Making strides to improve health

NORWAY — A new collaborative has come together with a focus on improving the health and wellness of Oxford County. A total of 53 members representing East Wilton, South Paris, Rumford, Norway, Fryeburg, Oxford, Bethel, Mexico, Bryant Pond, Greenwood, Dixfield, Canton, Peru, Byron, Roxbury, Hanover, Andover, Brownfield and Newry, gathered together on Thursday, February 9 at the Crossroads Conference Center in Woodstock to discuss action plans.

Oxford County was recently named the unhealthiest county in the state. This group will work together to raise awareness, work on related task forces that include Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Mental Health and Substance Use, Community Safety - Motor Vehicle Accidents and Family Violence and generally engage their communities in future efforts. Sponsoring organizations include Stephens Memorial Hospital, Maine Centers for Disease Control, Healthy Oxford Hills and River Valley Healthy Communities.