Rural Health and Primary Care
Challenges to Health Care Access
Access to health care can be complex and becomes more of a challenge in rural and underserved areas of Maine. Challenges include:
Rural Health
Geography and Demographics
- Maine is considered the most rural state in the nation and the oldest by median age
- 50% of Maine's land area is almost completely uninhabited
- 40% of the population lives in one of Maine's 11 rural counties.
Use the Am I rural? tool to learn more about where you live or work.
Public Health Nursing
Maine CDC Public Health Nurses (PHN) are registered nurses working to improve, preserve, and protect the health and quality of life for all Mainers. Public Health Nurses work to improve the health of individuals, populations, and communities across Maine.
Tribal Public Health
Maine’s Public Health Districts
Maine’s nine Public Health Districts are geographic areas that work to improve public health in the state. Each district is made up of one or more counties. In 2011, in collaboration with the five Maine Tribal jurisdictions, a Tribal Health District was established with boundaries determined by Tribal Health Center service areas and tribal jurisdictional boundaries.
LHO Core Training and Continuing Education Opportunities
- On this page:
- Upcoming LHO Trainings
- LHO Required Core Training
Upcoming Trainings
Continuing Education for Local Health Officers:
Local Health Officers
Maine's Local Health Officers (LHOs) have served Maine communities since 1885 when the role was established by Maine Statute. LHOs are appointed by their municipality, serve locally, and have an important role in the coordination of state and local public health.
York
- On this page:
- York District Coordinating Council
- Steering Committee
- District Committees
- Meetings & Events
- Publications
Maine's nine Public Health Districts are geographic areas that work to improve public health in the state. Each district is made up of one or more counties.