CCC is excited to announce a new partner-wide training, Navigating New Realities: Substance Use Trends for Community Providers.  Learn about this virtual training below.

MPHA is currently accepting nominations for awards to be presented at our annual Spring Awards & Networking Event on Thursday, June 4th. The awards nomination deadline is this Friday, March 13th at 5 pm.  The MPHA Spring Awards & Networking Event is an opportunity for the public health community to come together to salute our partners, celebrate our accomplishments, network, reconnect with colleagues, and get energized for public health in 2026. You can preview the 2026 nomination form here.  Submit your nomination here.

---

Friday, March 13th, 8 – 9 am online: Meaningful measurements can help guide your business and capture relevant impact. How do you measure business success?  Join us to listen to, share with, and learn from one another in curious conversation. Save your spot.

---

March 17th, 10 am – 1 pm at the Machias CareerCenter: Join us to learn about local resources and meet with employers who are hiring.  No registration required.  Download a flyer to share.

---

Washington County Adult Ed is offering a Clinical Certified Medical Assistant course in collaboration with RSU 25 Adult Ed.  Classes start on March 30th.  See flyer for details.

---

Saturday, April 11th, 10 am – 3 pm, Reynolds Center: This family-friendly event will feature local vendors, student organizations, handmade goods and more — the perfect way to welcome the season and support our local community. Interested in being a vendor?  Register today using the QR code in this flyer or this link.  Join us for a day of community, creativity, and springtime fun!  Organized by the UMaine Machias Student Senate.

---

April 9th, 16th, and 23rd, 2 – 5 pm at Down East Community Hospital, Machias: Down East Hospice Volunteers is offering a new hybrid volunteer training program.  All are welcome! This free training combines three in-person training sessions with six flexible, self-paced online modules. Must attend all three days. A make-up day can be offered. Internet access required. Training covers grief and loss, stress management, dementia and Alzheimer’s, family dynamics, and more. No medical background is required. We welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. Click here for application.  For more information or to register, please contact (207) 454-9204 or info@downeasthospice.org.  Download a flyer to share.

---

Registration Open for TSLCA Summit

Tuesday, April14th, 9-12 & Thursday, April 16th, 12-3: Join the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging for this year’s summit: Lifelong Communities — The Future of Healthy Aging on Zoom.  During this virtual event we’ll reflect on the progress we’ve made creating lifelong communities where we can all live healthy, engaged and secure lives as we age, and discuss new strategies for building strong communities of organizations and individuals that support healthy aging in the years ahead. Register here.

---

Join the Community Caring Collaborative on April 16th from 9 am — 12 Noon for Navigating New Realities: Substance Use Trends for Community Providers, a 3-hour virtual training facilitated by Abby Frutchey, CCC Substance Use Response Coordinator, on emerging substance use trends: medicinal, recreational, illicit; policy shifts; and practical interventions. Hear from panelists, including Gordon Smith, Maine’s Director of Opioid Response for the State of Maine, and experts in clinical services, peer & harm reduction, and youth programs. Share insights and discover local and statewide services to support your community. Panelists will respond to your questions about what you may be seeing and hearing; youth involvement; available resources; and response strategies.  Participants will receive 3 contact hours upon submitting the post-training evaluation.  Register for this Zoom event.

---

Beth C. Wright Center Classes

• The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center continues to offer its monthly Fiber Arts Class, held on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 am to 2 pm.  Attendees are asked to bring their own supplies and a lunch. For additional information or to inquire about participation, please contact the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center (207) 664-0339.

• The Baileyville Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center is pleased to offer a three-part Wood Burning Course this spring at our Washington County Center in Baileyville. Taught by Paige Fitch, this hands-on series will introduce participants to the art of pyrography in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you are brand new to wood burning or looking to refine your skills, this course is a wonderful opportunity to explore your creativity and learn new techniques.  Classes will be held on Mondays from March 30 through April 13, from 4–5:30 pm. The cost is $25 per participant, which includes all necessary supplies (participants are asked to bring their own gloves). Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. To reserve your spot, please use this Google Form link: Wood Burning Sign-Up

---

Name our Three-County Community Action Agency

As work continues toward the formation of a new three‑county Community Action Agency, Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties (CAAWHC) is inviting residents across the region to participate in an online Community Survey focused specifically on helping choose the new name for the organization. The survey will remain open through March 18. Significant work has already taken place to shape the future of the three‑county agency. In early November, more than 70 consumers, community leaders, agency partners, and local officials from across Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties participated in a full‑day work session to help define priorities, opportunities, and expectations for the new organization. Their insights continue to guide the Agency’s development. A Nominating Committee with representation from all three counties is also actively recruiting Board Members from across the region. This newly constituted Board of Directors is expected to be seated by the end of May and will play a central role in steering the Agency through its next phase. Read More…

---

Maine Family Planning is seeking a full-time WIC Nutrition Counselor to work in our Ellsworth office (also staffing Milbridge outreach and sometimes covering vacation in Machias & Calais). Fantastic benefits.  Learn more and apply here.

---

From Downeast Public Health Council’s March 2026 Newsletter: Today, children are growing up in a world where media consumption is highly personalized. Media is everywhere and today’s children spend an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media such as TV, computers, phones and other electronic devices.  The 5C’s of Media Use is an approach that can be used to discuss children and screens with parents: Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out and Communication. This strategy aims to meet children, teenagers and parents where they are, develop insights and communication skills, and encourage healthy behavior change.

Parents can develop personalized media use plans for their children taking into account each child’s age, health, personality and developmental stage.  Access more information here.  

---

Read Entire Newsletter