Whether teaching kids about nutrition, helping townspeople prevent substance abuse, or collaborating with farms to distribute fresh produce, Healthy Lincoln County (HLC) works with partners across the community to support wellbeing throughout the region. 

Director Larissa Hannan likes to describe the Damariscotta-based organization as a community health department. Hallinan said HLC mainly focuses on food security, nutrition and substance use, but she wants HLC to be a resource connecting people to whatever help they need.  

“While we don't do everything, we do try and involve ourselves in a lot of different projects,” she said. “So that gets us a wide variety of partners, which we're so fortunate for. So, even if we don't do something, we can definitely try and get someone to the right place, whatever service they might be looking for.” 

The organization began in 2001. Now, it works with over 60 community partners in areas including government, finance, health, religion, agriculture and education. 

HLC collaborates with parents, schools, law enforcement and community organizations to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse through the Substance Use Prevention Partnership. For the broader community, HLC reported training 365 people in 2023 to administer Narcan, an overdose treatment. In addition, HLC co-hosted the first 716 Candles Project to provide resources for people struggling with substance use and support those who have lost loved ones. 

HLC’s nutrition education programs aim to teach adults and children about healthy eating and sustainable practices. A member of the Maine SNAP-Ed program, HLC supports evidence-based nutrition education to teach healthier food and lifestyle choices on a budget. In 2023, HLC also reported its Nutrition Educator reached almost 500 pre-k through fourth grade children through schools. 

“More often than not, it's just getting (kids) acclimated to the idea that they have the power to be able to make the choices that feel best for them in their lives,” Hannan said. “... Kids, especially in middle school and high school, have the power and autonomy to make really impactful decisions for themselves that can benefit them really positively.” 

The organization also has several programs dedicated to food security. Hannan said one program is working to allow people to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at local farms and farmers markets. Another, Lincoln County Summer Meals, provides food for kids who rely on schools during the academic year. In 2023, HLC reported serving over 23,000 meals. One of its most popular programs, the Lincoln County Gleaners, collects and distributes leftover food from farms. Along with similar programs, HLC reports it distributed over 33,000 pounds of gleaned and donated produce, as well as dried goods and basic supplies, throughout Lincoln County. 

Across all programs, whether for organizers, participants, or volunteers, Hannan said creating common spaces for all ages fosters wellbeing and ties them together. “Our common thread is building community,” she said. “... We find that building connections within the community is a great way to promote health because you're getting people excited.”