The MMA recognizes the interrelated nature of medicine, public health and individual health. The MMA works to preserve Maine’s position as a leader in public health through education of physicians and the public, policy development and advocacy.

Public Health Committee members and staff regularly testify on legislative proposals pending in Augusta. To see written testimony on current bills, please click here.

Strategic Priorities

The MMA’s Committee on Public Health priority areas include:

1. The Opioid Crisis
2. Diabetes Prevention
3. Obesity & Environmental Toxins (including Maine’s Kid Safe Product Act & reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act) 
4. Physician Wellness
5. Preserving the Fund for a Healthy Maine & Public Health Infrastructure
6. Domestic Violence
7. Climate Change

For more resources or information about these areas, please see the links below:

1. The Opioid Crisis
   • End the Opioid Epidemic - AMA Site
   • President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis - Report
2. Diabetes Prevention
   • Prevent Diabetes STAT - Screen/Test/Act/Today
   • National Diabetes Prevention Program - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
   • Do I Have Diabetes - Take the Risk Test
3. Obesity & Environmental Toxins 
   Childhood obesity resources:Environmental Toxins:
   • 5210 Let’s Go Healthcare toolkit and resources
   • Healthy Maine Partnerships, working at the local level to improve health 
   • Maine CDC Physical Activity & Nutrition Program
   • Maine Public Health Association Obesity Policy Committee, advocating for policy change to reduce obesity
   • Explore the Link Between Chemicals, Obesity & Diabetes – Conference Materials
   • Physicians for Social Responsibility Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit
   • Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine and Environmental Health Strategy Center fact sheets and policy resources
   • Maine’s Kid Safe Products Act law and rules
4. Physician Wellness
   • Medical Professionals Health Program
5. Preserving the Fund for a Healthy Maine & Public Health Infrastructure
   • Maine Public Health Association Fund for A Healthy Maine Resources
   • MeCDC Division of Local Public Health & Statewide Coordinating Council for Public Health
6. Domestic Violence
   • Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
   • Online Training: Domestic Violence Response Initiative.  Free version (no CME credit), For CME Credit ($29)
   • American Medical Association Violence Prevention Resources
   • Futures Without Violence Health Resource Center
7. Climate Change
   • MMA Board Approves Climate Change Resolution
   • Health impacts of climate change and protecting the Clean Air Act

The MMA Public Health Committee also works to address a number of other public health issues, including:

• Childhood immunization and implementation of Maine’s Universal Vaccination Program
• Influenza, especially health care worker immunization rates
• Health disparities & access to health care
• Substance abuse
• Tobacco use

Additional useful links:

• Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Maine Public Health Association
• Physicians for Social Responsibility – Maine Chapter