“Medical cannabis patients should have the right to a safe medicine"--Dr. Carey S. Cadieux

Ticks Are Everywhere: How to Enjoy the Outdoors Safely This Season

For this episode Matt interviews Adina Bercowicz, MPH, Founder and Executive Director of LymeTV. [https://LymeTV.org] Matt and Adina discuss the surge in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in Maine, what folks can do to enjoy the outdoors safely this season, and policy solutions that would increase funding for research into tests and treatments for tick-borne illness.

What Does Leadership Look Like?

For this episode we dig into the concept of leadership with Leo Waterston, an Executive and Career Coach at Waterston Coaching & Coaching, LLC [https://waterstoncoaching.com/]. Leo is also Board President of the Maine Public Health Association and has a wealth of experience leading and engaging in public health efforts in Maine. After the interview with Leo stay tuned for a quick conversation with one of the editors of the new Small Acts newsletter, an example of community leadership in action.

Keith Carson: Meeting Folks Where They're At On Climate Change

Happy Earth Day!  For this episode of HMT Matt speaks with Keith Carson, former meteorologist turned Director of Environment and Science Communications at Maine Conservation Voters. [https://www.maineconservation.org/] Matt and Keith talk about how to effectively communicate about issues like climate change. As Keith says in the interview, it's important to meet folks where they're at, and sometimes that means the first goal is just to make sure they see the same reality as you.

Trescott Community Conversation: Health & Resilience

On 4/30 MPHA and AARP co-hosted a “Community Conversation on Health, Aging, and Resilience in Rural Maine” at the Cobscook Institute in the Township of Trescott. About 15 folks showed up from the surrounding towns to share what’s top of mind for them when it comes to their own health and the well-being of their communities. Hear what some of them had to say in this episode of Healthy Maine Talks.  Check out the housing resource we discussed that older adults can use to find vetted tenants, Nesterly.  [https://www.mainehousing.org/nesterly]

Maine Roots, Global Reach: The Shaw Institute of Public and Planetary Health

Happy National Public Health Week!  For this episode Matt speaks with University of New England Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Gwendolyn Mahon, M.Sc., Ph.D. about UNE's new Institute of Public and Planetary Health. We dig into the Institute's mission and how it's aiming to support students and have a positive impact in Maine and across the world.  We're also excited to announce an innovative,  transdisciplinary workforce training partnership between UNE and MPHA, see more details here.  [https://www.mainepublichealth.org/news/mpha-une-partnership] Update 4/28: UNE recently announced a $5 million gift from entrepreneur, activist, and impact investor David Evans Shaw to advance the University’s work at the intersection of environmental and human health. The new institute is now named the Shaw Institute of Public and Planetary Health.