America's Health Rankings

The United Health Foundation recently released its annual America's Health Rankings. The ranking system was revised this year (for more information, see "Impact of Model Changes" at http://www.americashealthrankings.org/About/Methodology). As a result of these changes, Maine's rank for 2012 was revised to 15 from 9.

In 2013, Maine was ranked 16th healthiest state in the nation.

These rankings are used to stimulate action by individuals, elected officials, medical professionals, public health professionals, employers, educators and communities to improve the health of the population of the U.S.

For more information, visit http://www.americashealthrankings.org/ME 

Prematurity Leadership Award

Maine CDC was honored by the National March of Dimes last month with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Prematurity Leadership Award for decreasing the prematurity rate in the state from 9.9% in 2011 to 9.2%.  

Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of Maine CDC, pledged in 2011 to work to meet the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials' Presidential challenge to try to decrease the preterm birth rate in our state by 8% by 2014 (goal is 9). 

This progress has been achieved through partnership and collaboration with more than 30 hospitals, insurance companies, and our strong perinatal/neonatal healthcare system in this state.

Maine delivers approximately 13,000 infants annually, with 1,030 born prior to 36 weeks gestation.  Of those, approximately 22.6% will go on to die in the first year due to complications of prematurity. Maine  has the fifth-lowest infant mortality rate in the nation. 

Maine CDC is honored to receive this award on behalf of our collaborative partnerships throughout the state. We still have much work to do, but together we can make a difference in the lives of Maine families.

Public Health Accreditation Update

Maine CDC submitted its Statement of Intent to apply for national Public Health Accreditation on Dec. 5. The Statement of Intent is the last official step before Maine CDC applies for Accreditation in early 2014. 

In November, Maine CDC's Accreditation Coordinator presented during a session titled Preparing for Accreditation: Readiness Review and Other Lessons from Maine at the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual conference. The presentation showcased efforts in Maine to build accreditation support, assess Maine CDC's readiness, and address specific gaps in performance through quality improvement efforts. 

To read more, go to   https://apha.confex.com/apha/141am/webprogram/Paper282264.html