Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke Prevention Programs

WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, issued the following news release:

Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $1,925,328 to Maine's state-level Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will fund efforts to improve diabetes, heart disease and stroke prevention programs throughout Maine.

"It's crucial that all Mainers have access to programs and services that can prevent chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease," said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. "This funding will help Maine's Department of Health and Human Services improve care in areas that need it most. We welcome this investment in Maine's statewide health care system to improve the quality of life for our citizens."

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services serves approximately one-third of the people of Maine, providing health care and social service support to children, families, the elderly, the disabled, people with mental illness or substance use disorders, and those living below the poverty level.

The Department operates two state psychiatric hospitals; provides public health information, guidance and management through the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention; and provides oversight to hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care entities through the Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services.