I would like to acknowledge the many great actions that help keep our youth safe during prom and graduation season at our local high schools. In public health, it is often hard to figure out for sure if a single action has had a positive outcome. We rely on what are called “best practices,” partnerships, and collaboration.

Access Health, our local Healthy Maine Partnership; local schools; Sagadahoc County Communications, and local law enforcement worked in partnership to increase the chances that prom would be filled with memorable fun instead of tragedy. Through social media, parents were encouraged to be in close touch with their teen, and the community was reminded about how anonymous e- tips could report an unsupervised gathering. City and county law enforcement received Access Health mini grants to do extra patrolling on prom nights. Congratulations to our graduates for their academic accomplishments and may you all remember this transition in your life with pride and Joy. And congratulations to our public health community partners for their actions to see you through the exciting prom season.

Marla H. Davis Sagadahoc County Public Health Officer