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
   • 5210 Let’s Go Healthcare toolkit and resources
   • Maine CDC Physical Activity & Nutrition Program
   • Maine Public Health Association: Obesity Prevention
   • Prevent Harm from toxic chemicals in everyday life
   • Physicians for Social Responsibility Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit
   • Environmental Health Strategy Center
   • 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
   • MeCDC Local Public Health Districts & Statewide Coordinating Council for Public Health
6. Domestic Violence
   • Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
   • American Medical Association Violence Prevention Resources
   • Futures Without Violence
7. Climate Change
   • Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health
   • MMA Board Approves Climate Change Resolution
   • PSR Maine: The Health Crisis of Climate Change in Maine 2015 Executive Summary
   • Climate Change and Health In Maine

The MMA Public Health Committee also works to address 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 use disorder
• Tobacco use

Additional 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