FARMINGTON – Worried about the rising costs of health care? Interested in the latest local and national health news? Want to comment on service cutbacks, health issues or proposed legislation? Looking for a flu shot clinic in your area?

If so, visit the Maine Health Forum Web site, sponsored by Franklin Community Health Network and Franklin Memorial Hospital.

The Web site is a nonpartisan resource for those interested in better health for themselves and for all of Maine, including health professionals, students, business and community leaders, policy advocates, health insurers, government leaders and Maine residents.

The site, www.mainehealthforum.org, reached a landmark recently when it exceeded 500,000 user hits since its inception in 2005.

“The Maine Health Forum is the best resource for current health care information, events, news, and opinions for Maine,” said Emily Brostek, Maine Health Forum editor. “The Maine Health Forum is part of FCHN’s efforts to develop collaborative and practical ways of improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care.”

According to Brostek, the forum offers something for everyone, including current local and national health news and a news archive; a schedule of health-related events and programs; consumer health information on topics such as Medicare D, living wills, health insurance options, available financial assistance for prescription drugs, and flu and bird flu information; employment information; legislation and policy advocacy; and health career information.

Nearly 40 Maine organizations are members of the Maine Health Forum. To submit a paper or article or to become a member, use the online submission form on the site or contact Brostek at 779-2102 or e-mail ebrostek@fchn.org.