State Issues Reminder Regarding Red Tide

Officials with Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Department of Marine Resources (DMR) recently urged caution regarding paralytic shellfish poisoning – commonly known as red tide poisoning. Many areas of the Maine coast, especially in downeast Maine, have already been closed to shellfish harvesting due to high levels of red tide.  Mainers and visitors to the state can take several steps to ensure their safety while enjoying shellfish, including:

·        Purchase shellfish from a certified shellfish dealer;

·        If harvesting, check DMR’s website for the latest information on closed areas at http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rm/public_health/closures/pspclosures.htm or by dialing 1-800-232-4733;

·        Do not consume clams or mussels floating in ocean waters;

·        When eating lobster, do not eat the tomalley – the soft, green substance found in the body cavity of the lobster.

More information on red tide poisoning is available on the DMR website at http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rm/public_health/index.htm.

Heating Oil Prices Continue To Decline

According to the Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and Security, average statewide prices for No. 2 heating oil dropped two cents this week to $2.59 a gallon.   Prices varied by region across the state, from $2.20 per gallon in southern and western Maine to $2.80 per gallon in eastern Maine.  Kerosene averages $2.95 per gallon, while propane averages $2.60 per gallon.

Sites of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Selected

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it had sites in six of eight districts to dispense marijuana under the Medical Use of Marijuana Act.  A four-member board evaluated 27 applications based on a wide variety of factors. 

In two districts – District 1, covering York County and District 7, covering Washington and Hancock Counties – none of the applications that were submitted met the minimum requirements.  As a result, in these districts HHS has re-opened the application process with a new deadline of August 20.

For more information on the application process and on the sites that have already been chosen, visit the HHS website at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlrs/. 

Dear Citizens,

Below is a list of phone numbers for all the agencies within the State of Maine.  Richard and I will always be happy to help you with any problems you might have, but these numbers may be convenient to you.  Please feel free to call us at 477-2607 or email repjoan.nass@legislature.maine.gov or senrichard.nass@legislature.maine.gov  if we can be of assistance to you.  Thank you, Joan Nass.

Adult Abuse/Neglect Center 1-800-624-8404

AIDS Hotline 1-800-851-2437

Alcoholics Anonymous 1-800-737-6237

Alliance for the Mentally Ill 1-800-464-5767

Child Abuse/Neglect 1-800-452-1999

Crisis Intervention 1-800-568-1112

Deafness Intervention (TDD) 1-800-332-1003

Disability Rights Center 1-800-452-1948

Drug Enforcement Hotline 1-800-452-6457

Elder and Adult Services 1-800-262-2232

Emergency Management Agency 1-800-452-8735

Emergency Hazadrous Material (24 hr service) 1-800-452-4664

Environmental Protection 1-800-452-1942

Family Crisis Shelter 1-800-537-6066

Food Stamps 1-800-442-6003

Fraud Investigation and Recovery 1-800-442-6003

Home Delivered Meals 1-800-833-7572

Home Health Services Hotline 1-800-621-8222

House of Representatives 1-800-423-2900

Housing Discrimination 1-800-669-9777

Internal Revenue Services 1-800-829-1040

Land Use Regulation Commission 1-800-452-8711

Legal Services for Elderly 1-800-750-5353

Long Term Care Ombudsman 1-800-499-0229

Mental Health Crisis Line 1-888-568-1112

Narcotics Anonymous 1-800-974-0062

Poison Control Center 1-800-442-6305

PUC Consumer Assistance 1-800-452-4699

Rape Crisis 1-800-310-0000

Senate 1-800-423-6900

State Housing Authority (MSHA) 1-800-452-4668

State Police Emergency 1-800-452-4664

Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-870-9998

TANF 1-800-442-6003

Veteran's State Programs 1-800-827-1000

Volunteer Lawyer's Project 1-800-442-4293

Workers' Compensation Board 1-800-400-6854