Public input sought on state health plan

State health officials will hold regional forums around Maine over the next three weeks to gather public comments for the State Health Plan and to discuss the state’s emerging public health infrastructure.

Meetings will be held in each of the eight recently designated public health and human services districts, each of which is responsible for developing public health strategies tailored to the needs of its population. The districts are funded through a combination of state and federal dollars and will target public health issues such as diet and exercise, smoking cessation, substance abuse and the management of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

The State Health Plan is an outgrowth of Gov. John Baldacci’s Dirigo Health reforms. It seeks to create a comprehensive system of health care providers and services in the state while creating a “culture of health” through community programs, workplace wellness plans and other interventions. The initial plan was released in November 2005. By law it must be reviewed and revised every two years.

“Making the [health care] system more efficient and effective is a cornerstone of Dirigo Health reform,” Baldacci said in a recent press release announcing the public forums. “These meetings will provide critical input from local health officials and the public, which will help determine what we can do to be even better and to bring Maine closer to the goal of being the healthiest state in the nation.”

The meeting will include presentations from Trish Riley, director of the governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance, and Dr. Dora Anne Mills, director of Maine Center for Disease Control. Attendees will be asked to provide comment on their priorities for the next State Health Plan.

The public meetings will take place as follows:

. Waterville 12:30-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at Governor’s Restaurant.

. Ellsworth 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Holiday Inn.

. Bangor 12:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Ramada Inn.

. Caribou 8:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the Caribou Inn & Convention Center.

. Wells 8:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Village by the Sea.

. Portland 12:30-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay.

. Auburn 12:30-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at the Hilton Garden Inn.

. Rockland 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the Samoset Resort.

Those unable to attend one or more of these meetings may review the proceedings and register their opinions on the Dirigo Health Web site – www.dirigohealth.maine.gov – starting Oct. 15. For information, contact Elaine Lovejoy at 287-3266 or elaine.lovejoy@maine.gov.