FARMINGTON – If you suffer from a chronic disease, you’re not alone. Whether it’s diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, or cancer, many members of our community need help managing their health or locating affordable health services.
Healthy Community Coalition is one of 28 Healthy Maine Partnerships that is spreading the word on resources available in Maine to help to promote health and wellness. One such resource is 2-1-1, a statewide information clearinghouse that offers free 24-hour service to the public. An individual with a chronic disease calling 2-1-1 receives help from a trained representative based in Maine, who can provide access to information and health resources for specific needs in the caller’s community.
“Trying to find the right information can sometimes be overwhelming. 211 is a convenient and efficient method to link people with chronic diseases to the support they need,” said Nicole Ditata, HCC program coordinator.
Earlier this year, the Web site KeepMEWell.org was launched by Governor Baldacci that provides two important features: an online personal health review and links to low-cost health care resources. The personal health assessment is a series of questions that typically takes about ten minutes to complete.
“Based on your responses to health questions, personalized reports are generated that highlight areas of low risk, encourage you to take steps to improve areas of high risk, and provide links to resources that may help with disease prevention and management,” said Ditata. “You can also learn how and where to get low cost health care services in your local area. By selecting a health service, such as medical care or prescription drugs, and your zip code, you can receive a list of low-cost clinical health care services in your area. The tool also provides information on how to access affordable health care services.”
Other resources available include the Maine Tobacco HelpLine, a free confidential personal assistance tool that has helped thousands of Mainers break tobacco addiction; the HelpLine number is 1-800-207-1230. For those looking to become more physically active, MaineTrailFinder.com and HealthyMaineWalks.org offer listings of indoor and outdoor walking areas in the community.
Good health can be a click or a call away. Contact Ditata at 779-2932 for more information. Healthy Community Coalition is an affiliate of Franklin Community Health Network.
