December 29, 2003

For more information:

Helena Peterson, 667-5304 x 232
healthy@downeasthealth.org

ELLSWORTH - In this season of peace and New Year's resolutions, one group is asking the question, "How can Ellsworth achieve our vision to live free from addictions to tobacco, alcohol and drugs?" On Tuesday, January 6, 2004, the Union River Healthy Communities Coalition is hosting a community dialogue on “Freedom from Addiction” at the Ellsworth City Hall from 4pm to 6pm.

The informal conversation will center around the questions: How big is the problem? How can we prevent abuse of substances? What help is available to those who want to quit? What groups are currently working on substance abuse prevention, and how can we work together? Everyone is invited to hear from local service providers, volunteers, and professionals, and to share their own stories if they wish. The conversation is of special interest to schools, law enforcement, city government, churches and other organizations serving the health and well being of youth and adults. A facilitator will guide the dialogue.

"The value in gathering for a dialogue, is to see who and what organizations are dedicated to this health issue, working toward solutions; and to make links and collaborations", says Betsy Arntzen, co-chair of the coalition. She adds, "Everyone interested in this issue is invited to participate."

The Union River Healthy Communities Coalition authored the Ellsworth Community Health Plan 2003, a twelve-point plan to improve the quality of life in our communities by building on local energy and assets. The plan was presented to the City Council and is mentioned in the draft Comprehensive Plan. The coalition is hosting this dialogue as the second in a series of public forums about community health issues. The first was the public dialogue covering transportation issues, held in October, 2003.

The Union River Healthy Communities Coalition is a non-profit community organization whose membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Union River region with an interest in the goals of the coalition. Its mission is to organize people and resources dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Union River region, through education, advocacy and action. The coalition is coordinated by Coastal Hancock Healthy Communities, a program of Downeast Health Services, a Healthy Maine Partnership funded by Maine Bureau of Health.