Falls are one of the top three causes of nonfatal injuries in adults aged 65 and older.

In this workshop, brought to you by the partnership between Rockland Public Library and MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement Community Health department at Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals, you'll explore common concerns about falling, discover effective ways to reduce your risk, and participate in gentle Tai Chi and strength and balance exercises. You'll also leave with a personalized action plan to help reduce your risk of falling and improve your confidence.

Coastal Communities Live Well Better Breathers Group (adults)

Join us for a support group that provides a welcoming space for individuals with chronic lung diseases, as well as their family members, friends and caregivers. Learn about disease management, share experiences and get tools to stay active and healthy. The group covers everything related to breathing, including oxygen equipment, medications, CPAP machines and more. Guest speakers will provide specialized knowledge and education.

Classes are led by trained facilitators and are offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Wednesday of each month. A Zoom link will be provided after registration. Families and caregivers are welcome.

The American Lung Association's Better Breathers Club program has connected people living with lung disease to education, support and each other in communities around the country for over 50 years.

To register, email or call Suzan Michelle Collins at: 207-301-5892 or Suzan.Collins@mainehealth.org     

Suzan Michelle Collins, BSRT, RRT, is a second-year graduate student working on her graduate degree in Respiratory Care at Boise State University. She is a certified asthma educator and holds specialty certifications as a COPD educator, pulmonary disease educator, tobacco treatment specialist and in pulmonary rehabilitation.

She has received national awards for her work in Asthma Management from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Dr. Charles H. Hudson Award for her work in Cardiopulmonary Health from the ARCF and the Nick Jones Breathe Strong Rally Champion Award from the COPD Foundation. Locally, she has received the 2024 Operations Transformation Advocate Award from MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and has been invited to present her research and work performed here for several national conferences.

Coastal Communities Teens Kicking Asthma Breathe Well Group
Join us for a self-management education program designed for teens ages 11–16 (grades 6–10). Through a fun, interactive approach, the program empowers teens by using learning techniques tailored for their age group.

The curriculum highlights asthma self-management practices, including recognizing early warning signs, identifying and avoiding triggers and using medications properly. By practicing these skills in a supportive setting, teens will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to better manage their asthma every day.

This program is taught by an American Lung Association-trained facilitator that delivers structured curriculum in a community-based small group setting.

To register, email or call Suzan Michelle Collins at: 207-301-5892 or Suzan.Collins@mainehealth.org   

Suzan Michelle Collins, BSRT, RRT, is a second-year graduate student working on her graduate degree in Respiratory Care at Boise State University. She is a certified asthma educator and holds specialty certifications as a COPD educator, pulmonary disease educator, tobacco treatment specialist and in pulmonary rehabilitation.

She has received national awards for her work in Asthma Management from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Dr. Charles H. Hudson Award for her work in Cardiopulmonary Health from the ARCF and the Nick Jones Breathe Strong Rally Champion Award from the COPD Foundation. Locally, she has received the 2024 Operations Transformation Advocate Award from MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and has been invited to present her research and work performed here for several national conferences.  

Suzan volunteers for many organizations, supporting and advocating for patients and the cardiopulmonary profession.

This course consists of TWO sessions which meet ONLINE on Tuesday, March 3, AND Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 2025, 2 - 5:00 p.m. both days. You must attend both sessions.

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among people over the age of 18. 

The course will teach you how to  apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE):

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
• Listen nonjudgmentally.
• Give reassurance and information.
• Encourage appropriate professional help.
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

This course is for adults including employers, police officers, hospital staff, first responders, and any caring individuals in the community.

Once registered, you will receive a PRE-CLASS WORK ASSIGNMENT via e-mail and a link for the ZOOM sessions.

Coastal Communities Youth Kicking Asthma Breathe Well Group
Join us for a program that educates and empowers children ages 8 to 11 through a fun, interactive approach to asthma self-management. Children will learn how to recognize warning signs, avoid triggers and talk confidently about their health.

The class follows the Open Airways for Schools® (OAS) curriculum, the nation’s most widely recognized asthma management program for children. Since its introduction more than three decades ago, OAS has reached hundreds of thousands of children nationwide and has been proven effective.

Children who complete the program learn to prevent symptoms, recognize them early, take appropriate management steps and work with parents, teachers, medical professionals and friends to manage asthma daily.

Classes will be offered both in person and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be provided after registration.                                 

To register, email or call Suzan Michelle Collins at: 207-301-5892 or Suzan.Collins@mainehealth.org

Suzan Michelle Collins, BSRT, RRT, is a second-year graduate student working on her graduate degree in Respiratory Care at Boise State University. She is a certified asthma educator and holds specialty certifications as a COPD educator, pulmonary disease educator, tobacco treatment specialist and in pulmonary rehabilitation.

She has received national awards for her work in Asthma Management from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Dr. Charles H. Hudson Award for her work in Cardiopulmonary Health from the ARCF and the Nick Jones Breathe Strong Rally Champion Award from the COPD Foundation. Locally, she has received the 2024 Operations Transformation Advocate Award from MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and has been invited to present her research and work performed here for several national conferences.  

Suzan volunteers for many organizations, supporting and advocating for patients and the cardiopulmonary profession.

Join staff from the Community Health team for an eight-week Matter of Balance series located at & co-sponsored by the Rockland Public Library. 

Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. A Matter of Balance is a program designed for community dwelling adults age 60 and older to increase activity levels and reduce the fear of falling. If you are concerned about falls, have sustained falls in the past, or are interested in improving your flexibility, balance and strength, this class is for you.

*Registration is required due to a limited number of seats available in this class.*

Please call (207) 301-3950 with any questions. 

Bad weather cancelations?  We follow the local school district's safety guidance/plans!  If we do cancel a single class, we add an extra class onto the end so that we meet the 8 week requirement.

Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints and good for your whole body. In partnership with Rockland Public Library, our MaineHealth instructors, certified in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, offer this seven-session beginner-level class to increase your strength, flexibility, balance and overall sense of well-being. No previous Tai Chi experience necessary.  

*Registration is required due to a limited number of seats available in this class.*