LEWISTON – “Chronic Disease: The Challenge In Maine” will be the third installment of a five-part mini-medical school educational series being offered by Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute on Wednesday, March 18.

Debra Wigand from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Maine Department of Health and Human Services will discuss the impact of chronic disease in Maine and what can be done about it.

Wigand provides leadership for a team approach to chronic disease, working with the asthma, comprehensive cancer, cardiovascular and diabetes prevention and control programs, and facilitates an integrated approach to strategically address chronic disease.

She served as program manager for the Maine CDC’s Cardiovascular Health Program from 2001 to 2008 and is a past chairperson of the National Chronic Disease Directors, Cardiovascular Health Council. She received a master’s of education degree in health education from Rhode Island College, in Providence, R.I., and has earned a certified health education specialist designation. In 2007, she was recognized with the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council’s Larry Johnson Memorial Award for Leadership.

She will make her presentation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Pettingill Hall, Room G52, at Bates College.

The series is open to the community and a background in science or medicine is not necessary to attend.

The remaining sessions include:

Wednesday, March 25, “Obesity Epidemic: What Can We Do?” with registered dietitian Corinne Carrier from Central Maine Bariatric Surgery.

Wednesday, April 1, “If I Crack My Knuckles Will I Get Arthritis?” with rheumatologist Dr. Aaron Jackson.

Anyone wishing to register for any of the programs or seeking more information, should call 795-8240 or e-mail [email protected].