Portland Public Health Division

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Portland Public Health Division Local Public Health Department for Maine's largest city. Welcome to the page for the Portland Public Health Division!

We are the local health department for the largest city in Maine. We encourage dialogue on our page, and expect conversations to follow the rules of polite discourse. We ask that participants treat each other, as well as our staff, with respect. We're also on Instagram

10/24/2026

These wet cleaning items are key to cleaning up lead dust!

For this National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, we’re sharing the facts on lead poisoning prevention and giving away tools to help keep kids safe from lead!

WHAT IS WET CLEANING?

It’s the approved method to temporarily remove lead dust from the home!

Cleaning with “wet supplies,” such as a mop or damp rag, can trap and remove lead dust from indoor surfaces and is an effective way to prevent young children from being exposed to lead.

WHO CAN ENTER?

Our CLEANING KIT GIVEAWAY is open to Portland and Westbrook residents.

Our short entry form will share facts about the risks of childhood lead poisoning - and reading it is all you need to do to enter!

Entries will be accepted October 1-31, 2026. Two winners will be randomly-selected and contacted in November. To enter for free, read and complete this short form at PortlandMaine.gov/NLPPW! 🔗

10/23/2026

Portland Police to Participate in Drug Take Back Day on October 24

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Police Department will participate in the DEA National Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Drop-off will take place in the Back Cove parking lot across from Hannaford.

This event provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Take a few minutes to check your medicine cabinet, you may have items that can be properly disposed of and kept out of the wrong hands.

If you have medications you no longer need, haven’t used, or that have expired, we encourage you to stop by and make a difference.

Also of note, the Portland Police Department is no longer able to accept unwanted or expired medications as a year-round drug drop-off location. Residents can still dispose of unwanted medications at participating local pharmacies, hospitals, and grocery stores that offer year-round collection.

To find a nearby year-round drug disposal location, visit the DEA’s drug disposal locator: https://tinyurl.com/MEdrugdrop.

We love the young families in our community!Whether you were the family who just moved to the area, recently found out y...
10/22/2026

We love the young families in our community!

Whether you were the family who just moved to the area, recently found out you are expecting, or were looking to expand your child’s social circle— we loved meeting you today at the Reiche Parent Cafe & Baby Fair!

Our amazing partners connected with so many of you to provide resources for parents, little ones, and families. If you missed the fair, take a moment to check them out:

-Book Fairy Project Book Fairy Pantry Project
-Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave (FMLA) Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave
-Maine Families Maine Families Home Visiting
-Birth Roots Birth Roots
-WIC
-Help ME Grow Help Me Grow Maine
-Portland Nannies Portland Nannies | 📍Portland, Maine
-Maine CDC, CMV Education Maine CDC
-Maine CDC Public Health Nurses
-Early Intervention for Maine
-Portland Parks & Rec PARKS, RECREATION & FACILITIES
-Portland Public Health’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
-Portland Public Health’s Healthy Eating Active Living Program

WHAT’S NEXT?

Our Reiche Parent Cafe & Playgroup meets twice monthly at the Reiche Community Center. Our regular calendar is adjusted to accommodate upcoming holidays, so we will be sharing our specific playgroup dates until 2027!

Thursday, November 5th from 10AM-11:30AM
Thursday, November 12th from 10AM-11:30AM
Thursday, December 3rd from 10AM-11:30AM
Thursday, December 10th from 10AM-11:30AM

10/21/2026

The DEA collected more than 642,000 pounds of medication during the last National Take Back Day in April. This Saturday, Oct. 24, Portland residents can drop off unused or expired drugs at Back Cove Trail parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — no questions asked.

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/national-prescription-drug-take-back-day-is-saturday-heres-where-to-drop-off-medications/97-2a7165ae-1772-4eaa-8494-e8b082c73811?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_NEWS_CENTER_Maine

10/21/2026

3 FREE community events you should know about!

1. Reiche Parent Cafe & Baby Fair

TOMORROW (Thursday, October 22nd) from 10AM-11:30AM is a Baby Fair at Reiche Community Center!

Families with children ages 0-5 are encouraged to drop in to connect with the 10+ family-serving organizations attending with free resources, enjoy a snack and our fun activities, and meet our playgroup that meets twice a month.

Visit portlandmaine.gov/Baby-Fair-2026 for more!

2. Age-Friendly Portland Summit

Next Wednesday, October 28th from 9AM-12PM at the Barron Center!

Portland's older residents are invited to come together, share their experiences, and learn from organizations on how they're tailoring programs to fit our aging community's needs.

This year's theme? Engaging Community and Staying Active in Retirement!

Register at the link in bio! 🔗

3. Community Narcan Training

Tuesday, November 3rd from 11:30AM-12:30PM at Freeport Community Services

Carry Narcan, Save a Life!

Learn how to identify a potential overdose and how to respond quickly! All participants will receive your own Narcan kit to keep for attending.

No registration required. Open to the public!

Wednesday, October 28th is the Age Friendly Portland Maine Summit!This free event invites older residents to gather, sha...
10/20/2026

Wednesday, October 28th is the Age Friendly Portland Maine Summit!

This free event invites older residents to gather, share their experiences, and learn how organizations are tailoring programs to fit our aging community's needs.

This year's theme: Engaging Community and Staying Active in Retirement!

Speakers from local organizations will share opportunities for continued learning, social connection, volunteerism, recreation, and wellness.
⁠
WHEN: Wednesday, October 28th from 9AM-12PM
WHERE⁠: 1145 Brighton Avenue - the Barron Center
⁠
Spaces are limited - register here: https://www.portlandmaine.gov/age-friendly-summit

Please share with your neighbors!)
⁠
Have questions? Call 207-541-6620 or email [email protected]. We can't wait to see you there!

Schools and early childhood education sites (ECEs) can serve a “bushel" of fun lessons about local foods into their clas...
10/19/2026

Schools and early childhood education sites (ECEs) can serve a “bushel" of fun lessons about local foods into their classrooms through conversation, and education:

-Use local produce like squash or pumpkins for math activities by measuring the height and weight, or by counting the seeds inside!

-Read a new book that celebrates your students' diverse food cultures and traditions!

-Ask families to share their family food traditions and make a class cookbook!

Learn more about fostering partnership between farmers and ECE's -- and month -- and the link: https://www.portlandmaine.gov/farm-to-school-connections?drawer=Page

TWO WEEKS LEFT TO ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN OUR $100 CLEANING KIT!In honor of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week...
10/17/2026

TWO WEEKS LEFT TO ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN OUR $100 CLEANING KIT!

In honor of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct 25–31), we’re giving away heavy-duty "wet cleaning" kits for Portland and Westbrook residents.

WHO CAN ENTER?
Anyone living in Portland and Westbrook!

WHAT'S THE CATCH?
No catch!

We want to spread awareness about older homes, their potential risk of lead poisoning, and practical ways every day cleaning products can reduce the impact of lead.

WHY "WET CLEANING"?
Brooms and standard vacuums actually kick up lead dust and spread it around your home. Wet cleaning uses damp mops, sponges, and soap to safely trap and lift lead dust away.

It’s the best temporary line of defense while you wait for lead test results or professional abatement!

WHAT'S IN THE KIT?
• A heavy-duty storage tote
• Mop and bucket
• Sponges and heavy-duty wipes
• Toy and high chair cleaner
• Hand soap and paper towels..and more!

Visit PortlandMaine.Gov/NLPPW to fill out a short entry form, review eligibility, and learn more about lead safety! Winners will be randomly selected after the giveaway has closed.

10/17/2026

Our free playgroups will be around for your family this fall and winter - even on the cold and rainy days! 😉

This Thursday, October 22nd is a great time to check us out!

This Thursday from 10AM-11:30AM our regular playgroup will be hosting a Baby Fair! 10+ of our favorite organizations will be joining us to make learning about their resources easier for you - and to bring even more fun to your fam!

Drop in to read stories, play with other families, learn from our hands-on infant and child safety demonstrations,

Our playgroup meets twice at month at the Reiche Community Center. Families with little ones ages 0-5 are welcome to drop in any time! 💕

Address

39 Forest Avenue
Portland, ME
04101

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12078748633

Website

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