Defend is Hiring a Director of Development and Community Engagement

Defend Our Health is hiring a Director of Development and Community Outreach. Defend is a public health and social justice nonprofit that works to create a world where all people are thriving, with equal access to safe food and drinking water, healthy homes, and products that are toxic-free and climate-friendly. We apply the best science…  Read more »

Community Clean-Up with Community Conservation Initiative     

Last month, Defend’s organizer, Sergio Cahueque, joined the Community Conservation Initiative leaders for their #TheCCINeighnorhoodCleanUpProgram in Deer Oaks Park. This community clean-up is part of an ongoing effort to take care of the environment, and we are grateful for the invitation to talk to impacted communities about our Healthy Housing program. The Community Conservation Initiative…  Read more »

Defend Our Health Featured on ‘What You’re Eating’ Podcast

Hosted by Jerusha Klemperer, in episode 16 titled “PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Your Food,” Food Print spoke to our campaign manager, Adam Nordell, to focus their attention on Maine to learn more about PFAS and how the chemicals have ended up in well water, on farms, in food, and ultimately in people’s bodies. Adam…  Read more »

Internship Reflection and 2023 Legislative Cycle

For the past few months I had the opportunity to work with Defend Our Health as an intern, where I focused on supporting priority bills in Maine’s 2023 legislative session. With my background in environmental health, and my current work as a public health analyst and a Physician’s for Social Responsibility Next Generation Climate Ambassador,…  Read more »

Minnesota Becomes the Second State to Ban PFAS – With A Little Help From Maine

Since 2021, Maine has been the first and only state in the nation to ban the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in all products. Until now! On May 17, 2023, the Minnesota legislature passed an environment and energy package, HF 2310 “Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Finance and Policy Bill,” which includes a total ban…  Read more »

PFAS WEEK RECAP: Defend Joins Advocates in Week-long Testimonies on PFAS Related Bills

The week of April 24th, Defend joined legislators, impacted citizens, scientists and health advocates as they testified on a number of PFAS related bills to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. As reported on by Portland Press Herald, concerned constituents faced pushback from business groups that want lawmakers…  Read more »

The Fight Against PFAS Contamination Across the Country

PFAS contamination is an issue that plagues every corner of our country. It destroys families and livelihoods without qualms. According to a recent study, around 200 million Americans likely receive water that is contaminated with PFAS. And while this is an issue that affects Americans across the country, it is one that adversely impacts low-income communities, communities of color, and farming…  Read more »

PFAS Testing in Trenton, Maine

Defend Our Health has been working with community group PFAS Free Trenton (PFT) on securing community wide PFAS testing in the community. The group of Trenton residents started meeting after Trenton Elementary School reported elevated levels of the ‘forever chemicals’ in 2019. The school’s water showed levels of 33.9 parts per trillion, which is above…  Read more »

2022 Fall Brunch Celebration

This Sunday, Defend Our Health hosted an in-person event ceremony at our 2022 Fall Brunch Celebration! Event attendees enjoyed an outdoor event at Broadturn Farm with live music by Glen Loper and Bethany Waickman, a delicious brunch buffet, and an open bloody mary and mimosa bars while celebrating the victories we have accomplished over the…  Read more »

Welcome Summer 22′ Organizing Interns

Or team is very excited to introduce our summer interns working on the Safe Drinking Water campaign and our new Healthy Homes program. Caitlyn Hanley is a junior at Bates College majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Educational Studies. She grew up in Portland, ME and her interest on environmental issues comes from…  Read more »