Tolihtehson: Healthy Heart Project

Tolihtehson: Healthy Heart Project, launched in 2025, is a multi-year community-driven initiative to reduce heart disease risk and improve the overall health of the people of Motahkomikuk. Led by Healthy Acadia, in collaboration with Motahkomikuk partners and community members, and supported by Maine CDC, this project aims to empower community members with the tools and knowledge they need to lead healthier lives.

Through community and one-on-one conversations, and surveys other ways to learn about what strengths, challenges, needs, and priorities community members have related to heart health. Based on what we learn from this outreach, we will develop a plan to implement and support programming to improve heart health. This programming could include:

• Increasing access to healthy foods (e.g. distribution of healthy foods, healthy cooking opportunities, community gardens, home gardens) 

• Increasing physical activity (e.g. exercise classes, tai chi, walking groups, equipment)

• Self-management of health conditions (e.g. Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Monitoring, chronic disease self-management)

• Mindfulness programming (e.g. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, etc.)