Vision:
The Healthy Acadia Coalition has broad support, both from the public and private sectors of our service area which includes Mount Desert Island, Trenton, Lamoine, Swans Island, Frenchboro and the Cranberry Isles. Organizations and citizens within this service area collaborate to achieve the common goal of a healthy community. Members of this wide community have knowledge of and access to all health related services.

A cultural change has occurred where the importance of a healthy lifestyle is embraced and supported. Within this change is a recognition of the diversity of definitions of “healthy lifestyle.” Alternative approaches are encouraged by health care providers. Quality of life has been reevaluated to reflect how people spend their time. People are relaxed and realistic about how they spend their daily life. They are satisfied with what they have and have prioritized taking care of themselves and the community (instead of aimless, dissatisfying consumption).

All members of the community are valued and are encouraged to participate in healthy living. Age barriers have been eliminated. Young people (students) as well as our elders are recognized for their energy and contributions. Occasions for multi-generational gatherings and activities are frequent. Schools are recognized as an integral part of the community instead of as separate entities.

Local media recognize and highlight the important role non-profit organizations and volunteers play in fostering a sense of health and well being in our community. Parents, especially lower income parents, participate in early childhood development and other “health” outreach programs. All parents are honored for the instrumental role they play in developing our community.

Employers respect the importance of sustaining health by allowing flex time, breaks for employees to get outside to exercise or enjoy this special place where we live. Employees are evaluated and compensated based on how much work they get done as opposed to how many hours they work. Schools and employers have reevaluated how the day is structured, so that it allows ample time for health and wellness. They know that optimal performance comes from healthy students and workers, and realistic expectations of what can be done in a day is recognized as being important.

As part of a healthy community, cars are not the prominent mode of transportation, especially outside the village centers. The community infrastructure is designed to enable safe methods of alternative transit. Community members safely walk and ride bicycles, as well as ride buses that are frequent and convenient. People recognize the inherent natural beauty of our area and respect that the quality of the physical environment affects the health of citizens. Programs that enhance and protect the natural environment are well supported, not only financially, but also by volunteer labor.

Community members who are on the path to improving their health have ample support programs. These include visible, successful tobacco and drug prevention and cessation programs, health and wellness programs, as well as support systems for weight loss. These programs are affordable and accessible to all.