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.

The Public Health Committee regularly drafts and submits resolutions for consideration at the MMA Annual Session. Click here for MMA policies on public health-related issues that have been approved at Annual Session from 2000-2013. Public Health Committee members and staff also 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 has established four priority areas for 2012 and 2013:

1. Obesity & Environmental Toxins (including Maine’s Kid Safe Product Act & reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act) 
2. Physician Wellness
3. Preserving the Fund for a Healthy Maine & Public Health Infrastructure
4. Domestic Violence

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

1. Obesity & Environmental Toxins 
   Childhood obesity resources:
   • 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

   Environmental Toxins:

   • 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
2. Physician Wellness
   • Medical Professionals Health Program
3. 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
4. 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

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 and anti-tobacco policy
• Health impacts of climate change and protecting the Clean Air Act

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