Cumberland County public health outlines prevention work; commissioners table a related grant authorization

Bridgette O'Connor, the chronic disease prevention grant manager at the Cumberland County Public Health Department, told commissioners the county’s work under a 10-year Maine Prevention Network grant centers on health equity and three priorities: substance-use prevention, tobacco prevention and healthy eating/active living.

The presentation — delivered as the first installment of a new monthly department showcase — highlighted community partnerships and on-the-ground programs. O'Connor said the grant supports assessment, community engagement and collaboration with trusted local partners, and she said the department is ‘‘focused on those community conditions’’ rather than classroom health education. ‘‘We do a lot of collaboration. We convene folks. We bring them together and connect, to make improvements in the community,’’…