Susan Crippen was introduced as the Community Partnership Assistant, hired to implement the Tobacco Healthy Disparity mini-grant. The PPHC has received a $13,000 grant to expand collaboration with Penquis CAP, the Penquis Oral Health Coalition and OB/GYNs, targeting adults age 18-44 with particular focus on those adults with low socio-economic status and women of childbearing age. The funds will be used to expand PPHC capacity for a one-year period, using social marketing strategies. Crippen will take on this role, in addition to her ongoing work with North Country Healthy Communities.

Robin Mayo reviewed the successful Bureau of Health site visit conducted on May 10, and shared reviewers' comments. Goals identified included working on substance abuse issues, and promoting the asset development concept used by the Search Institute.

Dawna Blackstone and Corey Smith showed their Every 15 Minutes video and provided information on the successful program conducted last month at Greenville High School on prevention of alcohol-related traffic accidents. Efforts are now under way to expand this program next year into Dover-Foxcroft and Milo high schools. Robin Mayo formally recognized Blackstone for her leadership in coordinating Every 15 Minutes.

Susan Crippen provided status reports on the feasibility study for a countywide public health system, as well as an update of sustainability issues relating to the Fund for a Healthy Maine. Robin noted the next request for proposals for continuation of the Healthy Maine Partnership is expected in January, 2006.

Greg Bellemare led a discussion on the Search Institute approach to identifying the 40 developmental assets needed for young people to grow up into responsible adults. It was agreed that the developmental assets survey approach was worth further exploration and could prove valuable to the work of the PPHC. It was noted that Mayo's Counseling Program had done considerable work in this area under former director Will Hunter, and that Hunter might be invited to the next PPHC meeting to share past experiences.

Next meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1-3 p.m. at Mayo.

Minutes submitted by: Tom Lizotte