JAY — All residents are urged to attend a community conversation initiative to make public health improvements in Greater Franklin County.

Growing concerns about poverty, obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, rising cardiovascular diseases, gaps in mental health services, and a range other health indicators will be the focus of a Community Health Needs Assessment taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at Spruce Mountain Middle School.

A partnership of Maine’s largest health care providers and the state has released its report card on how Maine and its counties are progressing on a host of factors that contribute to overall public health. Nancy Birkhimer, director of public health performance improvement at the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will present key findings of the data at the forum that will provide a snapshot designed to be a conversation starter.

The public and other attendees representing health care organizations, social service agencies, businesses and schools, will then break into facilitated smaller groups to contribute ideas, perspectives and come up with plans on what can be done collectively to make public health improvements.

A preview of the data may be seen prior to the forum at www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/phdata/SHNAPP/county-reports.shtml.

The Community Health Needs Assessment process is being administered by staff of Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County and Franklin Community Health Network, who have analyzed the data and identified top community health issues.

Past CHNA forums have led to improved transportation services, expanded dental and mental health services, domestic violence awareness initiatives, and expanded specialty care partnerships, among others.

Child care, limited transportation and refreshments will be provided.

FMI, register: 207-779-2830, [email protected], events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vklqafcab&oeidk=a07ec58i7pkfdde4203.