Advocating for a Healthy Start at the Central Maine Heart Walk

Beautiful day, Important message.

What a stunning Maine day! Hundreds of Central Maine residents turned out in Simard-Payne Park in downtown Lewiston for the annual Central Maine Heart Walk (CMHW). Everyone was in a fantastic mood, the sun was shining, WPOR was belting out tunes and there were even puppies!

Obviously, heart walks are fundraising events. Awesome individuals and businesses from greater Androscoggin County worked hard all year to put together teams and raise some money for the American Heart Association. The money raised allows the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association to fund our life-saving mission, to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. As our CEO, Nancy Brown, likes to say: the need for our work is beyond question.

However, just as importantly, these walks raise awareness, and provide support to families and those suffering from heart disease and stroke.

You're the Cure's role at the CMHW was to educate walkers on how government policies can impact heart disease and stroke. AHA, through You're the Cure, will be in the Maine State House this winter advocating that those who provide care to our youngest residents (early care centers and family-based providers) meet age-appropriate nutrition, active play and screen time standards. Evidence shows that kids who get a healthy start will learn better and set the habits that will lead to long and productive lives. The folks in Central Maine were receptive and supportive of our efforts.

We are excited to work on this policy initiative over the next 6 months. If you'd like more information, please email me at [email protected]!

PS: Special thanks to Great Falls Marketing's Christie Barth for allowing me to use her fantastic photo of the walk for this post.