Maine's nine Public Health Districts are geographic areas that work to improve public health in the state. Each district is made up of one or more counties. In 2011, in collaboration with the five Maine Tribal jurisdictions, a Tribal Health District was established with boundaries determined by Tribal Health Center service areas and tribal jurisdictional boundaries.
- Aroostook -- District 8 -- Aroostook County
- Central -- District 5 -- Somerset and Kennebec Counties
- Cumberland -- District 2 -- Cumberland County
- Downeast -- District 7 -- Washington and Hancock Counties
- Midcoast -- District 4 -- Waldo, Lincoln, Knox, Sagadahoc Counties
- Penquis -- District 6 -- Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties
- Western -- District 3 -- Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties
- York -- District 1 -- York County
- Tribal Health District -- 5 Tribal Communities
What We Do
We provide a local framework for greater consistency in statewide delivery of all 10 Essential Public Health Services (PDF).
We provide a consistent basis for regional planning and coordination across the government, private (including business), public, and nonprofit sectors.
We build sustainable infrastructure through regional co-location of Maine CDC and DHHS staff, and through an interactive, fully participatory District Coordinating Council.
Partners In Your District
You public health district representatives work in partnership with towns, cities and plantations to support the health and wellbeing of the people of Maine. Your partners include a district liaison, Maine CDC's public health unit, and a district coordinating council comprised of an elected executive committee.
District liaisons work with the Maine CDC to coordinate district health initiatives, trainings, and technical assistance with the local health officers in the districts. A Tribal Liaison coordinates tribal district health initiatives with the health leadership of the five tribal jurisdictions.
Local Health Officers
Maine's Local Health Officers (or "LHOs") have a long and proud tradition of serving Maine's local communities, with a role established in 1885 by Maine Statute. LHOs are appointed by their municipality and serve locally. They also have an important role in the coordination of state and local public health.
Because Local Health Officers have a unique "on-the-ground" knowledge of their communities, they are often best able to respond and assist when a resident faces a local public health challenge. LHOs coordinate with municipal colleagues and municipal officials, with the Maine CDC and other public health professionals, and with other community and state public health partners. All share the common goal of improving and caring for the health of Maine's communities.