About the 2009 Plan: 

THE EVOLUTION OF A PLAN

 This plan is the result of revisiting and expanding the 2003 Ellsworth Community Health Plan, which was created by Union River 

Healthy Communitiesand many community volunteers and participants. The revision process followed the CDC/National Association of County & 

City Health Officials approach called Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP.) This approach involved a series of assessments, 

conducted from September 2008 through April 2009:

• Community Health Status – We reviewed more than  300 indicators of household demographics, economics, environment, 

behavioral risk factors  (like tobacco, nutrition, alcohol, injury) and health  measures (deaths, births, infant mortality, chronic  disease, mental health, oral health.)
  • Local Public Health System – Working with partners  in the Downeast district, we used a national tool to assess our capacity to carry out essential public  health functions.
   • Forces of Change – We invited key community leaders to a conversation to predict future events  and trends.
  • Progress on the 2003 plan – We looked back at  how we’ve done and the accomplishments of the past 5 years.
  • Community Themes and Strengths – Using the  World Health Organization model for healthy communities, our staff, partners and  consultants conducted a series of seven public dialogues and 45 key informant interviews.

Download the 2009 Health Plan here: Community Health Improvement Plan

The coalition uses the Healthy Communities health planning model, developed by the World Health Organization, which involves all sectors of a community in an active process of improving health and quality of life. The model emphasizes building on existing assets and involving citizens in planning their own future. In 2002 the coalition conducted key informant interviews and dialogues, along with a review of known health information about the area; and created the Ellsworth Community Health Plan. Everything we do is linked back to that plan. To download the plan, see the link at the bottom of this page.

Components of Health

The Health Plan identifies the following key components and visions of health:

1. Transportation - We have multiple options for safe transportation to essential and recreational services.
2. Recreation - People will incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines. They will have access to affordable, adequate, high quality facilities and programs.
3. Social Support Networks - People of all ages are supported by strong social networks of friends, neighbors, relatives and social organizations. Information about social support resources is readily available.
4. Income and Economic Development - People have year-round employment opportunities that provide living wages and health insurance. Ellsworth's economic development will preserve our culture, environment and resources.
5. Education - All people will have the opportunity to increase their quality of life through education. In Ellsworth, they will have access to lifelong learning in a safe, healthy environment in which education is highly valued.
6. Shelter - People will have a variety of options for safe, adequate, and affordable housing. New housing development includes higher-density and clustered housing, while preserving open spaces, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas. Many homes are within walking distance of services like stores and schools.
7. Nutrition - People will eat healthy foods, contributing to improved overall health and reduced obesity and cardiovascular disease. Children learn healthy eating habits from their parents, their schools, and the community.
8. Freedom From Addiction - People will live free from addictions to tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
9. Access to Health and Dental Care - All citizens will have access to affordable preventive and restorative health and dental care.
10. Culture, History and the Arts - People will maintain and celebrate our cultural wealth and heritage, passing it on to the next generation.
11. Peace and Social Justice - People will practice peaceful living, safe from property crime, violence, and discrimination.
12. Environment - Our land, water and air are clean and free from toxic chemicals. Our homes are free from contaminants. Our natural resources are protected: our rural landscapes, our farms, our forests, and our waterways.

Projects of the Union River Healthy Communities Coalition

• Comprehensive community health assessments, 2002 and 2004 (see link below to download)
• Advocated to make our city recreation areas tobacco-free - ordinance passed May 2002.
• With Woodlawn Museum, created a community garden, which opened summer of 2002.
• Joined with partners in Hancock County to bring in OneME substance abuse grant that created a Coordinated School Health Program in the Ellsworth School Department.
• Acted as community advisory board for Maine Coast Community Dental Clinic, which opened in March, 2003.
• Board member Tom Stipe conducted a sidewalk survey of Ellsworth, and posted his results to the website listed below.
• Worked with Faith In Action/Community Connection to help them obtain initial grants, and to link the new organization with state and local partners. The program provides rides and assistance for the elderly and disabled. (Link below)
• Participated in the county-wide Planning for Prosperity workshop, to advocate for healthy economic development and housing.
• Worked with Health Link and the Hancock County Technical School Culinary Arts program to hold annual "Healthy Eating Out" events that teach students to prepare and serve healthy meals, and provide nutrition education and recipes to participants.
• Through Ellsworth Schools health program, instituted Second Step anti-bullying program in grades K-8.
• Through Ellsworth Schools health program, we assisted in developing comprehensive tobacco and nutrition policies that make the campus tobacco-free and require minimum nutrition levels for all foods sold at the school or at school events.
• Working with the health program, Ellsworth Schools completed a new health curriculum, hired a substance abuse counselor and a health teacher.
• Created an asset map of Ellsworth, showing all public services, healthcare access points, and recreation areas. (Maps are available by calling 667-5352.)
• The coalition has given out thousands of dollars in "mini-grants" for health projects. See link at top for a list of recipients.

Further reading: