5-2-1-0 Let's Go!
Let’s Go! is a nationally recognized childhood obesity prevention program implemented throughout Maine and in a few communities in neighboring states. We partner with schools, child care and out-of-school programs, healthcare practices and community organizations to change environments where children and families live, learn work and play.
AAP National Center for Medical Home Implementation
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
American Academy of Pediatrics Referrals
AAP-specific site for families to find a pediatrician in their area
Behavioral Health Resources For Those Affected By The Tragedy In Lewiston
DHHS will be holding two webinars on Wed, Nov 8 & Nov 15 (12N-1P) focused on additional BH topics:
- Wednesday, Nov 8 (12N-1P): DHHS Webinar: Assessing Risk & Managing Community Supports with Anthony Ng, MD, Psychiatrist & Mass Casualty Expert, Northern Light Health Acadia and Greg Marley, LCSW, Senior Clinical Director, NAMI Maine. Please register for this Nov 8th webinar using the following link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdeiuqTIoGd1jubOdJ0EhYuzTfrmdSiCV
- Wed, Nov 15 (12N – 1P): DHHS Webinar: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care with Jesse Higgins, PMH-NP, Director Behavioral Health Integration, Northern Light Health Acadia and Courtney Pladsen, DNP, MaineCare Medical Director. Please register for this Nov 15th webinar using the following link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdemhpjsqHtMCIteBsPmL1nKnikuJyaPh
Resources:
Breast Feeding Resources
The AAP policy, Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk is one of the most accessed policies available from the AAP because of its importance for the health of families here in the US and throughout the world. This statement details the benefits of breastfeeding, its true contraindications and those that are not, the challenge of breastfeeding in the US, recommendations for breastfeeding for healthy as well as high risk infants, and the role pediatricians play in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding.
Related AAP Policies
- An Evidence-Based Review of Important Issues Concerning Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia, AAP Technical Report, 2004
A technical report about the evidence related to the management of hyperbilirubinemia. - The Transfer of Drugs and Therapeutics Into Human Breast Milk: An Update on Selected Topics, AAP Clinical Report, 2013
This clinical report discusses several topics of interest surrounding lactation, such as the use of psychotropic therapies, drugs to treat substance abuse, narcotics, galactagogues, and herbal products. - Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation, 2004
A clinical guideline on the management of hyperbilirubinemia in the term infant. - Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 2008
A clinical report regarding the need for vitamin D supplementation for infants and children.
Policies from Other Organizations
- Breastfeeding and Lactation for Medical Trainees, American Academy of Family Physicians
A policy supporting breastfeeding and lactation accommodations for medical trainees, which can serve as a model policy for other medical organizations and/or medical institutions. - ACOG Clinical Guidelines on BreastfeedingA number of committee opinion reports and resources authored or developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- Breastfeeding Policy Statement, American Academy of Family Physicians
A short statement identifying the American Academy of Family Physicians' stance on breastfeeding. - Breastfeeding Position Paper, American Academy of Family Physicians
A paper explaining the American Academy of Family Physicians' stance on breastfeeding. - The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding
This Call to Action describes specific steps people can take to participate in a society-wide approach to support mothers and babies who are breastfeeding. - The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, Baby-Friendly USA
Baby-Friendly® hospitals and birthing facilities must adhere to the Ten Steps to receive, and retain, a Baby-Friendly designation.

Cold and flu season are well upon us. Many mothers wonder if it is still safe for them to breastfeed if they are sick. Please assure them it is! In fact, breast milk contains multiple bioactive components that support the infant immune system:
· Immunoglobulins/antibiodies
o Breast milk is full of antibodies that are directed against the microbes the mother has been exposed to and protect the infant against a wide range of microorganisms.
o These include immunoglobulins A, G, M, D, and E, with SIgA being the most abundant. IgA promotes infant immune tolerance by coating the mucosal surfaces in the infant’s gut and reinforces its epithelial barrier to block pathogens, prevent inflammation, and stimulate the infant’s production of SIgA.
· Lysozymes
o Active against inflammation, and highest in the milk after 6 months. Lysozymes are not destroyed by heat treatment.
· Lactoferrin
o An antimicrobial, modulator of immune function. Lactoferrin may modify immune function through a lactoferring receptor in the intestine. It is able to suppress E.coli in the intestine.
· Maternal leukocytes
o “Hematopoietic-derived cells from breast milk survive the infant gastrointestinal tract… likely due to the weak digestive enzyme activities and low acidity of the infant stomach… This allows for the survival of maternal milk leukocytes.” FMI: Transfer of maternal immune cells by breastfeeding: maternal cytotoxic T lymphocytes
· Infant microbiome components:
o Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO): these protect against mucosal infections by regulating the gut epithelium, immune cells and microorganism.
o “Breast milk develops a supportive and protective microbiota. Glycosylated proteins such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, and immunoglobulins are important nonnutritive factors that protect infants from infection and, as a result, affect the development of the intestinal microbiome. These bioactive proteins are the first line of defense against potential pathogens within the infant gut and exert their protective effects via multiple and often overlapping mechanisms. These may have either direct or indirect effects on the intestinal microbiome by interacting with bacteria, engaging in pathogen destruction/deflection including immune exclusion, interacting with the infant mucosal immune system, and stimulating epithelial barrier function.” FMI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4686345/pdf/nmi-suppl.1-2015-001.pdf
· Immune cells: Macrophages, granulocytes (neutrophils, etc.), leukocytes, lymphocytes: specifically, T-cells
o Thymic development
§ Previous research shows that the thymic index of breastfed infants is larger than formula fed infants, and that breastfeeding may influence the T cell compartment in infants.
§ “Breast milk may potentially modulate infant thymic development by influencing infant microbiome composition and bacterial metabolite production.”
§ “Cytokines, hormones, micro-RNAs, oligosaccharides, as well as active maternal immune cells and mammary microbiome may modulate the infant immune development through mechanisms both dependent and independent of the thymus.”
o Copyright © 2018 Hsu and Nanan
· And have you heard about HAMLET- human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells? HAMLET is a protein-lipid complex that induces apoptosis-like death in tumor cells, but leaves fully differentiated cells unaffected. HAMLET inactivates 40 forms of tumors. “This mechanism may contribute to the protective effect of breastfeeding against childhood tumors.”
There are rare contraindications to providing breast milk to infants. Read more here.
References :
Cabinian A, Sinsimer D, Tang M, Zumba O, Mehta H, Toma A, et al. (2016) Transfer of Maternal Immune Cells by Breastfeeding: Maternal Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Present in Breast Milk Localize in the Peyer’s Patches of the Nursed Infant. PLoS ONE 11 (6): e0156762. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0156762
Campbell SH, Lauwers J, Mannel R, Spencer B. Core curriculum for interdisciplinary lactation care. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2019.
O’Sullivan et al. The Influence of Early Infant-Feeding Practices on the Intestinal Microbiome and Body Composition in Infants. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights 2015:8(S1) 1–9 doi:10.4137/NMI.S29530.
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Information on smoking and what you can do to help. Find out what states are doing to keep kids from smoking.
Car Seat and Booster Seat Help
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's site for car seat and booster seat information including seat types, installation help, recall updates, and a resource to find car seat inspection stations
CDC Immunization Information Page
Information includes Spanish language versions, vaccine safety, answers to frequently asked questions, related news, links/resources
Center for Disease Control Tobacco Program
CDC's Tobacco and Information and Prevention Source (TIPS)offers information on all aspects of tobacco control and prevention.
Center for Medical Home Improvement
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Childhood Violent Trauma Center (CVTC)
The CVTC exists to increase public and professional awareness of the effects of violence on children and to reduce the impact of violence. Its mission is to improve the mental health of children and families, advance understanding of psychological and developmental needs, and to treat and prevent childhood mental illness (through research, clinical practice, and professional training)
Children with Special Health Needs - Snuggle ME Guidelines
Guidelines for the care of drug affected pregnancies and newborns
Children's Defense Fund
Advocates for children's health, child care, and early childhood development
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center
Provides complete, up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines to parents and healthcare professionals
ChooseMyPlate.gov
USDA site focused on healthy eating and active living
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Check out recalled products, sign up for online newsletter, report unsafe products. CPSC also has a special section geared to kids and parents. This section is devoted to safety issues for children on bike helmets, scooters, etc.
Consumer Safety
ConsumerSafety.org strives to make information about recalls and safety-related news about drugs, medical devices, food, and consumer products accessible to everyone in a transparent, easily understandable way.
Critical Crossroads: Pediatric Mental Health Care in the Emergency Department
DHHS District Office Locations []
Augusta Office -
35 Anthony Avenue, 11 SHS
Augusta, ME 04330-0011
Telephone: (207) 624-8090
Toll-free:1-800-452-1926
Fax: (207) 624-8124
augusta.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Bangor Office -
19 Maine Avenue,
Bangor, Maine 04401
Telephone: (207)561-4100
Fax: (207) 941-8871
Toll-free: 1-800-432-7825
bangor.dhhs@maine.gov
Skowhegan -
98 North Avenue, Suite 10
Skowhegan, ME 04976-1996
Telephone: (207)474-4800
Fax: (207) 474-4888
Toll-free: 1-800-452-4602
skowhegan.dhhs@maine.org
DHHS District Office Locations []
Ellsworth Office -
17 Eastward Lane
Ellsworth, ME 04605-1718
Telephone: (207)664-1400
Toll free: 1-800-432-7823
Fax: (207) 667-5364
ellsworth.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Farmington Office -
114 Corn Shop Lane
Farmington, ME 04938
Telephone: (207)778-8400
Fax: (207) 834-1001
Toll Free: 1-800-442-6382
farmington.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Lewiston Office -
200 Main Street
Lewiston, ME 04240-7098
Telephone: (207)795-4300
Fax: (207) 795-4444
Toll-free: 1-800-482-7517
lewiston.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Machias Office -
38 Prescott Drive
Machias, ME 04654-9984
Telephone: (207)255-2000
Toll-free: 1-800-432-7846
Fax: (207) 255-2022
machias.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Biddeford Office -
Park One Eleven
407 Alfred Street, Suite A-1
Biddeford, Maine 04005
Telephone: (207)286-2400
Fax: (207) 282-5154
Toll-free: 1-800-322-1919
biddeford.dhhs@maine.gov
Sanford Office -
890 Main Street, Suite 208
Sanford, ME 04073-3800
Telephone: (207)490-5400
Toll-free: 1-800-482-0790
Fax: (207) 490-5463
sanford.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Caribou Office -
30 Skyway Drive, Unit 100
Caribou, ME 04736-2060
Telephone: (207)493-4000
Fax: (207) 493-4001
Toll-free: 1-800-432-7366
caribou.dhhs@maine.gov
Fort Kent Office -
139 Market Street, Suite 109
Fort Kent, ME 04743-1149
Telephone: (207)834-1000
Fax: (207) 834-1001
Toll-free: 1-800-432-7340
fortkent.dhhs@maine.gov
Houlton Office -
11 High Street
Houlton, ME 04730-2012
Telephone: (207)532-5000
Fax: (207) 532-7995
Toll-free: 1-800-432-7338
houlton.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Portland Office -
151 Jetport Boulevard
South Portland, ME
Telephone: (207)822-2000
Toll-free: 1-800-482-7520
Fax: (207) 822-2310
portland.dhhs@maine.gov
Lewiston Office -
200 Main Street
Lewiston, ME 04240-7098
Telephone: (207)795-4300
Fax: (207) 795-4444
Toll-free: 1-800-482-7517
lewiston.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Rockland Office -
91 Camden Street, Suite 103
Rockland, ME 04841
Telephone: (207) 822-2000
Toll Free: 1-800-482-7520
Fax: (207) 822-2310
rockland.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Sanford Office -
890 Main Street, Suite 208
Sanford, ME 04073-3800
Telephone: (207)490-5400
Toll-free: 1-800-482-0790
Fax: (207) 490-5463
sanford.dhhs@maine.gov
Lewiston Office -
200 Main Street
Lewiston, ME 04240-7098
Telephone: (207)795-4300
Fax: (207) 795-4444
Toll-free: 1-800-482-7517
lewiston.dhhs@maine.gov
South Paris Office -
243 Main Street, Suite 6
South Paris, ME 04281-1620
Telephone: (207)744-1200
Toll-free: 1-888-593-9775
Fax: (207) 743-8798
southparis.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Sanford Office -
890 Main Street, Suite 208
Sanford, ME 04073-3800
Telephone: (207)490-5400
Toll-free: 1-800-482-0790
Fax: (207) 490-5463
sanford.dhhs@maine.gov
Portland Office -
151 Jetport Boulevard
South Portland, ME
Telephone: (207)822-2000
Toll-free: 1-800-482-7520
Fax: (207) 822-2310
portland.dhhs@maine.gov
DHHS District Office Locations []
Skowhegan -
98 North Avenue, Suite 10
Skowhegan, ME 04976-1996
Telephone: (207)474-4800
Fax: (207) 474-4888
Toll-free: 1-800-452-4602
skowhegan.dhhs@maine.org
Disaster Preparedness
The Maine Chapter has strong ties to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Kate Herlihy is the new Disaster Preparedness Chapter Champion. The chapter continues to encourage and expand participation in the CDC Health Alert Network.
Resources
- AAP Children and Disasters Web site
- Ensuring the Health of Children in Disasters Policy Statement
- Guidelines for Care of Children in the Emergency Department Joint Policy Statement
- Emergency Medical Services for Children Innovation and Improvement Center (IIC) Web site
The National AAP has a 5 year strategic plan around disaster preparedness which you can read or download.
For assistance or additional information, please reach out to the Maine Chapter.
Dr. Spock
Created by doctors and other experts to offer a complete, personalized resource for parenting information, including behavior concerns, covering every stage of pregnancy and childhood, from newborns to teens.
Edmund N. Ervin Pediatric Center Pediatric Rapid Evaluation Program []
Devoted to meeting the medical and psychological needs of children in foster care. Children are seen only upon referral by DHHS.
Edmund N. Ervin Pediatric Center
Ballard Center
6 East Chestnut Street
Augusta, Maine 04330
Phone: (207) 623-6500
Environmental Protection Agency
This site offers a wealth of information on helping families establish a smoke-free home.
EthnoMed
The EthnoMed site contains information about cultural beliefs, medical issues, and other related issues pertinent to the health care of recent immigrants
Families First Prevention Services Act
The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2016 is a comprehensive, bipartisan effort to improve how the child welfare system serves children and families in adversity. This bill represents a pivotal opportunity for a major federal policy shift that moves away from placing children in out-of-home care and toward keeping families together.
Children in or at-risk for entering foster care are especially vulnerable; they are more likely to be exposed to trauma and often have complex medical needs. This bill not only recognizes the unique needs of children and families in adversity, but also makes great strides to meet them in a way that pediatricians can stand behind: through evidence-based, prevention-focused approaches.
First Gov
Search all federal online services at one site: student loans, health information, consumer handbooks--everything!
Fostering Health []
Standards of health care for children and adolescents in foster care are detailed in 10 chapters. The members of the AAP Task Force on Foster Care hope that this manual will result in the integration of the health care plan with child welfare's permanency plan for each child or adolescent in foster care. For a copy please contact fostercare@aap.org until supplies last.
Developed by an AAP multidisciplinary panel of experts, Fostering Health has been designed for use by medical, mental health, and developmental health care professionals, as well as foster parents, social welfare agencies, members of the legal community, health insurance agencies, and policy makers.
Futures Without Violence
Education programs, national policy development, professional training, and public action campaigns designed to end violence against women, children and families around the world.
G.E.A.R. Parent Network Pledge to Protect [pdf]
Head Start State Collaboration Office
Contact Info
Nena Cunningham Ed.D.
Head Start State Collaboration Director
Maine Department of Education
207-441-5852
Email: Nena.M.Cunningham@maine.gov
Healthy Homes
Information on home related house issues in Maine such as lead poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning, mold, well-water safety, emergency preparedness, and more.
Healthy People (2020 and 2030)
Outlines the US Department of Health future priorities - public comments invited
hear ME now!
Maine’s leading auditory oral education center, committed to supporting children and adults with hearing loss, their families, and their communities.
Help Me Grow
Help Me Grow: coordinating services and referrals for children with developmental or behavioral concerns (referral form on the website provider can fill out in the exam room, requires parental/guardian consent)
Helping Foster and Adoptive Families Cope with Trauma [pdf]
The purpose of this guide is to support adoptive and foster families by strengthening the abilities of pediatricians to: 1) identify traumatized children, 2) educate families about toxic stress and the possible biological, behavioral, and social manifestations of early childhood trauma, and 3) empower families to respond to their child's behavior in a manner that acknowledges past trauma but promotes the learning of new, more adaptive reactions to stress.
HOPE Resources
HOPE ® (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences): Dr. Sege and his team at Tuft’s Medical Center have resources and trainings to help your organization become HOPE informed. https://positiveexperience.org Download an overview sheet.
KidsGrowth
Has a great deal of information and articles regarding developmental, physical and behavioral health of child.
Link page - Disaster Prep - ER
Maine Always Ready for Children Project
National Readiness Project Assessments, Checklists, and more!
Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Questions? Contact Dr. Rosie Davis, Maine AAP Disaster Preparedness Chapter Champion
Maine Children's Alliance
Maine Collaborative for Care of Children with Serious Illness
A resource guide for pediatric providers to share with families of children with a serious illness.
Maine Lung Cancer Coalition
Information on all aspects of lung cancer including a statewide approach to education, prevention, screening, and a list known risk factors
Maine Outdoor Coalition
Maine.gov updates and Q&A regarding Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.
A series of links from Maine.gov providing updates on Covid-19 and vaccinations in Maine.
Maine's Coordinated School Health Program
Presents the eight components of Coordinated School Health Programs for school personnel, parents and students. A great resource for information and networking for those involved or interested in school health issues.
Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration
Maternal-Infant Health and Opioid Use
National Fire Protection Association
Information on keeping safe from fire and related hazards
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Library of Medicine
A large collection of articles - user-friendly for families
National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs
This site provides the results of The National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (which has been completed)
New England Alliance for Children's Health
Specifically focuses on S-CHIP reauthorization for New England States
Parenting After Trauma: Understanding Your Child's Needs [pdf]
A guide for foster and adoptive parents
Pine Tree Recovery Center []
Admissions- 207-618-9611
Services Include: (SUD, Co-Occurring) Modalities used: DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Anger Management, Harm Reduction, Mindfulness, Life Skills Training
Days of services: (PM Cohort) Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 6 pm to 9 pm
Accept most commercial insurance, Pine Tree is currently in network with
· Allied Trades Assistance Program
· Community Health Options
· First Health/Cofinity
· JRN Consulting
· Lower Hudson Valley
· MaineCare
· MaineHealth
· Martins Point (commercial)
· Micmac Health Dept
· Mines and Associates
· Ovation Health
· Uprise
· Teamster Center Services Fund
Safe Kids
National health safety site for kids 14 and under
Safe Kids
National health safety site for kids 14 and under
Safety Belt Safe
More than 95% of the car seats we check are being used incorrectly. Don't take a chance with your child's life!
Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Promotes better care and outcomes for children and families affected by developmental, learning, and behavioral problems. Links to other organizations, materials and information for physicians, fellows, resident physicians and students.
Spurwink Portland Clinic []
Provides care for children placed in care through the Biddeford and Portland DHHS offices. Serves York, Oxford, and Cumberland counties.
Spurwink Services
901 Washington Ave., Suite 100
Portland, ME 04103
207.871.1200
State of Maine
The Center for Children with Special Needs
This site offers information and resources for parents and professionals who advocate and care for children with special health care needs.
The Dartmouth Atlas of Children's Health Care in Northern New England [pdf]
The Key Clinic, PCHC Pediatrics []
Provides comprehensive medical evaluations for children from Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington, and Hancock counties.
Penobscot Pediatrics
1068 Union Street, Bangor, ME 04401
207-947-0147
The Whole Child
Sponsored by PBS, the website has information for providers and parents on a wide range of developmental and behavioral concerns. Site is written in both English and Spanish.
TransParent - Videos
TransParent is a St. Louis-based organization providing support and resources to parents raising transgender or gender independent children.
US House of Representatives
US Senate
Winter Kids
Zero to Three
ZERO TO THREE is a national non-profit organization that is devoted to the promotion of the healthy development of infants and toddlers.