Author: Nika Beauchamp
Grant Opportunity: Grassroots Work for Safe Food and Water
We’re thrilled to announce that this year, we are able to offer mini grants of up to $2,500 to grassroots leaders and community groups fighting for water and food that is free of toxic chemicals. These mini grants will be awarded to support grassroots organizing, research, testing, or advocacy to help rid our food supply and drinking… Read more »
Black Lives Matter
Black lives matter. Defend Our Health stands with Black communities in this time of grief and mourning. We are horrified by the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others. We demand accountability and justice be served. Systemic racism in the United States creates a public health crisis that has… Read more »
Upcoming: Health Advocates Discuss ‘Dark Waters’ and PFAS Pollution
Health advocates and experts will discuss the film Dark Waters and the ongoing fight against toxic forever chemicals at our free online panel discussion on July 1. WHEN: Wednesday, July 1, at 6pm.TICKETS: Register here before Friday, June 26, and you’ll receive a link to view the film ahead of the discussion. One registered guest of the panel discussion… Read more »
Webinar: Intro to Public Health & Environmental Health
Thanks to everyone who attended our webinar this week with the Maine Public Health Association, “Promoting Health and Preventing Disease: How Public and Environmental Health Work Together.” Click here to watch the full webinar recording. Panelists:Dr. Lani Graham, MD, MPHSarah Rines (Maine Public Health Association)Patrick MacRoy, MS (Defend Our Health) In this introduction to environmental… Read more »
Helpful Resources for Right Now
It goes without saying that we’re all stressed and frightened as we work to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities during this unprecedented global pandemic. As a public health organization, we wanted to let you know a few important ways you can protect your health: For up-to-date information on public health recommendations, please refer… Read more »
Webinar on Fourth Annual Retailer Report Card
Please join our executive director, Mike Belliveau, and Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families’ Mind the Store campaign director Mike Schade for an informative webinar on the findings of the latest annual report Who’s Minding the Store? A Report Card on Retailer Actions to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals. What: Webinar on 2019 Retailer Report Card findings When: Thursday Jan 23rd – 02:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM… Read more »
Testify for Safe Drinking Water
Did you know that over half of Mainers rely on a well for their drinking water—and one out of six wells contains harmful levels of arsenic? If you agree that all Mainers deserve safe water to drink, please join us at a public hearing in Augusta on Monday, January 27, and testify about why you… Read more »
Opportunity to Speak Out on PFAS in Maine
An upcoming public hearing on toxic chemicals threatening Maine’s food, farmland, and drinking water needs your voice. Will you join us at the Maine State House on Friday, January 24, to speak out about why you want state action… Read more »
What We’ll Do in 2020
Imagine a world with decreasing rates of infertility, learning disabilities, and cancer and other illnesses. In 2020, we’ll protect you, your children, and your grandchildren by fighting to: Hold polluters accountable for harm from toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) inflicted on families and farmers. Push for a strong, health-protective drinking water standard to protect Maine children… Read more »
Our Top Five Results in 2019
Your support for our work resulted in tremendous wins for the health of children and families this year. Here’s what you did: 1. We won! Maine now has the strongest law in the nation for keeping harmful chemicals out of food packaging. As one mom said, “I would much prefer to have a less convenient pizza box… Read more »