Healthy Androscoggin planted an apple tree sapling on Sept. 26 at the Blake Street Community Garden. From the left are Angela Westhoff, Healthy Androscoggin; Laird Covey, CMMC; Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert; Peter Watko, Sisters of Charity Health System; and Kirsten Walter, Lots to Gardens.

Tree to grow with health system

LEWISTON – Healthy Androscoggin planted an apple tree sapling, given to by Gov. John Baldacci, on Sept. 26 at the Blake Street Community Garden.

The tree planting ceremony was held in partnership with Lots to Gardens, Sisters of Charity Health System, Central Maine Medical Center and Lewiston Public Schools.

Baldacci announced on Sept. 14 that Maine is kicking off the beginning of an emerging public health system. The apple tree symbolizes Maine’s innovative public health strategy.

The governor stated that health services will be better organized and delivered across the state by maximizing resources and building collaborations that will build better health for residents.

Healthy Androscoggin Executive Director Angela Westhoff said, “The apple tree is a symbol of the link between local, regional and state efforts to build a connected public health network. The tree will need to be nourished to grow stronger, but the roots are here and we certainly have the dedication of a lot of committed individuals to see this network flourish.”

Healthy Androscoggin planned the event in collaboration with Lots to Gardens, a Sisters of Charity Health System program, a community partner working to improve food access and food security for residents in the downtown areas.

Kirsten Walter from Lots to Garden spoke at the ceremony. She said, “We believe that community-based approaches to nutrition and health can bring fresh, dynamic practices to our emerging public health structures. Sisters of Charity Health System is excited to do our part in taking care of this apple tree and contributing to a healthier Maine.” Also speaking at the event was Laird Covey, COO for Central Maine Medical Center. CMMC, like Sisters of Charity Healthy System, has been a long-time supporter of Healthy Androscoggin and supports community-based approaches to public health and well being.

For more information on the emerging public health infrastructure in Androscoggin County, contact Westhoff at 795-5990. For more information on the coalition, visit www.healthyandros coggin.org.