Rural Health and Primary Care
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About Us
Rural Health and Primary Care (RHPC) is a small but influential office within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (MeCDC), Division of Local Public Health. Our office has the responsibility of reviewing and responding to all public health issues and concerns with a focus on rural health in Maine.
Collaborative efforts are essential and ongoing with our colleagues in the MeCDC. These efforts include the Oral Health Program, the Women's Health Program, the Office of Health Equity, and Data, Research and Vital Statistics. Within the Department of Health and Human Services, our office works with staff at the Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services regarding issues pertaining to Rural Health Clinics. Outside of DHHS we collaborate with the Maine Bureau of Insurance, the Department of Labor, and Department of Education staff to move forward our common goals.
The RHPC also collaborates with numerous partners that are outside of the Maine State Government.
View our partners Show/Hide
Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) 
; the Maine Network of Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) ; the Maine Migrant Health Program (MMHP) ; the Maine Primary Care Association (MPCA) ; the Maine Hospital Association (MHA) ; the University of Southern Maine (USM) Muskie School of Public Service ; the University of New England (UNE) ; the New England Telemedicine Consortium (NETC) ; the New England Rural Health Round Table and our State Office of Rural Health (SORH) colleagues throughout the Northeast.
Our Priorities Show/Hide
- Increase resources and reduce costs for health care statewide with a focus on rural areas;
- Facilitate communication among stakeholders on rural health issues;
- Increase access to primary, mental and dental health care services for underserved populations;
- Reduce geographic, financial, transportation and other barriers that prevent access to health care services.
Who We Serve Show/Hide
Healthcare consumers and providers living and working in rural and underserved areas.
Staff Show/Hide
Main phone number: 207-287-5524
Fax number: 207-287-5431
Matthew Chandler, Director
Cari Balbo, Rural Health Manager
Marc Coulombe, Planning & Research Assistant
Joan Mank, Administrative Assistant
