The group reviewed the current draft workplan and suggested additions. Fruitful discussions occurred around several concepts to apply to the workplan.

Several people discussed initiatives that are already happening at their school or worksite that could be incorporated into next year's work plan. The group discussed various ways of achieving the work plan's goals, suggested several additional strategies, and came up with key contact people for some initiatives. The potential involvement of youth in many efforts was discussed.

Don Siviski mentioned the importance of making performance indicators and objectives that are easily measured. He also explained the importance of learning what people's perception is about a problem. The PPHC should find a way to help them adopt behavior change in a way that is attractive to them, educating them in the process. This means identifying what people perceive as a problem versus what we perceive as a problem- to see things from their viewpoint. An example given was a well-known athletic coach from the University of Maine that came to speak to the schools some time ago. He spoke to the audience with a nutritionist. Together they explained how nutrition affects athletic performance. In this way, both young athletes and their parents learned about the importance of proper nutrition, in the context of becoming better athletes.

The group discussed possibilities to create bike and walk paths on the area's former railroad tracks. In addition, the road between Dover-Foxcroft and Guilford will be redone within the next year, and plans are being made now for doing that. The group decided to contact MDOT about installing a bike path alongside this repaved road. We discussed the Transportation Enhancement grant program that was mentioned at the last PPHC meeting (a 1-page description was offered to participants at that meeting) and the potential positive impact on tourism. The group envisioned a collaboration of municipalities that would apply for the grant funding and develop a regional bike path system from former railroad tracks.

Anita Cooley brought message from Will Hunter, MRH Substance Abuse program, as he was not able to attend. Regarding Goal 2, Objective 2, Performance Indicators A and B, they are committed to offering the continuum of cessation programs outlined in the workplan. Regarding Goal 2, Objective 3, Performance Indicators A and B, they will support physicians to do brief interventions using motivational interviewing and styles of intervention. In regards to Goal 1, Objective 2, Performance Indicator K, the department can offer cessation sessions at the workplace of large employers as well.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Renée Speh