Sagadahoc County Board of Health

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Please see the Sagadahoc County COVID-19 page for additional resources and important information.

BOH

Sagadahoc County Board of Health Executive Officers:
Melissa Fochesato, Chair
(Vacant), Chair-elect
(Joann Joy), Immediate Past Chair
(Vacant), County Public Health Officer
Sarah Bennett, Coordinating Official

 

About Sagadahoc County Board of Health

The Sagadahoc County Board of Health (BOH) serves as an official advisory board to the Sagadahoc County Commissioners. The Board receives staff support from the Sagadahoc County Emergency Management Agency and includes representation from individuals and agencies dedicated to keeping our County safe and healthy.

We envision a caring and compassionate community where all members are encouraged and supported to lead healthy and happy lives. Our inclusive community assures economic security, a safe environment, and healthy choices for all. All members of our community have access to quality, affordable, mental, oral, and physical health care that focuses on prevention.

As needed, the BOH may propose to the County the establishment of new projects and programs compatible with available funding. These efforts may include, with County’s informed prior assent, the request for external funding, grants, and contracts, from suitable public and private resources to fulfill the County’s role in assuring the provision of the ten essential public health services. The fundamental premise of these projects is that they should complement, not compete with, the community’s programs already serving the County.

BOH Organization and Membership

Voting Members:

Members are chosen from among those duly nominated to the Commissioners by the Board of Health to represent the broad spectrum of the citizens of the County. Members are selected to assure representation from the various critical elements of a healthy community, to include medicine, nursing, substance use and mental health treatment providers, dentistry, veterinary medicine; hospitals and healthcare organizations; business and industry and community voluntary service organizations; advocates for health for special populations including older adults, children, people who are living in poverty, are homeless, are underserved, are members of sexual orientation and gender identity minorities, New Mainers, and other populations with health disparities. All municipalities within the County will be invited to nominate members. The County Public Health Officer, appointed by the County Commissioners and serves without term limit, is a voting member. Liaison Members are voting members (see below).

Liaison Members:

The Board has reserved several positions to represent specific health interests within the community. Persons in these positions are nominated by their respective constituency organization, with ratification after review by the Nominations Committee. Liaison members serve without term limit and are voting members. Organizations with such designated membership include:

    • United Way of Mid Coast Maine
    • Sagadahoc Sheriff’s Office
    • Mid Coast Hospital
    • Access Health

Ex Officio Members:

The BOH functions as a collaboration with the many public and private leaders and workers in the public health and health care systems. Several among these collaborate specifically by virtue of their official roles as State employees working in public health and assigned to duties with geographic responsibility in Sagadahoc County. These individuals will be recognized as ex officio, non-voting members of the Board. These include:

    • Public health nurses employed by the Maine CDC and assigned to serve the County
    • Public health consultants financed by the Maine CDC and may be employed by other public health agencies providing regional services which include Sagadahoc County, including the District Public Health Liaison and others as appropriate
    • Public health advisors for bioterrorism and preparedness, including the Regional Epidemiology office in Union and Public Health Environmental Protection officers
    • Sagadahoc County Emergency Management Agency Director

 

The Sagadahoc County Board of Health is currently seeking qualified individuals for the following positions:

BOH Meetings
All meetings of the Sagadahoc County Board of Health are public and community members are welcome to attend. To learn more about serving on the Sagadahoc County Board of Health, in any of its membership capacities, or to attend a future meeting, please contact Sagadahoc County Emergency Management Agency Director Sarah Bennett at 207-443-8210 or by emailing sbennett@sagadahoccountyme.gov.

 

COVID-19

For up-to-date COVID-19 information and resources, please visit the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.


Knock Out Browntail Moth!

Browntail Moth Caterpillar
browntail-moth-caterpillar

The Maine Forest Service has announced efforts to help homeowners take advantage of the caterpillars dormant season to reduce the impacts the caterpillars can have. While feeding damage may cause some concern, the primary impact on humans by browntail moth results from contact with poisonous hairs produced by the caterpillars. Microscopic, toxic hairs break off the caterpillars and can be airborne or settled on surfaces in browntail moth infested areas. Sensitive individuals who encounter the hairs may develop a skin rash similar to poison ivy and/or trouble breathing. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks and can be severe in some individuals. See the resources compiled by the Maine Forest Service for management advice, events and frequently asked questions!