Included in this edition:
|
A New Alliance: Health Professionals for Climate Action
|
PSR Maine is please to announce the launch of the Alliance of Maine Health Professionals for Climate Action, a new alliance of all healthcare professionals committed to addressing the health impacts of climate change in Maine.
As health professionals, we see firsthand how the climate crisis impacts our patients and communities. From increased respiratory issues due to air pollution to the spread of vector-borne diseases, the health effects of climate change are undeniable and urgent.
The Alliance of Maine Health Professionals for Climate Action (Alliance) is made up of health professionals including (but not limited to) nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physicians, students, and public health practitioners concerned about the impacts of climate change on all those who live, work, and visit Maine.
|
Volunteers Needed! Safe Schools, Safe Communities
|
The Maine Gun Safety Coalition is launching the Safe Schools, Safe Communities campaign to pass an Extreme Risk Protection Order in Maine – and they need your help to get this important initiative on the ballot!
An Extreme Risk Protection Order law in Maine will allow both families and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily limit someone’s access to dangerous weapons when they’re in crisis. Family members are often the first to know when a loved one may potentially pose a threat to themselves or others. Empowering families to take action, through a court, will help save lives and prevent future tragedies.
To make this happen, the coalition needs your help now more than ever.
|
Take Action: Tell Your Member of Congress to Support the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)
|
In September, radiation survivors from the Navajo Nation, Laguna Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo and Hopi tribe were in Washington, DC, to urge Congress to re-initiate and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). Previously, Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) successfully passed RECA expansion in the Senate (S. 3853) by a wide, bipartisan margin. However, since Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) refused to schedule a vote in the House, the previous iteration of RECA expired in June. National PSR is part of the RECA Working Group, which continues to demand that the House pass S. 3853. The Working Group advocates bringing S. 3853 to the House floor for a vote in the lame-duck session, or else attaching an expanded RECA program to a Continuing Resolution.
Although nuclear weapons have not been detonated in warfare since World War II, the development and testing of nuclear weapons — as well as uranium mining — have caused great harm to Americans, including contributing to cancer in families for generations. And now, a step toward justice is within reach for thousands of people who have been affected by radiation exposure and need help.
Tell your U.S. Rep: vote in favor of justice for radiation victims. Use PSR Maine's easy tool to send an email to urge your U.S. Representative to re-initiate and expand RECA.
|
UNECOM's Student-PSR Chapter
Social Determinants of Health Month Kickoff
|
On October 1, the Student Chapter of PSR Maine hosted their kick-off of their annual Social Determinants of Health Month series, pictured below. During the month, PSR Maine board members Dr. Lani Graham will be presenting on mass incarceration, and Dr. Sydney Sewall will be presenting on toxin related health issues in pediatrics during this series.
PSR Maine is proud to support the Student Chapter with speakers and funds for their events and swag. Feel free to donate here to support of the next generation of physician activists.
|
Doug Rawlings Portrait Unveiled at Common Ground Fair
|
Robert Shetterly unveiled his 275th Americans Who Tell The Truth portrait – of Vietnam veteran/peace activist/poet Doug Rawlings – at the 2024 Common Ground Fair. Doug is a founder of Veterans for Peace and is a member of Mainers for Ending Nuclear Danger, a Hub for Back from the Brink. If you weren't able to attend the program, you can view the recording here.
For the second time ever the entire collection of Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits will be on display from November 15 to December 15 in Maine. This special exhibition at the Bates Mill features over 270 portraits of American figures—ranging from historical icons to contemporary activists—who have acted to confront injustice and advocate for change. Exhibit opening event will be on Friday, November 15, 5:00-7:00 pm, at the Bates Mill, 35 Canal Street, Lewiston, ME, featuring a conversation and panel with Robert Shetterly and several portrait subjects. All are welcome!
|
Less Than 30 Days to Get-Out-The-Vote!
How Health Professionals Can Make a Difference
|
PSR Maine is working with National PSR and other partners to encourage members to get active in this year's election.
There are many ways for health professionals to get involved! Below we are highlighting great ways to take part in get out the vote efforts from now until election day.
Environmental Voter Project: Get involved by contacting voters who view the environment as their number one priority but don't have a strong history of turning out to vote.
- You can make calls and write postcards from your own home
Vote Forward: Write letters to voters
- As a part of Vote Forward’s Social Campaigns, you can write nonpartisan letters to help increase voter turnout in key states from historically underrepresented communities.
|
Thank you for your generous support of PSR Maine!
To mail your contribution to us, please send a check to our mailing address:
PSR Maine, 126 Western Ave #1012, Augusta ME 04330
To donate online using our secure server click on "Donate Here" below.
Or point your camera at this QR code and you’ll be taken directly to our secure donor page:
|
|
