2022 Annual Report Now Available!
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA) is a coalition of local people who work to improve the health and quality of life in Kennebec County, Maine. HCCA is a non-profit organization working on local, public health district, and state-level goals to improve public health.
Happy, thriving, interconnected people, organizations, and communities who are empowered to improve their quality of life.
Our organization is co-organizing the 1st Annual Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute!
The Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute (FSTSI) is a year-long professional opportunity for Maine schools/districts to develop a Farm to School (FTS) program. The FSTSI will support 6 schools or districts across the state. Schools will receive technical support from Maine’s FSTS experts and participate in a 3-day Academy Program from August 16 – 18th, 2022 at The Ecology School.
Thank you for your input! This past year, dozens of community members helped HCCA identify local public health and quality of life needs. These priorities, balanced with local public health data, will inform HCCA’s work for the foreseeable future.
CHIP Priority Areas
- older adults living in isolation
- and/or experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s
- free, family-friendly events for all
- overall sense of community connectedness – intergenerational
- poverty as root a cause for many/most issues
- substance use prevention, including vaping and behavioral health
- physical activity
- nutrition
- access to healthy foods
- impacts on health – heat, ticks, air/water quality, weather events
Transportation and housing were identified as priority areas that are outside of HCCA’s scope of work, but will be integrated as feasible and appropriate.
Thank you to The Bingham Program for generously supporting this project. Next steps include setting a timeline and goals, and identifying partners and resources to meet the goals. Reach out if you want to get involved!
What is Public Health?
News
Declutter
Spring is right around the corner! In just a few short days the sun will be shining, birds chirping, and plants sprouting. Spring is a great time to tackle some of those projects shelved during the winter. It’s also a great time to clean, declutter, and refresh your...
Launching the First Annual Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute!
School nutrition programs across Maine will soon sustainably incorporate local foods into their school meals, thanks to a new Farm & Sea to School Institute hosted by Healthy Communities of the Capital Area. HCCA, the fiscal home of Maine Farm to School,...
Maine Farmer’s Markets: Find Yourself in the Local Produce
What better way to spend a cold winter day than at your local farmer’s market? The farmers market is the perfect place to get fresh seasonal produce and locally crafted products any time of year. While not every market is open during the winter time there are several...
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Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Want to get involved with community health?
Reach out to us to set something up!