LEWISTON – After a brief hiatus, the Creating a Healthier Community Series is returning to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center to explore public health issues facing the community.

The series will examine themes from the Healthy Maine 2010 public health initiative. Each month will feature a different strategy, an expert in the field, as well as conversation and practical advice.

April will feature an overview of Healthy Maine 2010 with a specific focus on the challenges of occupational health and safety. Speaker Louise Morang, RN, of WorkMed Occupational Health Services, will present the topic.

Morang has specialized in occupational health for more than 20 years and is a board certified occupational health nurse. She received her diploma as a registered nurse from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.

Morang has served as the past president and vice president of the Maine Association of Occupational Health Nurses and on the boards of the Northeast Association of Health Nurses.

The first luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in the Lepage Conference Center, 99 Campus Ave.

Described in past years as a networking luncheon for community agencies and service groups, the series will meet on a monthly basis with the main purpose of bringing public health into a community discussion.

A light lunch will be provided at no cost, but pre-registration is required by calling the education hotline at 753-5467.