Healthy Acadia Celebrates 25 Years, Invites Community to Create “Art for Health and Hope” During National Public Health Week

For immediate release, please

Release date: March 20, 2026

Program contact: Shoshona Smith, shoshona@healthyacadia.org 

Media contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org 

Healthy Acadia Celebrates 25 Years, Invites Community to Create “Art for Health and Hope” During National Public Health Week

ELLSWORTH and MACHIAS, Maine.  Healthy Acadia is marking its 25th anniversary in 2026, celebrating a quarter century of community-driven work to improve health and well-being across Hancock and Washington counties.

What began as a small, grassroots effort has grown into a trusted regional organization, working alongside local partners to support people of all ages across Downeast Maine. Over the past 25 years, Healthy Acadia has expanded access to health and wellness services, strengthened local systems, and helped make healthy choices more accessible for individuals and families throughout the region.

“As we reflect on the past 25 years, we are inspired by the strength of community connection,” said Tracey Carlson, Healthy Acadia’s Communications Director. “Our work has always been about neighbors helping neighbors, making sure people have what they need to stay well, get through hard times, and support one another. That’s what public health looks like at the local level, and it’s at the heart of our mission every day. Together, we’re making health happen.”

To kick off its anniversary year, Healthy Acadia will join communities nationwide in recognizing National Public Health Week, April 6–12, an annual initiative led by the American Public Health Association that highlights the importance of public health and the people who make it possible.

As part of the week, Healthy Acadia is launching its Art for Health and Hope project, an open invitation for community members to come together, connect, and create.

Two free, public art-making gatherings are planned:

  • Wednesday, April 8, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 77 Beechland Road in Ellsworth

  • Friday, April 10, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 121 Court St. in Machias

All are welcome, regardless of artistic experience. Community members unable to join in an event can also create and contribute artwork independently. Learn more at healthyacadia.org or follow Healthy Acadia on Facebook (@healthyacadia) or Instagram (@healthyacadiame).

“These gatherings are a simple way to bring people together,” said Development Director Shoshona Smith. “Art can open the door to conversation, connection, and hope,  all of which are essential to strong, healthy communities.”

The Art for Health and Hope project will continue throughout the year and include community art installations, an auction featuring local artwork, and additional opportunities to participate. The initiative is part of Healthy Acadia’s broader 25th anniversary efforts, which will include special events, expanded outreach, and fundraising to support both immediate needs and long-term sustainability of the organization’s community health and wellness programs and initiatives.

Community members who wish to get involved can:

  • Attend an art-making gathering

  • Contribute artwork to their upcoming auction

  • Make a donation to support Healthy Acadia’s current programs

  • Strengthen the organization’s endowment for long-term impact

  • Consider a planned gift to support the health of future generations

“Looking ahead, Healthy Acadia is focused on continuing to serve where the needs are greatest,” said Executive Director Elsie Flemings. “We’re grateful for what we’ve built together with our communities, and we’re excited about what’s next.”

To learn more, RSVP for events, or support Healthy Acadia’s work, visit www.healthyacadia.org or call 207-664-1751.

Healthy Acadia encourages all community members to take part in this milestone year and help shape the next 25 years of building health and hope across the region.

Healthy Acadia, celebrating 25 years, is a 501(c)(3) community health organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives. Primarily serving Maine’s Washington and Hancock counties, the organization provides community health support and leadership across Maine, through partnerships, programs, and advocacy.  Learn more at https://healthyacadia.org.

###

PRESS RELEASETracey Carlson25th year anniversary, Art for Health & Hope, SB, HA, HPM, HFFA, SPR, BN, HE, AHE