of the required sessions for employers seeking the official Recovery-Friendly Workplace designation.

Following the training, we will host a live panel discussion featuring local employers who have already adopted the Recovery Friendly model. They'll share their real-world experiences, strategies, and lessons learned—and answer your questions about what it takes to build a workplace that supports wellness, resilience, and opportunity.

Support your community. Support recovery. Strengthen your workplace.

FMI, contact us at ProjectAlliance@une.edu. 

The Project Alliance Coalition is looking to connect with Homeschoolers, Scouts, and other youth groups to talk about how we can collaborate and activities that we would like to support. If you are a homeschooling group or leader of youth programming for middle and high school students, please reach out, and let’s talk about ways that we can help you support the health/mental health and wellness of your youth.

To get involved, please email the Project Alliance Coalition at projectalliance@une.edu.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

27 Mayflower Drive, Sanford

Join York County SNAP-Educator Hannah Lynch, who will host a free Cooking Matters Pop-up Store Tour. Cooking Matters teaches participants to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices, and cook delicious, affordable meals.

Open to the community - no registration required. All attendees will receive a $10 Hannaford Gift Card.

CHCC in the Community

Monday, May 12, 2025

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Biddeford Middle School

Join CHCC staff at the Biddeford & Saco Rising Multicultural Event hosted by the Biddeford and Saco School Departments. CHCC will highlight information about Safe Housing and SNAP-Education, along with making one-on-one connections with families to provide access to helpful resources.

Open to the community - no registration required. Free transportation is available by completing this form in advance. FMI, contact biddefordsacorising@gmail.com.

Things To Do & Community Resources

Eastern Trail parkrun

Every Saturday

9:00 AM

Eastern Trail, Biddeford

Join this free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate every Saturday. This parkrun takes place on the Eastern Trail located behind the MMC/MaineHealth Hospital in Biddeford (formerly SMHC). Parking and access to the start/finish line on the Eastern Trail are available in the hospital parking lot on Medical Center Drive in Biddeford. 

Registration is required through the parkrun website (bring your barcode to ensure your result is recorded). You only need to register once and can then attend any parkrun event around the world!

For more information, visit Biddeford Recreation.

Free Food & Clothing

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition

207-602-3551

chcc@une.edu

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