• Read more about At-risk Groups

Who should worry about heat illness?

Some people are more likely to get sick from heat and should take extra care to keep cool when it is hot out.

What to Do: In general, make sure people have access to air conditioning, monitor them for signs of serious illness, encourage them to drink more fluids, and talk with their health care provider if they take medications.

Caregivers, relatives, and neighbors need to check on people that are not able to take care of themselves during hot weather.

• Read more about Recognize Heat Illness

Heat-related illnesses happen when your body cannot cool itself. Some heat illnesses are mild, like heat rash, sunburn, and heat cramps. Others like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration can be severe or even life-threatening and may require emergency medical care.

Find out about each type of heat illness and what you can do if you think you or someone else is sick because of heat.

• Read more about Heat-Related Illness

Here in Maine, we don't have very hot weather too often. So when it does get really hot, we are more likely to become sick from heat. This is because our bodies are not used to high heat, and many of our homes and buildings do not have air conditioning.

Certain people like older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people who have chronic diseases or who are sick already may feel much worse or have serious problems in extreme heat.

• Read more about Climate and Health

Maine's climate, like the rest of the world's, is changing, and these changes may have a significant impact on the health of Maine people. A warming climate will lead to more frequent and extreme weather events and may contribute to longer pollen seasons and further spread of vectorborne diseases.

• Read more about Parents

Free Lead Dust Tests

Maine CDC offers free home lead dust test kits to families with young children or children on the way. Order a free home lead dust test kit. Watch our video to see how to do the test.

• Read more about Provider Approval for In-Office Blood Testing

Approval Criteria

Providers must have approval from the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) before they can begin in-office testing.

• Proof of current use of ImmPact2 Immunization Registry.
• Written protocols for testing a patient's blood lead and reporting results to the patient's parent/guardian within the same office visit and the reporting of test results to CLPPP within 48 hours.
• CLIA Certificate of Waiver.

How to Apply for Approval

To apply for approval, submit an application by mail or email to:

• Read more about VFC/AVP Programs

Vaccines for Children

Ensuring children are up to date on vaccinations is critical for protecting their health and preventing the spread of diseases. The Maine CDC Immunization Program provides access to vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) for children and adolescents. This ensures all Maine children can be protected regardless of their family's ability to pay.

• Read more about Food Related Illnesses

Foodborne and diarrheal diseases are caused by consuming food or beverages that are contaminated by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some diseases may be caused by toxins or chemicals if they are present in the food. Individuals may also be exposed to these same pathogens through recreational water sports, contact with animals, and through person-to-person spread.

• Read more about Resources: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is a State-operated program that provides financial assistance to Maine public water systems, helping to ensure safe drinking water and provide essential public health protection. Funding for drinking water infrastructure improvement projects -- upgrading or replacing water system pipes, treatment plants, storage tanks, and sources of water -- is available as low interest loans. Disadvantaged Community Water Systems may receive further assistance through principal forgiveness.

• Read more about Consumer Confidence Report

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is an annual water quality report that includes practical information about consumers' drinking water, based on their water system's current conditions. It provides educational materials that allow consumers to make informed decisions about any potential health risks related to the quality, treatment, and management of their drinking water supply.