Last year our local Healthy Maine Partnership coalition, Healthy Androscoggin, faced a budget cut. It was welcome news when Gov. Baldacci followed through on his commitment to restore the $4.6 million cut to the Fund for A Healthy Maine. Maine has led the way for tobacco control, as evidenced in the Tobacco Control Report Card issued by the American Lung Association. Maine received straight “A”s.

Our comprehensive program has resulted in reductions in youth and adult tobacco use. We must continue our efforts because tobacco is still the leading cause of preventable deaths in Maine. By restoring these funds, hundreds of Mainers will have the resources they need to quit smoking and thousands of others will continue to remain smoke-free.

Restoring the cuts to the Fund for A Healthy Maine means a lot to our community. It means that Healthy Androscoggin’s Tar Wars program, available to every fifth-grade student, will continue for another year. Last year, Healthy Androscoggin volunteers gave 49 presentations in 16 schools in Androscoggin County. Work sites throughout Androscoggin County will continue to receive free assistance in improving work-site wellness. Since 2001, 113 businesses and organizations have received the Work Healthy Award for placing a high priority on health. These work sites save money by reducing employee turnover, decreasing sick time and increasing productivity.

This good news means that Maine residents can continue to live in a state that values the health of its citizens.

Jim Handy, vice chairman, Healthy Androscoggin Board of Directors, Lewiston

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