Things in Augusta are topsy-turvy these days, with valuable and irreplaceable programs on the chopping block while others of less importance continue to be funded.
I understand the economic challenges facing our state and the efforts required by the governor and Legislature to balance the budget. However, it is critical that all of this be kept in the proper perspective in terms of value to our population.
The Healthy Maine Partnerships are essentially Maine’s only prevention program. If we don’t choose to fund this program now, we are choosing to pay much more later for treatment.
Maine’s system of public health coalitions has been 30 years in the making and with the passage of this budget could be gone forever taking with it 120 jobs throughout the state, as well as our substance abuse prevention program and educational efforts to improve citizens’ health through better nutrition and a more active lifestyle.
The loss of these programs would represent a giant step backward for our state; we absolutely cannot allow this to happen.
If this concerns you, then please contact your local legislators and make your feelings known. The future of these important programs is in your hands.
Willard A. Monsell
Damariscotta
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