As part of Healthy Living for ME’s continued efforts to identify key health needs throughout Maine, the organization plans to hold virtual and in-person listening sessions across the state this fall that are open to the public.

The first has been scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7. Any Mainer who would like to share their experience and thoughts and be part of the conversation about their community’s health needs is welcome to attend.

“These listening sessions are an opportunity for Mainers to engage in guided discussion with our organization and their neighbors about how Healthy Living for ME can best serve and support all adult Mainers,” said Maija Dyke, business manager of Healthy Living for ME, according to a news release from the statewide network. “Whether you’ve used our services, volunteer with a community organization, are a retired or working professional in the healthcare or social services field, or are simply an interested Mainer, we want to hear your insights.”

Earlier this year, Healthy Living for ME launched a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to support the organization’s mission to coordinate and align community resources to improve the health and wellness of the people of Maine. The listening sessions are a continuation of the CHNA effort that was begun with a survey.

Mainers who have already filled out the Healthy Living for ME CHNA survey are still invited to attend the listening session to take a deeper dive into the health needs of the state.

Three virtual sessions are available and in-person sessions are scheduled for Hallowell, Bangor, Presque Isle, Lewiston, Biddeford and Waterville.

To register for a listening session, email info@healthylivingforme.org or call 800-620-6036. Participants interested in the in-person sessions should register using the contact information for individual sites, as listed below.

Virtual listening sessions are set for 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, and 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20.

The following in-person listening sessions are scheduled. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed according to each site’s policy.

Spectrum Generations’ Cohen Community Center, 22 Town Farm Road, Hallowell, Monday, Oct. 18, 9:30-11 a.m.

To register, call 207-620-7777 or stop by the reception desk at the Cohen Community Center.

Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. in Bangor, Tuesday, Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

To register, email info@healthylivingforme.org or call 800-620-6036.

Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, 260 Main St., Suite B, Presque Isle, Thursday, Oct. 22, 10-11:30 a.m.

To register, call 207-760-6258 or email jane.hanson@aroostookaging.org.

SeniorsPlus’ Education Center, 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 9-10:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-noon or noon-1:30 p.m. (three separate sessions).

To register, contact SeniorsPlus at 207-795-4010 or edcenter@seniorsplus.org.

J. Richard Martin Community Center, 189 Alfred St., Biddeford, Monday, Nov. 1, 9:30-11 a.m.

To register, call 207-283-2477 or email aperrone@smaaa.org or llavoie-siroissmaaa.org.

Spectrum Generations’ Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold St., Waterville, Thursday, Nov. 4, 9:30-11 a.m.

To register, call 207-873-4745 or stop by the reception desk at the Muskie Community Center.