Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Resources about health abound both online and locally here in York. YPL Librarians have gathered some of them here. If you have any questions about these resources or need help in your research, our librarians are happy to assist you.
“We All Need Help Sometimes” – 24/7 hotline phone numbers you need in this list assembled by the Choose to be Healthy Coalition.
Mental Health Resources
State of Maine Mental Wellness Resources: Suicide and crisis intervention, emergency hotlines, and mental health services for adults, children and individuals with special needs.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine: NAMI Maine is our state’s and the nation’s largest grassroots support, education and advocacy organization committed to the issue of mental illness. With seven affiliates and hundreds of members, NAMI Maine is an active voice for families, individuals and professionals whose daily lives are impacted by mental illness.
Sweetser Maine: Sweetser is a nonprofit community mental health provider with a statewide network of care offering services in mental and behavioral health, developmental, and educational services.
York Hospital’s Choose to Be Healthy Coalition: Resources to address the region’s most pressing health challenges, including youth substance use, mental health, and recovery.
211 Maine – Mental Health 211 Maine has a list of comprehensive, up-to-date information on programs and services that can assist with mental health care.
988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotion distress. People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
Substance Abuse Resources
State of Maine Substance Abuse Resources: Find treatment or prevention services for yourself or for someone you know.
York Hospital’s Choose to Be Healthy Coalition: Resources to address the region’s most pressing health challenges, including youth substance use, mental health, and recovery.
211 Maine – Substance Abuse 211 Maine offers information and referrals to a number of substance use prevention programs from outpatient treatment facilities to hospitalization options. They can refer you to local support groups, relapse prevention services, continuing care programs, and supportive services such as child care, transportation, and parenting skills development.
Medical and General Resources
Alzheimer’s Association: For those who have family or friends suffering from dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association has made some of their programs available online.
Healthcare.gov Get insurance coverage, update your plan, and more.
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Maine Health Insurance Assistance and Consumer Guide Review insurance providers, state supported/funded assistance programs, prescription drug resources and insurance consumer guides.
Medline Plus: (National Library of Medicine website): Research health topics, drugs, herbs, and supplements, medical encyclopedia, watch videos
Health and Local Information for Seniors
Center for Active Living: The Center for Active Living, a division of York Parks and Recreation Department, is located at 36 Main Street in York Beach. The Center is dedicated to providing individuals in our community, age 50 and over, with opportunities to socialize, recreate, learn, and be well through participation in activities and programs that are designed to enrich the mind, body, and soul. We are open year-round, Monday – Friday from 8:00am- 4:00pm, except for holidays and winter break (Christmas Eve – New Year’s Day). All are welcome, whether it’s to participate in one of our many programs or simply for coffee and conversation. Home cooked lunch is served Mondays – Fridays at noon for a donation of $4.00; registration by 9:00 a.m. or before is required. York residents are given priority for programs. Learn more here.
MedlinePlus: Older Adult Health People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many older adults live active and healthy lives. But there’s no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. You need to know what to expect. MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world’s largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It’s mission is to present high-quality, relevant health and wellness information that is trusted, easy to understand, and free of advertising, in both English and Spanish. Anywhere, anytime, on any device—for free.
The Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) The Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s mission is to improve the quality of life for older adults, adults with disabilities, and the people who care for them. The Agency provides many services and programs for seniors on a variety of issues, be they financial, medical, or personal. SMAA offers seminars to help navigate the array of insurance and Medicare options, delivers important dietary and fitness practices, and provides older adults with the opportunity to stay active in the community via participation or volunteer-ism. No matter the reason for your interest, be assured SMAA has the expertise to help find the answers you need.
Medicare Learn more about the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities. Apply, find providers, manage your account, review costs, and more.
State of Maine Senior Citizen Resources Maine’s list of resources from recreation and education to financial resources and legal help.
Human Services and Assistance
FindHelp: Connects users with resources for housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, work, legal, and food. Resources are local and national.
Maine 2-1-1: United Ways of Maine, in collaboration with Youth Alternatives Ingraham, established 2-1-1 Maine, Inc. as an efficient and effective response to the growing complexities and needs in health, social economic and human services.
State Children’s Services Information about adoption, childcare, child welfare, child support, juvenile justice, behavioral health, parent resources, and WIC benefits.
State Disability Resources Explore state resources for education, benefits, accessible recreation, programs, independent living, right and advocacy for people with diverse abilities.
York Community Service Association The YCSA mission is to partner with York residents who are in need of support, services, and referrals during a difficult time in their lives. If you are experiencing economic hardship and you need help with General Assistance or YCSA Family Services assistance, please call Janie Sweeney at 207-363-5504 Ext. 2 or email jsweeney@ycsame.org
Climate Related Health and Safety Resources
Heat Related Illnesses
A document from the CDC that indicates the different heat related illnesses, their symptoms, and what to do.
Drought Preparation
A CDC document on the causes, impacts, and ways to avoid droughts in your community.
Earthquake Preparation
What to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
Extreme Heat Preparation
What to do during a heat wave and an overview of heat related illnesses.
Extreme Weather Overview
An overview of what to do during extreme weather including a preparation checklist and prep kit instuctions.
Family Emergency Planning
How to prepare as a family for extreme weather. Includes communication planning, making prep kits, and evacuation planning.
Flooding Preparation
What to do before, during, and after a flood.
How to Check in on Neighbors
How to connect with help neighbors before, during, and after an extreme weather event.
People with Disabilities and Extreme Weather Preparedness
Provides items or consideraton during different extreme weather events. Also includes information for loved ones and caregivers.
Seniors Staying Safe in Extreme Weather
What to know for seniors and their loved ones/caregivers during extreme heat, cold, and storms.
Wildfire Preparations
What to do before, during, and after wildfires.
Tickborne Illness
As the climate becomes warmer the tick season has lengethened. This document describes common tickborne diseases, how to prevent tick bites, and how to remove ticks.
Nor’Easter Preparation
Describes what a Nor’Easter is and what to do before, during, and after a storm.
Hurricane Preparation
Describes what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
Winter Storms Preparation
Describes what to do before and during a winter storm, as well as common cold-related illnesses.