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The Portland, Maine-based health advocacy organization Defend Our Health mourns the sudden passing of board member Alain J. Nahimana and offers our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and community.

Alain J. Nahimana, founder and executive director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, was a member of the Strategy Center board of directors since 2017.

Mike Belliveau, executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, said: “Alain was a brilliant social entrepreneur who knew that achieving environmental and economic justice was critical to empowering immigrants to improve their quality of life. We’ll greatly miss his cheerful can-do attitude and his leadership for healthy housing free from the threat of lead poisoning and other hazards.”

Ryan Bouldin, board chair of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, said: “The Strategy Center board of directors is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our fellow director. Alain’s passion and advocacy for Maine’s immigrant community was inspiring and essential in our work for environmental health justice here in Maine and nationally. Today, we commit to honoring Alain’s legacy by redoubling our efforts to advance his vision for a more inclusive and just society, and encourage others to do the same.”

The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center will share a GoFundMe page and plans for a memorial service as soon as they are confirmed, and the Strategy Center looks forward to honoring and celebrating Alain’s life and legacy.

UPDATE, June 3, 2020: Please join us in remembering and celebrating Alain’s life at his memorial this Friday, June 5th, 2020. Details and Zoom link are here. Please also consider a contribution to Alain’s memorial fund here.