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Updated Web Pages Ready for Use  (6/30/2008)
A new web page on emergency preparedness, and updates to the 'Information for Providers Page' have recently been added to the Division website. More

County and Town Health Assessments Now Available  (6/27/2008)
Cumberland County/District Health Assessments for individual towns and the county are now available. More

Staying Safe in the Summer Heat  (6/9/2008)
With Maine heading into summer, it is important for all of us to prevent heat-related problems and to recognize the signs of heat illness early. More

5th Annual Latino Soccer Tournament   (6/4/2008)
Join the Minority Health Program for the 5th Annual Latino Soccer Tournament starting July 26th. More

Help us help you!  (6/3/2008)
Help the Public Health Division focus its efforts on the health problems in your community by participating in our Municipal Health Survey. More

As Summer Approaches, Watch Out For Rabies  (5/26/2008)
With the warm weather come questions and concerns about rabies. Rabies is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and is caused by a virus. It is almost always fatal. More

Greater Portland Health Fair to focus on health screenings and referrals for the racial and ethnic minority communities  (5/7/2008)
The event will celebrate the health and well being of Portland’s vibrant ethnic communities with multicultural food, dance, health education and screenings, and festivities. More

State Fire Marshal and Smoke-Free Housing Coalition of Maine Urge Adoption of Smoke-Free Housing Policies  (4/23/2008)
“The fact is that smoking is and continues to be a leading cause of fire related deaths, injuries, and property loss. The combined social and economic impact of smoking illnesses and fires caused by smoking is significant. It is also preventable”, stated State Fire Marshal John C. Dean. More

The One Maine One Portland Coalition Launches Yahoo! Group in Portland Supporting Time To Talk™   (4/10/2008)
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America and The One Maine One Portland Coalition (City of Portland, Public Health Division, H&HSD) today launched a local Yahoo! Group in Portland, Maine in support of the Partnership’s nationwide parent movement, Time To Talk™ More

FoodBorne Illness UnderReported Nationwide  (4/7/2008)
For every one case of salmoneliosis (a common foodborne illness) reported, there are an estimated 38 that go unreported. More

Adults Lack Vaccination Awareness  (3/20/2008)
Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccines and their potential to save thousands of U.S. lives every year, American adults are receiving needed immunizations at alarmingly low rates. More

The Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Report is now Available.  (2/19/2008)
The Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Report for the Portland Public Health Division is now available for public viewing. More

Maine Animal Rabies Update Now Available  (1/29/2008)
The Maine Animal Rabies final update for the year 2007 is now available from the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More

Norovirus cases in Southern Maine  (1/23/2008)
Norovirus cases have been reported in Cumberland County. Click here to learn more about these potentially severe gastrointestinal viruses. More

Maine Still #1 in Tobacco Control  (1/10/2008)
Maine’s two-year record of perfect grades in tobacco control came to an end today as the American Lung Association’s annual report card now shows that improvement is needed when it comes to cigarette tax rates. More

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Homeless Health Care
Portland Community Free Clinic

The Indigent Health Care Program provides primary and specialty services to residents of the Greater Portland area who cannot afford to pay for their own health care. Through the Health Care for the Homeless Clinic (HCHC) and the Portland Community Free Clinic (PCFC), homeless and uninsured individuals can seek quality primary, specialty, mental health and substance abuse services from dedicated, community providers. Both clinics collaborate with other city-sponsored and private organizations to assist a vulnerable population in accessing the health care system.

Homeless Health Care
The Health Care for the Homeless Program, offering health care services to persons who are homeless, is part of the Indigent Care Program managed by the Public Health Division (PHD). The center provides services ranging from primary care check-ups to immunization and testing. Referrals to specialists also are made as necessary. Mental health and substance abuse services are also available.

In addition to the primary service delivery location at 20 Portland Street, the program offers services from three other sites: the Preble Street Teen Center; The Barron Center (city-owned long term care facility); and the streets of Portland and other areas where homeless individuals congregate. All delivery sites are within the limits of the City of Portland. For more information call 874-8445.

Faces of Maine's Safety Net - A photo essay produced by the Maine Primary Care Association. A series of essays describing the role of Maine's Primary Care Safety Net through the images and voices of its patients.